a completed crochet slipknot on a hook

The crochet slipknot is one of the very first things you will need to learn as a beginner crocheter. It is used to connect your yarn to your hook, and is therefore an essential thing to learn. In this crochet slipknot tutorial, I will show you 2 different ways to make a slipknot. We’ll use step by step instructions and images to make it super easy.

A completed crochet slipknot on a hook

What is the slipknot used for?

The slipknot is used at the beginning of any crochet project to join the yarn to the hook. Once it is attached, you can then start making your foundation chain. So as you can see, this is an essential thing to learn, if you want to be able to crochet!

A slipknot can also be used in mosaic crochet to join the yarn to the hook in a standing stitch – possibly a bit more advanced!

Why is it confusing?

There are quite a few different ways to make a slipknot, which can make it confusing. I’m going to share two different methods here, simply because different people have different preferences. Try both options and work out which one you prefer.

How to make a crochet slipknot?

Let’s dive in and make a start with our crochet slipknot tutorial now. Take your time and follow the instructions step by step.

What do I need?

If you are wanting to create a slipknot as the starting point of a pattern or project, then you will want to use the yarn and hook recommended by them.

Otherwise, I would suggest using a chunky (bulky) yarn with a 6mm (J-10) crochet hook. This is a good size, which will enable you to see the stitch easily, but won’t be too big to handle.

Crochet Slipknot Tutorial Method 1

1. Lay your yarn down in the shape of a 6.

Take your yarn and lay it down on the table in the shape of a number 6. Make sure the tail end of the yarn is underneath the ball end (the end joined to the ball of yarn).

yarn laid out on the table in the shape of a 6, ready to make a slipknot

2. Pick up the loop

With your thumb and forefinger holding where the yarn crosses over, pick up the loop.

Hands picking up a loop of yarn to make a slipknot

3. Push a loop from the ball end through the circle

Still holding onto the point where the yarn crosses, push the yarn joined to the ball through the middle of the circle.

hands making a crochet slipknot

4. Grab hold of the yarn you pushed through and pull to tighten

Grab hold of the loop of yarn that you pushed through the circle and pull to tighten the slipknot. Make sure you are holding onto the tail end and the ball end of yarn as you do this.

the final step in a crochet slipknot tutorial

5. Completed slipknot

You have completed your slipknot. You can now put it onto your hook, pull both ends to tighten and start crocheting!

Video Crochet Slipknot Tutorial

If you prefer to learn by video, watch a tutorial of this method here.

Crochet Slipknot Tutorial Method 2

1. Lay your yarn over your non-dominant hand

Lay the tail end of the yarn over your non-dominant hand, with the tail pointing down.

A hand holding a piece of yarn, ready to demonstrate a crochet slipknot tutorial

2. Wrap the yarn twice around your first 2 fingers

Holding the ball end, wrap the yarn twice around your first 2 fingers. Keep hold of the tail end with your thumb.

image showing yarn wrapped twice around 2 fingers

3. Use your thumb to secure both ends

Turn your hand over and secure the ball end of yarn with your thumb. Your thumb will now be holding both ends crossed over, as shown below.

image showing yarn wrapped twice around 2 fingers and secured on the back with the thumb

4. Get hold of the loop nearest your hand

Turning your hand back over, grab hold of the loop nearest your hand and pull it over the other loop.

image showing yarn wrapped twice around 2 fingers, and one loop being pulled over the other

5. Now get hold of the loop that is now nearest your hand

Swap to get hold of the loop that is now nearest your hand (it will be the other loop).

image showing yarn wrapped twice around 2 fingers, and one loop being pulled over the other again

6. Pull that loop over the other loop

Now pull that loop up and over the other loop. You will be able to see a twist at the side.

image showing yarn wrapped twice around 2 fingers, and one loop being pulled over the other

6. Finally get hold of the other loop again

Finally get hold of the other loop again. This is the third time of switching between the 2 loops.

image showing yarn wrapped twice around 2 fingers, and one loop being pulled over the other, twisting it

7. Start to pull the loop off your fingers.

Keeping hold of the 2 yarn ends with your thumb, start to pull the loop off your fingers.

8. Keep pulling the loop to tighten the slipknot.

Keeping hold of the 2 yarn ends, keep pulling the loop to tighten the slipknot.

hands pulling a loop in the yarn to make a crochet slipknot

9. Put the loop on your hook and tighten

Put the loop onto your hook and pull both ends to tighten. You have completed your slipknot.

Video Crochet Slipknot Tutorial

If you prefer to learn by video, watch a tutorial of this method here.

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