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Sweety Dreamz
US: sl stUK: ssBeginner

Slip Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The slip stitch is the shortest crochet stitch. It is mostly used to join rounds, move the yarn to a new position or add surface details, but worked in the back loop it makes a stretchy, knit-like rib.

Turning chain
1 chain (does not count as a stitch)
Height
Almost no height

Step by step

  1. 11 loop on hook

    1. Insert the hook

    Insert the hook into the next stitch (or the stitch the pattern names).

  2. 21 loop on hook

    2. Yarn over

    Wrap the yarn over the hook.

  3. 31 loop on hook

    3. Pull through both

    Pull the yarn through the stitch and through the loop on the hook in one movement. One loop remains.

Illustrations show the hook and the loops on it at the end of each step. Instructions use US terms (sl st); in UK patterns this stitch is written as ss.

Video tutorial

The video for this stitch is being filmed

Follow the illustrated steps above in the meantime. Add the YouTube ID in the stitch data to publish it here.

Tips

  • Slip stitches tighten easily. Pull each loop up to the full width of the hook before you work the next.
  • For slip stitch ribbing, go up one or two hook sizes from the yarn label.

Common mistakes

I cannot get my hook into the slip stitches on the next row.
Your tension is too tight. Use a larger hook and lift each loop onto the thickest part of the hook.
Joining slip stitches leave a visible seam.
Try an invisible join instead of a slip stitch at the end of a round, or work in continuous spirals.

Questions

What is the UK name for slip stitch?

It is also called slip stitch in the UK, but it is abbreviated "ss" instead of "sl st".

Does a slip stitch count as a stitch?

When it joins a round it usually does not. When it is part of the fabric (like ribbing) it does.

Practise the Slip Stitch

Patterns where this stitch plays a starring role.

Keep Learning

All stitches

Next up: Single Crochet