3 Different Ways to Do a Slip Knot

Simple and beginner-friendly methods to tie a slip knot

Co-authored by Devin McSween

Last Updated: March 2, 2023 References Approved

Pulling Yarn Through the Loop

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Feeding a Loop Through a Loop

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Flipping the Loop Over the Yarn

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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Things You'll Need

ARTICLE

VIDEO

Taking up knitting or crocheting opens up a world of fun crafts that only requires a ball of yarn. Getting started just means making a slip knot, but how do you do that? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll show you 3 different ways to make a slip knot. You might find one method easier than the other, so just choose the one that works best for you. Once you’ve got the hang of the slip knot, you’re ready to start knitting or crocheting!

Things You Should Know

To create a slip knot, make a loop in the yarn. Use 2 fingers to pull the working line of yarn through the loop and then pull both ends of the yarn.
Alternatively, create 2 loops on your yarn. Pass the second, left-most loop through the back of the first loop and pull the yarn ends to tighten the knot.
Or, make a loop and flip it over so it rests on top of the working line of yarn. Pull the working line through the loop and tug on the tail end of yarn to tighten the knot.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Pulling Yarn Through the Loop

1
Pick up a piece of yarn about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) from the end. Pinch the yarn with 2 fingers so it drops down into a U-shape as it falls under your fingers. You don't need to measure the yarn precisely; just give yourself enough extra yarn to work with.^{[1]
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- This U-shape is called a "bight" in knot tying.
- Choose your yarn based on the project you’re working on. Consider the yarn’s weight, gauge, and drape.
2
Twist your fingers counterclockwise to cross the yarn and form a loop. Make a half turn or so while pinching the yarn so the yarn naturally crosses over itself.^{[2]
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3
Put your 2 fingers inside the loop to expand it out. Use your other hand to hold onto the strands of yarn below your loop, keeping the shape intact.^{[3]
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4
Grab the working yarn and pull it partially inside the loop. With your 2 fingers still inside the loop, pinch the working line of yarn. The working yarn is the line that leads back to your ball of yarn. The shorter side, leading to the end, is called the tail. Pulling the working line halfway through the loop forms another bight or U-shaped bend in the yarn.^{[4]
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- You only need to pull a few inches or centimeters of yarn through.
5
Pull the tail end of the yarn to tighten the knot about halfway. You don't want to cinch the knot all the way down yet. Just pull on the tail piece of yarn to bring the knot closer together and clean it up.^{[5]
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- You’ve made the slip knot! It should look a bit like a noose, with a knot on the bottom of a yarn loop.
6
Slide a crochet hook into the loop and pull both ends of the yarn tight. A slip knot almost always goes around something, as the beauty of the knot is how easily it tightens and loosens. If you’re knitting or starting to crochet, just insert your needle or hook into the loop on top of the knot. Pull both the tail end and working yarn simultaneously to tighten your slip knot.^{[6]
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- To loosen the slip knot, simply pull up on the loop while gripping the knot.
- When you’re ready to knit or crochet, start by casting on.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Feeding a Loop Through a Loop

1
Pick up the yarn about 5 inches (12 cm) from the end. Unravel a piece of yarn from the ball that’s about 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm) long. Then, pinch the yarn about 5 inches (12 cm) from the tail end to create a U-shaped "bight" in the yarn.^{[7]
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2
Create a loop by crossing the working yarn over the top of the tail end. Hold the point where the yarns cross tightly between your right thumb and forefinger.^{[8]
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- The working yarn is the long end of the yarn attached to the ball of yarn. The tail end is the shorter side of the yarn.
3
Use your left hand to form another loop about 2 inches (5 cm) away. Pick up the working yarn about 2 inches (5 cm) away from the first loop using your left hand. Form another loop here, crossing the left side of the yarn over the right. Then, pinch the crossing point together with your fingers.^{[9]
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- Remember, the working yarn is the part leading back to your yarn ball.
4
Pull the second loop through the back of the first loop. With the second loop in your left hand, thread it through the back of the loop in your right hand. This creates a loop in a loop.^{[10]
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- Feeding the second loop through the front or top of the first loop won’t create a loop in a loop.
5
Pull on the yarn ends to tighten the first loop around the second. With your left hand still holding the second loop, use your right to grab the working yarn and tail end of the yarn. Pull these pieces of yarn as you pull on the loop to tighten the first loop around the second. This creates the slip knot!^{[11]
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6
Set your hook inside the loop and pull the working end of the yarn. Hold your crochet hook or knitting needle and simply place the loop over it. Then, tighten the loop around your needle or hook by pulling on the working yarn. Your slip knot is complete and you’re ready to get knitting or crocheting!^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Flipping the Loop Over the Yarn

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Pull out about 10 inches (25 cm) of yarn from your yarn ball. Set up your yarn so the tail end is on your right side and your working yarn connected to the yarn ball is on your left. The exact amount you use doesn't matter—take out as much or as little yarn that you need to work comfortably.^{[13]
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2
Cross the tail end of the yarn over the working yarn to make a loop. Grab the tail end of the yarn and wrap it clockwise across the working yarn. Then, bring the tail end back to your right side. This creates a loop in the yarn.^{[14]
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3
Flip the loop over so it lays on top of the working line of yarn. Grab the loop with your right hand and flip it over to the left side of the yarn. Make sure it rests on top of the working yarn and not the tail end of the yarn.^{[15]
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4
Pick up the working yarn inside the loop and pull it through. Simply pinch the working line of yarn underneath the loop with your right hand. Then, pull it through the loop to form a loop inside a loop.^{[16]
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- To speed things up, use your knitting needle or crochet hook to pull the working yarn through the loop.
5
Pull the tail end of the yarn to loosely tighten the knot. Grab the tail end of the yarn with your left hand and pull while still gripping the working yarn through the loop with your right hand. Tighten the knot enough to close the first loop you made, leaving the other loop open on top. This creates your slip knot, which looks a bit like a noose.^{[17]
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Slip the loop on your hook and pull the working yarn to tighten the knot. Put your knitting needle or crochet hook through the loop. Simply tighten the knot by pulling on the working end of the yarn. Make sure the knot is snug but not too tight around your needle or hook. Now you’re ready to go!^{[18]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I join different color yarns neatly and securely?

Community Answer

There has to be a hundred different ways to do this. I tend to use knots, though a lot of people don't do this because it either might show or you can feel the knot. Personally, I never have this issue. If you don't know where the knot is, you are not likely to find it unless you are looking for it. YouTube has hundreds of videos showing these different methods.
Question

How do I tie a knot in yarn projects?

Michele

Top Answerer

Yarn should rarely have a knot. It's easier to knit in new yarn than to join it with a knot. However, there are several ways to join yarn that has broken. The weaver's knot and the magic knot are two.
Question

Is it durable for usage on the neck?

Community Answer

That is a very bad idea. Tying a slip or any other kind of knot around anyone's neck is a severe choking/strangling risk.