Ready for some DIY fun? The slip stitch in crochet is a basic technique you’ll want to master before you begin your first project. That’s because the slip stitch is used in practically all crochet patterns, from bags to booties.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to master the slip stitch. We’ll also tell you what you can do with it and offer some pro tips. Crochet yay!
Table Of Contents
- What Is A Slip Stitch In Crochet?
- Materials Needed For Crochet
- Slip Stitch In Crochet: Step By Step
- Slip Stitch In Crochet: Uses
- Tips For Mastering The Slip Stitch
What Is A Slip Stitch In Crochet?
If you want to start crocheting, you’re going to have to learn some stitches first. The slip stitch is the smallest and flattest of the basic stitches and is, as we said, one of the most popular. The good news is, with a little practice, this stitch is easy to master.
Other important stitches to know include:
- Slip knot
- Chain stitch
- Half double crochet
- Single crochet
- Double crochet
But let’s stick to the slip stitch for now.
Abbreviation And Chart Symbol
As many instructions will use abbreviations or symbols, it’s good practice to be familiar with them. A slip stitch is abbreviated as “sl st”. In a crochet chart or diagram, the stitch appears as a solid circle or oval.
Materials Needed For Crochet
In order to practice your slip stitch, you’ll need to gather your supplies. Although there are other items you might want to include when you tackle your first official crochet project, for now, you only need a few things:
- Yarn
- Crochet hook
- Scissors
Slip Stitch In Crochet: Step By Step
Source: Crochet Guru
1) Prepare A Foundation Row
Since a slip stitch will never be your first stitch, you’ll have to build a foundation row first. This can be made using the foundation single crochet (FSC) technique.
Start with a slip knot and chain, then make the first single crochet, hooking into the first chain. After that, alternate between adding one chain and one single crochet. By doing it this way, you create your initial chain and single crochet row at the same time.
2) Insert Your Hook
Now that you have your foundation row, you can start your slip stitch. Decide where you want to add the slip stitch and insert your crochet hook into the next stitch.
3) Bring The Yarn Over And Through
Next, you’ll want to bring the yarn over the crochet hook and pull the loop of yarn through the stitch. This should result in two loops on the crochet hook.
4) Pull The Loop Through
Lastly, pull the new loop through the existing loop on your crochet hook. Voila!
Slip Stitch In Crochet: Uses
Now that you know how to slip stitch, let’s take a look at the different times you’ll use this technique.
Joining A Round
If you’re crocheting in a round, you’ll use your slip stitch to join the last stitch of the round to the first, creating a seamless circle.
Forming A Foundation Ring
Making a foundation ring is common for many projects, including granny squares, socks, hats, bags, and more. A slip stitch is used once you’ve finished a row of chain stitches to close the circle.
Joining A Magic Ring
Because when you form a foundation ring you end up with a small hole at the center, many crafters prefer to use the magic ring, which minimizes the hole for a more finished effect. The slip stitch is used to close a magic ring.
Creating An Edge
The slip stitch is also commonly used to create a border in crochet. Just add the stitch to the top, bottom, and both sides to complete your project.
Working A Slip Stitch On The Surface
Source: Naztazia
If you want to add a decorative element to your project, you can use the slip stitch on the surface to add letters, patterns, or other unique details. Surface crochet can look similar to an embroidery chain stitch.
Moving Across A Row
Another reason you might use a slip stitch is if you want to move the yarn across a row of stitches. Because the stitch is so small, it won’t add much height, giving a seamless effect.
Tips For Mastering The Slip Stitch
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you master your slip stitch in crochet.
Vary Your Materials
Try different yarns in order to give variety to your work. At GANXXET, we offer loads of colors and materials that will make your project sing.
Try our Cotton Air Yarn or Bamboo Yarn for some natural beauty, or jazz up your project with our Fabric Yarn Metallic.
Choose The Right Size Crochet Hook
Keep in mind there are lots of different sizes of crochet hooks to choose from. Your project instructions will generally give you guidance as to the preferred size to use.
And if you choose GANXXET yarn, we recommend the perfect crochet hook size for the material on our website.
Use Stitch Markers
If you’re working on a more complicated project, use stitch markers — which are sort of like crochet post-it notes.
The small plastic clips are inserted into stitches to indicate the importance of the stitch. For instance, the tagged area may be where you want to change colors or begin a new type of stitch.
Count Rows Carefully
It can be hard to keep track of where you are, especially with large projects. A digital row counter is a good tool for keeping your place.
Mind The Tension
Don’t pull your stitches too tight, as that can cause your work to pucker. Likewise, don’t let your stitches get too loose or there will be gaps in your pattern.
Add Detail
Try giving more visual interest to your project with some surface crochet.
Upgrade Your Scissors
It’s best to use Fiskars scissors when crocheting because they are sharp enough to avoid fraying the yarn.
Be Willing To Make Mistakes
When you’re learning how to crochet, there’s a lot of trial and error. But, when you get the hang of it, the slip stitch will become second nature.
Crochet Away With GANXXET
Now that you know the slip stitch in crochet, there are countless projects you can make to express your crafting creativity, from bags to coffee cozies. As we said, this popular stitch pops up in most patterns, joining fabrics, creating an edge, or adding surface detail.
GANXXET offers a wide array of yarns, from natural materials like linen, wool, bamboo, or cotton, to those made of recycled T-shirt fabric. In addition, our yarns are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, and some are even machine washable.
If you want to make your next crochet, knitting, or macrame project extra special, use GANXXET yarns. Happy crafting!
