How to Crochet the Slip Stitch?

 

The slip stitch is a fundamental crochet technique used from beginners to advanced crocheters for all kinds of projects. In fact, the crochet slip stitch is so important that you’ll notice it is used in nearly all patterns to join a round, seam pieces together, make crochet edging, and more. You simply need to work with your single ended crochet hooks that you own. Working with interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks also works as long as you do not attach the cord for regular crocheting. Just make sure to work with a size matching the yarn weight.

Simple to learn with some practice, the slip stitch can be easily added to your repertoire of crochet skills.

What is Slip Stitch in Crochet?

The slip stitch is a foundational technique used in various applications. Whether you crochet a hat or basket you can work slip stitches to join rounds. For shaping or proper fit for sweaters or a cardigan the stitches are employed. Similarly for surface stitches on a crocheted or even a knitted fabric, mostly decorations once again the stitch is of great help. Even for practical purposes such as edges or seaming, you can have neat stitches.

Step 1: Insert the crochet hook into the stitch. Yarn over, and pull through the stitch and the active loop on the hook. This stitch technique is worked in these same steps whether you are following UK or US stitch patterns.

Step 2: Continue step 1 if you need to work it for a few more stitches.

Slip Stitch Fabric

Basically a crochet stitch adds to the height and makes a fabric but not slip stitch. The stitch techniques is used for purposes than making a fabric. It does not add to the height of the fabric and rows of the stitch would create a fabric that is dense and warm.

In fact, there is a unique method of crocheting fabric made from slip stitches called Bosnian Crochet. Also known by the name of Dutch Knitting or shepherd’s knitting, there are many crocheters and communities favoring the unique look and feel.

Let’s go through each of these ways to utilize the slip stitch.

Forming a Center Ring

Crochet projects like the humble granny squares or top-down hats is started with a ring that is essentially few chain stitches shaped round with the help of a slip stitch. The alternative to forming a center ring is the magic loop technique that creates an adjustable loop.

Joining a Round

The slip stitch will attach the last stitch to the first stitch and join the round. You simply make the last stitch of the round and then insert your hook into the top of the first stitch of the round. Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on the hook.

Move across a Row

In some crochet patterns you need to move stitches across a row without adding to the height. You can use slip stitches to move the yarn.

Slip Stitch Seam

When you need to join two or more crochet elements you can seam them with slip stitches. With this joining technique you can work many granny squares into shaping a blanket or bag or other designs.

Slip Stitch Edging

For some projects, you may want to add slip stitch edging to make a smooth, finished border. To make a basic slip stitch edging, merely slip stitch into every stitch along the top and bottom edges, and evenly along the sides.

Surface Slip Stitch Crochet

Surface slip stitches are slip stitches worked through the front of your crochet fabric. When finished, they look very similar to an embroidery chain stitch.

You can use surface crochet to decorate the surface of your piece with contrasting colors and stripes.

For all your crochet needs explore the Knitter’s Pride collection. Choose single ended crochet hooks in options of bamboo, wood, steel, aluminium, etc. according to you comfort and how smoothly it works with your yarn. Crochet hook sets are ideal for crocheters who work with different projects.