The slip stitch is one of the basic crochet stitches or rather crochet techniques. It is a rather easy stitch that even beginners can master and advanced crocheters work with their crochet hooks without a thought. In fact, you can find the handy slip stitch in nearly all crochet patterns. And why not? Whenever you need to attach rounds, or seam pieces together, make crochet edging, add colors, all of them or any of them, slip stitches do the task! If you are looking to expand your crochet skills, in this blog we’ll walk you through how to crochet the slip stitch and its versatile uses.
What is Slip Stitch in Crochet?
Just like basic stitches in crochet, slip stitches are fundamental techniques used for various applications. The shortest of all stitches, it adds little to the height or is rarely used for working on a fabric but it is used in various other ways. Similar to all crochet stitches, to start a new row of slip stitches, make a turning chain of 1.
While the crochet world remains divided by stitches having different for both US and UK patterns, the“slip stitch” goes by the same name. In the US, it is abbreviated “sl st.” In the UK, it is often abbreviated “ss” however in charts both are indicated with the symbol of a dot.
Slip Stitch Tutorial
Before we get started, choose a yarn and crochet hook. As the rule goes choose a single-ended crochet hook in a size matching the yarn weight. Make a slip knot and work on a chain. For practice, you can start with 15-20 chain stitches.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Work on Slip Stitches in Crochet
Step 1: Insert the crochet hook into the following stitch.
Step 2: Put the tip of the crochet hook underneath both of the loops at the top of the stitch.
Step 3: Bring the yarn over the hook, from back to front, and draw a loop of yarn through the stitch.
Step 4: Pull that same loop through the loop on the hook. The slip stitch is finished. You will currently have one loop left on the hook.
You have completed a slip stitch.
Now, that you have learned how to slip stitch crochet, let’s take a look at how to use the crochet technique.
Forming a Center Ring
For crochet patterns worked in rounds, like granny squares and top-down hats, the slip stitch joins the chain stitches into a ring (circle). Take a look at our previous guide on how to crochet a classic granny square.
Joining a Round
Similar to forming a circle, slip stitches are used to join the end of rounds. You simply make a slip stitch with the last stitch of the round to the first stitch of that same round.
Move Across a Row
Adding to the design element, a slip stitch in crochet is used to move the yarn across a row of stitches without adding much height.
Seaming Pieces Together
Slip stitches are a neat and handy seaming technique in crochet. You can join two or more crochet elements together with a slip stitch seam. For example, you can utilize slip stitches to join crochet granny squares to make a blanket.
To attach two pieces together with a slip stitch seam. Hold the two pieces together with right sides together. Insert the crochet hook into the outer loops (one loop from each of the two pieces.) Yarn over, and draw through the loops on both pieces.
Neat Edging to Crochet Projects
For some projects, you may want to add slip stitch edging to make a smooth, finished border. Surface slip stitches are slip stitches worked through the front of your crochet fabric. When completed, they appear very much like an embroidery chain stitch.
You can use surface crochet to embellish the surface of your piece with contrasting colors and stripes.
Surface Embroidery and Colorwork
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.
Slip Stitch Crochet Fabric
While slip stitches are rarely used on their own to crochet fabric you can work with rows of slip stitches to create a fabric that is dense and warm! Known as Bosnian Crochet (also Dutch Knitting or shepherd’s knitting), it is a very unique form of crochet.
With this guide, get ready to explore the slip stitch in crochet in various ways. With Lantern Moon crochet hooks enjoy your crafting sessions. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the hooks are made from smooth ebony wood that has a luxury silk-finish that makes yarn flow endlessly. So are you ready to explore the versatility of slip stitches in crochet?