Knitting basics - How to make a slip knot

Every great journey has to start somewhere. It's the same with knitting projects. Once you cast on that first stitch, there's no turning back until you have finished your latest master piece. Or, of course, until you end up unravelling it all and starting over. In any case, it's the slip knot you'll need.

So how do you cast on that first stitch? As with anything in knitting, you'll find a myriad of ways to start, but the oldest and trustiest method, at least according to my crafts savvy nannsie, is the good, old slip knot.

Slip knots are essential when casting on, as they are flexible knots that can be tightened or loosened, just by pulling on their ends. This makes them the perfect start to any knitting project, as they will adjust to any needle size easily.

Slip knots - As easy as 1 - 2 - 3

When I first started knitting I found the slip knot quite tricky. I would fiddle around and around, twisting here and pulling there, until it finally materialised. But then I realised that it really is a simply, three step process:

Step 1 - Make a loop

With your yarn ball on the right and your yarn tail on the left, make a loop.

Step 2 - Make a pretzel

I don't know about you, but food references always seem to do the trick for me. The moment I realised that a slip knot at the half way point looks just like a pretzel, it all became crystal clear.

To make your pretzel look alike, grab the two top sides of the loop your created in step one and gently pull them over the yarn leading to the ball and tail ends.

Step 3 - Place needle and pull tight

To finish off your epic slip knot, place your needle through the left top loop.

Gently tighten the loose ends by pulling on the ball and tail ends at the same time. Your knot will come together some distance away from your needle. To tighten the knot further, simply tug on the tail end, until it fits snugly around your needle.

Et voilà - with the slip knot mastered, your next knitting adventure can begin. Enjoy.


To learn other knitting basics, check out the useful collection of instructions and video tutorials on our Knitting Basics section.