Crochet · stitch tutorial
How to slip stitch crochet (sl st): join, move along and seam
To slip stitch crochet (sl st), insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull the loop through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one movement. It adds almost no height, so it's used to join rounds, move along an edge and join pieces; in UK terms it's still a slip stitch (ss).
Slip stitch, step by step
- Insert the hook. Into the stitch (under both top loops) or the chain the pattern names.
- Yarn over. Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front.
- Pull through both. Draw the loop through the stitch and straight through the loop on the hook. One loop is left; that's one slip stitch.
Join a round
At the end of a joined round, slip stitch into the first stitch of the round (or the top of the starting chain), then chain up for the next round. In a spiral (continuous rounds) you don't join; you only slip stitch at the very end to smooth the last stitch. See spiral vs joined rounds.
Make a ring from a chain
Chain the number the pattern says, then slip stitch into the first chain to close it into a ring. It's the alternative to a magic ring, with a small hole in the middle.
Move along without adding height
To get to a new starting point, such as the next corner space in a granny square, slip stitch across the stitches in between. The work moves along, but the edge barely gets taller.
Seams and surface slip stitch
- Slip stitch seam: hold two pieces together and slip stitch through both edges, for example to join granny squares. Through the back loops only gives a flatter seam.
- Surface slip stitch: with the yarn held behind finished fabric, insert the hook from the front, pull up a loop and pull it through the loop on the hook. Repeat to draw lines on the surface, for stripes, mouths or details on toys.
Next stitches: how to crochet · all crochet stitches with UK names.
Questions
Does a slip stitch count as a stitch?
Usually not. A slip stitch that joins a round or moves the yarn along isn't counted in the stitch count, but follow your pattern; a few patterns count them.
What is the difference between a slip stitch and a single crochet?
A single crochet pulls up a loop first (2 loops on the hook) and then pulls through both. A slip stitch pulls straight through the stitch and the loop on the hook in one move, so it adds almost no height.
Why are my slip stitches so tight?
Slip stitches have no extra height to give, so they tighten easily. Pull the loop up a little looser, or use a hook one size bigger for slip stitch rows and seams.
Is a crochet slip stitch the same as a knitting slip stitch?
No. In knitting, slipping a stitch means moving it from one needle to the other without knitting it. In crochet, a slip stitch is a real stitch that joins or moves the yarn.
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