How to Make a Slipknot (in Crochet)

A while ago, I published my first post on here. It was meant to help those who are new to crochet, and has lists of everything that you'll need to do and all of the materials you'll need before beginning your first project.

Once you've gathered everything and you're ready to begin, you most likely won't even know where to start.

I highly recommend starting with something like a dish cloth or a small blanket that consists of one stitch (in my opinion, a pattern using the single crochet (abbreviated "sc") stitch is best for your first project. Unless you're making something using a magic ring (this is a more advanced technique that I'll get to later), you'll need to start by making a slipknot. The first instructions in your project may or may not say to make a slip knot, but either way, you'll need to (as long as you're not working in the round - we'll cover that later). Some projects will tell you to do this, and others will just tell you to start by chaining a certain number (it should say something like "Chain 25" or, if they're using the abbreviation for chain, "Ch 25.")

Before you can chain whatever number the pattern requires you to chain, you'll need a slipknot. So, here is my very first instructional video, conveniently titled "How to Make a Slipknot in Crochet," which will visually show you how to do it.

I've finally made my first YouTube video that shows you how to make a Slipknot.

Here's the link:

How To Make a Slipknot for Crochet

It can be found on my YouTube channel, Loves Me Knot Crochet. I will be uploading another video soon that will show you how to chain.

I'm also providing directions using pictures as I know that everyone has their own way of learning. Please see below.

This picture shows the difference between the end of your yarn (to the right where it ends) and your working yarn, which is the skein of yarn that you are using.

This picture demonstrates how you will begin to make a slipknot. Leaving the end of your yarn where it is, take the working yarn and simply lay it on top of the end of the yarn as shown to make a small circle. NOTE: The working yarn MUST be on top of the end of the yarn.

You will now insert your index finger and thumb into the circle that you just created, with your fingers pointed towards the working yarn.

Now, VERY carefully, grab your working yarn and pull it through the circle that you made. Hold it in place exactly as shown in the picture.

While still holding the loop that you just pulled up, insert your hook into that exact same loop.

Very carefully, making sure that the hook stays in the loop, grab both the end of the yarn and the working yarn and pull to close the knot. Start by pulling both strings at the same time, then take the working yarn in your left hand and the end of the yarn in your right, pulling the working yarn towards the left and the end of the yarn to the right.

That's it! You now have yourself a slipknot, which is how you will begin some projects. If the very first direction in a pattern says to CH (chain) a certain amount, you will need to start with a slipknot. I will get to the other techniques in time, but next up will be learning how to chain. Don't worry, that part is so easy! My daughter learned how to make a slipknot and chains when she was 6. It just took practice and dedication, which is exactly what you'll need in order to become a successful crocheter.

In the meantime, feel free to reach out to me at lovesmeknotcrochet@yahoo.com with any questions that you might have.

Keep checking back often for new videos, patterns, and much more!

Thanks for reading :-)

© Loves Me Knot Crochet

How To Crochet for Beginners

Welcome to the world of crocheting! I'm assuming that if you're reading this, you probably googled some or all of the worlds in the title of this post (How To Crochet for Beginners) just as I did when I started. I was fortunate enough to not only inherit a natural niche and undying passion for crochet (from my now decreased grandmother, my Mom Mom, God bless her), but also to have a successful crochet business that has taken off over the course of the past few months. I'll get to the business part later. I'm sure you're asking yourself (and Google) questions like "where do I start?" "How do I start?" "What will I need?" You've come to the right place!

I decided about a month ago that I would like to give back to the world in some way for all of the support, assistance and encouragement I've received and still received. Without my crochet support system, you wouldn't be reading this. So, through a combination of this blog and step-by-step YouTube videos that I will be creating and linking to these posts, I hope to take your hand and lead you as so many others have done for me. Let's get started!

Step 1 - You'll need to make a trip to your local craft store. I personally chose A.C. Moore as my go-to for all things crochet, but anywhere that provides general craft supplies will work for you in the beginning. Wal-Mart, Michael's, Hobby Lobbby and JoAnne's Fabrics are some to consider as well. Make sure to sign up for rewards cards at any and all craft stores that you visit, as there are always awesome coupons, deals and discounts waiting for you when you do so.

What you'll need to buy:

If you're picky like me, you can find the book section and search for beginners' crochet books so that you have something in front of you to refer to. My first book was a beginner afghan book, with 11 very simple patterns and charts/instructions in the back to help you to understand all of the abbreviations and terminology. You do not need to purchase any books, as there is an infinite number of patterns and resources available on the internet. My suggestion would be to browse through both and see what feels more comfortable (for internet resources, see Step 2).

Regardless of which method you choose, you'll still need to buy the following:

-Crochet hooks. You can buy one at a time or packs of a couple of different sizes. They come in all different brands, types and textures. I'd recommend having your first pattern picked out (if you buy a book in the store, each pattern will tell you what type of hook you'll need - same for getting your pattern from the internet). I use plastic hooks, metal hooks, hooks with handles and hooks without. Some people prefer one type. You'll find what works for you over time.

-Yarn. For your first pattern, make sure that it specifies the amount of yarn you will need. Try to find one that requires a 4-ply worsted weight yarn (yes, this matters, but don't worry about that for now - I'll cover that in the future). Purchase a little more than what you need. The color doesn't matter as long as the type of yarn matches what the pattern says. Each skein of yarn has information on the labels that you can match up to the pattern.

-Scissors. If you already have scissors, you don't need to buy any. If not, you will need to buy some.

-Tapestry needle(s). Look for a very thick one with a pretty wide hole for feeding the yarn through. I bought a set of 3 (from big to small) that came in a small, tubular container with a lid that screws on and off.


This concludes your first shopping trip! Do not be afraid to ask associates for help or guidance. That's what they're there for. DO NOT stand in the middle of the store looking at patterns in books, put everything back and walk out - LOL! I almost did this, and now I am SO GLAD I didn't! It's going to look like a foreign language, but I promise that with dedication it will soon become more native to you than whatever you speak now. Grab the basics, head home, and get ready to become an artist! I firmly and strongly believe that crochet is most definitely an art form. I'm positive that you'll soon agree with me if you don't already!

Thank you for reading! Please continue to follow me as I will always be updating and adding posts and videos. Don't ever give up - you CAN do this!

Happy hooking,

Lisa from Loves Me Knot Crochet.

P.S. Feel free to contact me at any time and for any reason by emailing me at lovesmeknotcrochet@yahoo.com.