Are you ready to learn one of the most essential and versatile crochet techniques? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, I’ll show you how to crochet a slip stitch, also known as sl st or ss. You’ll discover how to use it for various purposes, such as joining rounds, shaping, edging, and more. Plus, I’ll answer some common questions and share some tips and tricks to help you slip stitch like a pro. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- The slip stitch is a basic crochet technique that creates a short and tight stitch.
- You can use the slip stitch to join rounds, seam pieces, create shaping, and make edging.
- To make a slip stitch, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook.
- The slip stitch does not add height to your project and creates a dense and warm fabric.
- The slip stitch is abbreviated as sl st in US terms and ss in UK terms.
- The slip stitch is represented by a filled dot in crochet charts.
What is the Slip Stitch?
The slip stitch is one of the six basic crochet stitches, along with the chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. However, unlike the other stitches, the slip stitch is more of a technique than a stitch. This is because it has several uses in crochet, besides making fabric.
Also Read: 6 Basic Crochet Stitches You Need to Know
The slip stitch is the shortest and tightest of all the crochet stitches. It does not add any height to your project and creates a dense and warm fabric. The slip stitch is often used to join rounds, seam pieces, create shaping, and make edging. It can also be used to move the yarn across a group of stitches without adding extra bulk.
The slip stitch is called “slip stitch” in both the US and UK crochet terms. However, the abbreviation may vary. In the US, the slip stitch is abbreviated as sl st, while in the UK, it is often abbreviated as ss. In crochet charts, the slip stitch is represented by a filled dot, or “•”.
How to Crochet a Slip Stitch
Now that you know what the slip stitch is and what it can do, let’s learn how to make it. The slip stitch is very easy to crochet, once you get the hang of it. Here are the steps to follow:
How to Crochet: A Complete Guide for Beginners
- Insert the hook into the next stitch or space, as indicated by the pattern.
- Yarn over and pull through the stitch or space and the loop on the hook in one motion. You should have one loop left on the hook.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you reach the end of the row or round, or as instructed by the pattern.
That’s it! You’ve just made a slip stitch. See how simple it is? You can watch this video tutorial by Crochet Guru¹ for a visual demonstration of how to crochet a slip stitch.
How to Use the Slip Stitch in Crochet
The slip stitch is a very handy technique that you’ll use in many crochet projects. Here are some of the most common ways to use the slip stitch in crochet:
Joining Rounds
One of the most common uses of the slip stitch is to join rounds when working in the round. This is especially useful for making hats, bags, amigurumi, and other circular or tubular items. To join rounds with a slip stitch, you simply slip stitch into the first stitch of the round, creating a loop. Then, you can either continue working in the same direction or turn and work in the opposite direction, depending on the pattern.
Seaming Pieces
Another use of the slip stitch is to seam pieces together, such as granny squares, motifs, or garment panels. This creates a neat and sturdy join that is almost invisible on the right side of the fabric. To seam pieces with a slip stitch, you need to hold the pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Then, you insert the hook through both layers of fabric and slip stitch along the edges, matching the stitches.
Creating Shaping
The slip stitch can also be used to create shaping in your crochet projects, such as armholes, necklines, or corners. This is done by skipping some stitches and slip stitching into the next stitch, creating a gap or a fold in the fabric. This technique is often used in combination with other stitches, such as single crochet or double crochet, to create different shapes and sizes.
Making Edging
The slip stitch can also be used to make edging for your crochet projects, such as blankets, scarves, or shawls. This adds a nice finishing touch and a smooth border to your work. To make edging with a slip stitch, you simply work along the edge of the fabric, slip stitching into each stitch or space. You can also add some variations, such as working in the back loop only, or adding some chains or picots, to create different effects.
IMPORTANT LINKS: How to Single Crochet Stitch: A Complete Guide for Beginners Half Double Crochet (hdc): A Beginner’s Guide How to Treble Crochet: A Complete Guide for Beginners for Triple Crochet
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the slip stitch and their answers:
How do I count slip stitches?
To count slip stitches, you need to look at the front or the back of your work and identify the V-shaped loops that form the top of each stitch. Each loop counts as one slip stitch. You can also use a stitch marker to mark the first or the last slip stitch of each row or round, to make it easier to keep track of your stitches.
How do I make my slip stitches loose?
One of the challenges of working with slip stitches is to keep them loose and even. If your slip stitches are too tight, they can make your fabric stiff and curl up, and also make it hard to insert your hook into the next stitch. To make your slip stitches loose, you need to use a relaxed tension and a larger hook size than you normally would for the yarn you’re using. You can also try to pull up the loop on your hook slightly before completing the slip stitch, to create some extra slack.
How do I make a fabric with slip stitches only?
Although the slip stitch is not often used to make a fabric on its own, it is possible to do so. The method of making a fabric with slip stitches only is called Bosnian Crochet (also Dutch Knitting or Shepherd’s Knitting). This technique creates a thick and warm fabric that looks similar to knitting. To make a fabric with slip stitches only, you need to work in the back loop only of each stitch, creating a horizontal ridge on the front of the fabric. You can also use different colors of yarn to create stripes or patterns.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the slip stitch and use it effectively in your crochet projects:
- Use a stitch marker to mark the first or the last slip stitch of each row or round, to avoid losing or adding stitches.
- Use a larger hook size than you normally would for the yarn you’re using, to keep your slip stitches loose and even.
- Pull up the loop on your hook slightly before completing the slip stitch, to create some extra slack.
- Work in the back loop only of each slip stitch, to create a horizontal ridge on the front of the fabric.
- Use different colors of yarn to create stripes or patterns with slip stitches.
- Experiment with different combinations of slip stitches and other stitches, such as single crochet or double crochet, to create different textures and effects.
Conclusion
The slip stitch is a basic crochet technique that you’ll use in many crochet projects. It’s easy to learn and very versatile. You can use the slip stitch to join rounds, seam pieces, create shaping, and make edging. You can also use the slip stitch to make a fabric on its own, using the Bosnian Crochet method. The slip stitch is abbreviated as sl st in US terms and ss in UK terms. It is represented by a filled dot in crochet charts.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to crochet a slip stitch. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. I’d love to hear from you!
Happy crocheting!
Source: (1) Slip Stitch – How to Slip Stich or ‘sl st’ – How to Crochet – Annie’s. https://www.anniescatalog.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=18. (2) How to Sew a Slip Stitch – Teach You To Sew. https://teachyoutosew.com/how-to-sew-a-slip-stitch/. (3) Crochet Slip Stitch (sl st) Tutorial – Easy Crochet. https://easycrochet.com/learn-to-crochet-the-slip-stitch/.