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How do I Slip Stitch in Crochet?

J.M. Densing
J.M. Densing

The slip stitch in crochet is a very simple, small stitch that doesn't really increase the size of the project you are working on. To create a slip stitch, insert the crochet hook into the desired area so that there are two loops on it and wrap yarn around the end. Then, use the hook to pull the yarn through both of the loops. The slip stitch in crochet is used for a variety of purposes such as shaping and joining pieces of a project. It can also add embellishment to crocheted projects.

Relatively easy to do, the slip stitch in crochet is not usually used by itself to create the body of a project. It is small and flat, lacking the texture of other stitches. It is one of the shortest stitches and doesn't add much length to the crocheted fabric. It is a very useful stitch for other purposes, however, such as decreasing the length of a row of stitches or skipping over a few to get to another part of the fabric.

The slip stitch may be used to make projects with a repeated pattern like doilies.
The slip stitch may be used to make projects with a repeated pattern like doilies.

To create the slip stitch in crochet, you can start from a chain or from an ongoing piece of crocheted fabric. With one loop already on the crochet hook, insert it into the next stitch or into the desired area of the project. After you've done this, you should have two loops on the crochet hook. Next wrap the yarn around the end of the hook, bringing it around from behind. Finally, use the hooked end to pull the yarn through both of the loops at once. An easy way to do this is to ensure that the yarn is caught securely in the hooked end and then grasp the fabric near the furthest loop and pull both of them over the hook and off.

Doilies may help protect a furniture's finish from heavy lamps.
Doilies may help protect a furniture's finish from heavy lamps.

You can use the slip stitch in crochet for many purposes; although simple to do, it is also quite versatile. It can be used to shape a piece of crocheted fabric by changing the length of rows or jumping over stitches. Another common function is joining pieces of a project such as attaching squares to form a blanket or attaching sleeves to a sweater. It's also useful for creating intricate patterned objects like doilies or flowers. Another creative application of the slip stitch in crochet is embellishing or decorating projects in a manner similar to embroidery on the crocheted fabric.

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    • The slip stitch may be used to make projects with a repeated pattern like doilies.
      By: Maria Brzostowska
      The slip stitch may be used to make projects with a repeated pattern like doilies.
    • Doilies may help protect a furniture's finish from heavy lamps.
      By: Sinisa Botas
      Doilies may help protect a furniture's finish from heavy lamps.