The Slip Stitch - Crochet Most Useful Little Stitch!
The slip stitch (sl st) is the shortest crochet stitch - so short it adds almost no height at all. Despite its simplicity, it is one of the most used stitches in all of crochet: joining rounds, moving yarn, seaming pieces, and creating surface decoration.
How to Work a Slip Stitch
- Insert hook into the specified stitch
- Yarn over
- Pull through BOTH the stitch AND the loop on your hook in one motion
- Result: one slip stitch - almost no height added
The key difference from single crochet: you pull through everything at once instead of building two separate steps.
The 5 Main Uses of Slip Stitch
- Joining rounds - slip stitch into the first stitch to close a joined round in hats and granny squares
- Moving yarn position - travel across stitches without adding height, useful to reposition at start of new section
- Fastening off - a slip stitch before cutting yarn closes the final stitch neatly
- Surface decoration - worked on surface of finished fabric to create decorative lines or texture
- Seaming pieces - slip stitching two pieces together creates a firm, visible seam ideal for structured bags
Slip Stitch to Join a Round
After completing all stitches in a joined round: insert hook into the top of the very first stitch you made (or the top of the starting chain), yarn over, pull through both loops. This closes the round cleanly. Then chain 1, 2, or 3 depending on what stitch begins the next round.
Slip Stitch vs Single Crochet
| Slip Stitch | Single Crochet | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Almost zero | Short |
| Steps | 1 - pull through both at once | 2 - pull up loop, then through 2 |
| Primary use | Joining, moving, seaming | Building fabric |
| Fabric density | Extremely dense | Firm but flexible |
Put Every Stitch to Work
Our 50+ No-Sew Amigurumi Bundle uses slip stitches throughout for clean joins and seamless construction.
FAQ
Is the slip stitch the same as a chain stitch?
No - chain stitches are worked in the air without inserting into existing fabric. Slip stitches always go through an existing stitch or space.
Why does my slip stitch join look too tight and puckered?
You are pulling the yarn through too firmly. Insert hook loosely and pull the joining loop through gently with relaxed tension.
Can I build fabric entirely with slip stitches?
Yes - slip stitch fabric is extremely dense and firm. Used for belt loops, cords, and jewelry. Hard on hands for large projects.
What does "sl st in each st around" mean?
Work one slip stitch into every stitch all the way around the piece - often used to create a finished edge or travel to a new starting position.
Do I need to chain after a slip stitch join?
Usually yes - chain 1 for sc rounds, chain 2 for hdc, chain 3 for dc. The chain brings you up to the correct height for the next round.
