Learn how to crochet the slip stitch in this step by step tutorial. It’s a basic crochet technique that is quick and easy to learn.

These slip stitches are a way to crochet across a row of stitches, join. For instance, in the example pattern I need to work over to a specific stitch.

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As the shortest crochet stitch it doesn’t add bulk or much height to your work. In this tutorial I will be using my latest corner to corner project to demonstrate this simple stitch for you. Get the free crochet pattern for the Gingham Throw Pillow.

Blue and white crochet gingham pillow in rocking chair.

You can also see the Corner to Corner blanket I made for my son’s birthday gift. If you’re not familiar with c2c (corner to corner) yet, it’s a really fun crochet technique.

The slip stitch is made into another stitch like a single crochet stitch, double crochet stitches, etc. In the picture below, I’ve finished increasing my c2c square and I’m ready to begin decreasing. This requires me to slip stitch back 4 stitches, where I will then crochet my next box.

Slip stitch across block for gingham crochet pillow.

Slip Stitch Abbreviations

ss = slip stitch

sl st = slip stitch

I see both of these slip stitch abbreviations in crochet patterns. I first learned it as, “ss.”

So some of my patterns use “ss” and define it as such in the “Stitches” section. Like this Chunky Bear Beanie pattern, which is a great beginner hat pattern.

Once I discovered Craft Yarn Council, which publishes US crochet terms and abbreviations, I use the “sl st” as they list this. The CYC site is great for body measurement standards, which I use in my crochet sweater patterns.

The granny square is one crochet project that uses a slip stitch join to connect the round. This brings the last stitch to the first stitch.

When to Use the Crochet Slip Stitch

They can be used in different ways in various projects: granny squares, C2C, surface crochet, ribbing, seaming, hats worked in the round (or other projects worked in the round: cowls, sweaters, etc).

C2C

In this tutorial I’m using the slip stitch to move across a block of double crochets. The slip stitch gets me across, without adding another row of height to my work.

Ribbing

You can create a very stretchy ribbing with a row of slip stitches thats repeated over the length. To use this as ribbing for sweater necks, cuffs and hems the rows are worked vertically. Learn how to crochet slip stitch ribbing here.

Granny Squares

Like, C2C the granny square sometimes requires you to slip stitch across stitches to get to the corner. And like other crochet projects worked in the rounds sometimes they’re used for joining.

Surface Slip Stitch

Other uses for the slip stitch include crocheting designs and words on your finished work. This is a fun technique, you can see how Nidhi’s Crochet Art uses surface stitches in this video tutorial.

Slip Stitch Seam

Crocheters love slip stitching their pieces of crochet together vs sewing them. It even gives your crochet fabric some added structure at the seams too.

Hats, Cowls, Sweaters In The Round

Crocheting in the round often calls for a slip stitch to join the end of one round to the beginning of another, like in a hat pattern.

Unlike other stitches, when used to join in the round the slip stitch is not included in the stitch count. I think this may be one of the hardest parts of crocheting in the round because you see it and it looks like it’s a stitch. It’s a common mistake and takes a bit of practice, but to combat this I try to pull mine pretty tight but only when they’re used to join.

Easy Free Patterns For Beginners

The Skinny Summer Scarf is a fast, one skein scarf pattern.

These Fingerless Gloves are perfect for men, and there are more sizes available.

When you’re ready to take on a bigger project, the Ava Chunky Crochet Blanket is an easy one.

Materials

Crochet Hook, I’m using size F hook here
Any type of yarn, I’m using Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton! a yarn in this tutorial. Any other medium-weight yarns will do.
I highly recommend using stitch markers for the first stitch when crocheting in the round.

Written Instructions for the Slip Stitch

(Scroll down for the pictures.)

Start with one loop on the hook, likely from the stitch you just finished.
Insert your hook into the stitch to be worked.
Wrap the yarn over your hook.
Pull that yarn through the stitch (you’ll have 2 loops on your hook).
Continue pulling the yarn through the loop on your hook (now you’ll have 1 loop on your hook again).
That’s a slip stitch, practice it a few more times!

Video Tutorial For Crochet Slip Stitch

Watch the video tutorial on my YouTube. Please like and subscribe before you go.&lt;/p&gt;

How to Slip Stitch Photo Tutorial

How to Slip Stitch Crochet Tutorial

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 1 minute

Active Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 32 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1

Learn the slip stitch in this step by step crochet tutorial.

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Materials

Any weight yarn, I'm using a #4 medium worsted weight cotton yarn.

Tools

A crochet hook that's compatible with your yarn. I'm using my 3.75mm (F) crochet hook here.

Instructions

Insert hook into the top of the first stitch.
Yarn over.
Pull the yarn through the stitch, (you’ll have 2 loops on your hook).
Continue pulling the yarn through the loop on your hook. Now I have made the first slip stitch in my first stitch and I'm positioned at the next stitch.
For this corner to corner pattern, I slip stitch a few more times to work my way across the block and get to my next block's starting point.