How to Tie a Slip Knot 3 Ways

If you’re a crochet beginner wondering how to tie a slip knot, this tutorial is for you. I’ll walk you through three methods for tying a slip knot: the basic slip knot, double loop slip knot, and slip knot with a crochet hook.

Below you’ll find written and photo instructions, or you can scroll to the bottom for a video tutorial.

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Method 1: Basic Slip Knot

The first method is the most basic way to tie a slip knot. This is also the method I use.

Lay the tail end of your yarn in your palm, and wrap the working yarn once around your pointer and middle finger, creating an X.
With your thumb, hold the loop where the yarn overlaps.
With your other hand, push your working yarn through the loop.
Tighten the loop by pulling both ends of the yarn.

A photo showing two hands using golden yellow yarn to complete the first step of a basic slip knot. — Step 1

A photo showing two hands using golden yellow yarn to complete the second step. — Step 2

A photo showing two hands using golden yellow yarn to complete the third step. — Step 3

A photo showing two hands using golden yellow yarn to complete the final step. — Step 4

Congratulations! You have successfully tied a slip knot.

Method 2: Double Loop Slip Knot

The second method is a variation of the basic slip knot. I call it the double loop slip knot, although full disclosure…I have no idea if that’s the technical name. Just keeping it real!

Take the tail end of the yarn and wrap it once over your finger.
Cross the two strands of yarn, and pinch the tail end with your thumb.
Take the working end of the yarn and wrap it over your finger, securing both ends with your thumb.
Pull the left loop over the right loop and slip off your finger. (If you’re left handed, pull the right loop over the left loop.)
Tighten the knot by pulling both ends of the yarn.

A photo showing two hands using golden yellow yarn to complete the first step of a double loop slip knot. — Step 1

A photo showing one hand using golden yellow yarn to complete the second step. — Step 2

A photo showing one hand using golden yellow yarn to complete the third step of a double loop slip knot. — Step 3

A photo showing two hands using golden yellow yarn to complete the fourth step of a double loop slip knot. — Step 4

A photo showing two hands using golden yellow yarn to complete the final step of a double loop slip knot. — Step 5

And there you have a double loop slip knot.

Method 3: Slip Knot with a Crochet Hook

The third method is using a crochet hook to tie the slip knot. This method is similar to how to begin a magic loop.

Lay the tail end of your yarn in the palm of your hand.
Wrap the working end of your yarn around your pointer and middle finger, crossing in the back.
Insert the crochet hook under the first strand, and hook the working yarn.
Pull the working yarn through the loop.
Tighten the knot by pulling both ends of the yarn.