How to tie a slip knot

A slip knot is a knot that produces an adjustable loop, that you add to your left hand needle before proceeding to cast on your stitches or use to start your foundation chain. It's the first thing you need to know if you want to learn to knit!

In this easy tutorial we’ll show you how to tie the perfect slip knot in this simple step-by-step guide to get you started.

Watch the video here

Step by step

1. In order to make a slip knot, take the yarn and make a loop folding the right side over the left side.

2. Using your thumb and index finger pull the yarn through the loop to form a knot.

3. Pull on the yarn on right side to make the knot smaller.

4. Take a needle in your right hand, insert it upwards through the knot and tighten it by keeping the working yarn secured in your right hand and pulling the end of the yarn with your left hand.

Pro tip for knitters

Sometimes the slip knot can look too loose at the beginning of the row. To avoid this, don’t include it in the stitch count and unravel once you have finished the cast on row.