In knitting, a slipknot is used as the first step of a long tail cast on; it will create the first loop on your knitting needles. You will be able to adjust the size of your first loop by pulling on either tail of the slipknot. This helps your yarn loop fit onto your knitting needle with the correct “tension” or tightness. Your slipknot will always count as the first stitch in your knitting cast on.
Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to make a slipknot and place it onto your knitting needles.
Video Guide: How to Make a Slipknot
Written Guide: How to Make a Slipknot
Slipknot, Step 1:
Hold the yarn with the tail end in your right hand. Drape the working yarn over the palm of your left hand, from your pinkie up toward your pointer finger. Wrap the yarn up and over your left pointer finger, then bring the yarn down behind your left hand.
Slipknot, Step 2:
Loop the yarn around all four fingers by bringing it around your pinkie and up to your pointer finger.
Slipknot, Step 3:
Bring the tail of the yarn behind the loop you created on your left hand. Pinch the part of the yarn that is laying across your knuckles and lift it just slightly.
Slipknot, Step 4:
Begin to push the tail side of the yarn through the loop on the back of your left hand, but do not pull the tail completely through.
Slipknot, Step 5:
Form a loop around your right pointer finger with the part of the yarn you have just pushed through the loop on the back of your hand.
Slipknot, Step 6:
Gently remove your left hand from the loop.
Slipknot, Step 7:
Pinch both the working yarn and the yarn tail with your left hand and pull to begin tightening the slipknot around your right pointer finger.
Slipknot, Step 8:
Once the slipknot has formed, remove it from your finger and hold it in your left hand.
Slipknot, Step 9:
Pick up a knitting needle with your right hand. Move the slipknot onto your knitting needle, positioning it in the same way it came off your finger.
Slipknot, Step 10:
Pull the tail-side of the slipknot to gently tighten it onto your knitting needle.
Up Next
After you’ve mastered making a slipknot, you will be ready to learn the long tail cast on and start your first knitting project.
