How to slip stitch in crochet

Learn slip stitch one motion at a time, with loop counts and a short practice strip.

Step 1 Insert the hook into the next stitch, under both strands of its top V, or into the space the pattern names.

Step 1 Insert the hook into the next stitch, under both strands of its top V, or into the space the pattern names.
Step 2 Yarn over and draw the yarn through the work and the loop on the hook in one continuous pull.

What it looks like Very short, flat and firm. Mostly used to join and travel rather than to build fabric.

Hook in your right hand; guide the working yarn with your left hand. The loop counts stay the same.

For stitches worked into a previous row, go under both strands of the top V unless the pattern says otherwise. Work into an individual chain when starting a foundation row.

Make the stitch

Insert the hook into the next stitch, under both strands of its top V, or into the space the pattern names. Yarn over and draw the yarn through the work and the loop on the hook in one continuous pull.

US terms Slip stitchUK name slip stitch (ss)Em português ponto baixíssimo (pbx)

In this lesson

Before you start Step by step Practice and finish Common mistakes

Before you start

Chain stitch and a foundation chain. Practice with smooth, light yarn so the top loops are easy to see.

New to holding the hook or making a slip knot? Start there, then return to this lesson.

Make the stitch

Insert the hook into the next stitch, under both strands of its top V, or into the space the pattern names.
Yarn over and draw the yarn through the work and the loop on the hook in one continuous pull.

Count check: Usually used to join or travel and often not counted as a stitch; follow the pattern.

Try a practice strip

Make 11 chains. Insert in the second chain from the hook and slip stitch; repeat in each remaining chain for 10 slip stitches. Keep them loose enough to enter again. For a ring, chain 4 and join to the first chain without twisting.

Put a removable marker in the first and last stitch of the row. Count before you turn. Different patterns treat turning chains differently; the rule above belongs to this practice strip.

Common mistakes to catch

Making a yarn over before inserting the hook. Begin with only the active loop, then insert into the target stitch.
Pulling the join so tight that the next stitch disappears. Ease the working loop onto the shaft before finishing the pull-through.
Counting a joining slip stitch as a full-height stitch unless the pattern says to. Find the first counted stitch in the instructions and mark it before joining.

Keep going

Read these stitches inside a written pattern or chart.

Next lesson: Single crochet →

Before making a sized project, learn to measure a swatch. If a pattern uses a different hook label, convert the hook size.