How to Make a Simple Slip Knot for Knitting (Beginner Tutorial)

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Before you cast on your first stitch, you need a slip knot. This small loop is how your yarn attaches to the needle and how every knitting project begins.

There are many ways to make a slip knot, but this simple two-finger method is easy to learn and works well for beginners.

How to Make a Simple Slip Knot (Beginner Knitting Basics)

Step-by-Step: Making a Slip Knot

1. Hold the Yarn

Let the yarn dangle so you can see the tail end clearly. Grab the yarn in your hand and close your fingers around it loosely.

You should have:

One strand connected to the yarn ball
One loose tail end

2. Wrap Around Two Fingers

Stick out two fingers.

Wrap the yarn all the way around those two fingers one time.

Keep it relaxed. No need to pull tight.

3. Drop the Yarn Near Your Knuckles

Let the yarn rest closer to your knuckles while it’s still wrapped around your fingers.

4. Reach In and Pull a Loop Through

Open your two fingers slightly.

Reach in between them, grab the strand that crosses in front, and pull it through the loop.

Then slide your fingers out.

You now have a slip knot.

5. Tighten the Slip Knot

Pull gently on both tails to snug the knot.

It should tighten into a small loop that slides.

Putting the Slip Knot on the Needle

Place the loop over your knitting needle.

Pull one tail to tighten it against the needle.

If nothing happens when you pull, try pulling the other strand. One will tighten the knot. The other won’t.

The knot should sit comfortably on the needle — not too tight and not floppy.

Common Beginner Questions

Should the slip knot count as a stitch?
I always count the Slip Knot as a stitch. Some patterns do not count the slip knot as a stitch unless specified. It simply anchors your yarn. So determine how you want to use that slip knot and count it or not.

Can I make it tighter?
Yes, but avoid pulling too tight. The slip knot should slide slightly on the needle.

What if I already know another method?
Use whatever method feels natural to you. The goal is simply to create a secure, adjustable loop.