Crochet Lesson: How to Slip Knot & Chain (ch)
The first steps of any crochet project!
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How to Slip Knot
Almost all crochet projects begin by forming a slip knot and tightening it around your crochet hook.
step one
Take the end of your yarn and fold it over to make a long, upside-down U shape. Hold both sides of the yarn in between your pinky and index finger (of your non dominant hand) to make an 11. Make sure the tail end of your yarn is at least a few inches long.
step two
With your other hand, grab the middle of the yarn at the top of the U and give a slight twist so that the yarn is now creating an X.
step three
Using your hand that twisted the yarn, grab the yarn on the opposite side of the X. Make sure that the yarn you are grabbing is the piece on the bottom of the two pieces.
step four
Pull up to form a loop secured with a knot.
step five
Pull slightly and place the loop on your hook.
step six
Give the loop another pull to tighten around your hook.
How to Chain (ch)
Most crochet projects start off with a foundation chain. Your pattern will tell you many chains (abbreviated with the term "ch") to create for your starting length. Chains can also appear during other elements of a pattern beyond just a foundation chain. Follow the steps below to learn how to chain!
step one
Start by making a slip knot (see directions above).
step two
Insert your hook into the slip knot.
step three
Yarn over once. Yarn over means to wrap your yarn around your hook, crossing over the front diagonally upwards from right to left.
step four
Pull the yarn through the loop -- this is chain (ch) 1!
step five
Repeat for as many times your project calls for. This is your foundation chain!
step six
A back view of your foundation chain.
Apply your new-found skill to create awesome things! Here’s a round-up of project inspiration.
