How to Make a Slip Knot

To begin, you’ll need a length of yarn, leaving a tail of 6-8 inches to weave in when the project is complete. Make a horseshoe (or upside down “U”) shape with the yarn. Fold the yarn over itself to create a loop. Then fold the loop down over the tail of the yarn. Take a knitting needle over the loop, then under the tail of the yarn, and over the other side of the loop. Pull snugly to secure the slip knot.

For most cast-on methods, the slip knot will count as your first stitch. However, if it does not count as a stitch, the cast-on instructions or pattern instructions will let you know.