Slip Stitch (Knit): How to Do It Step by Step
Slip Stitch (Knit) (sl in US patterns) is a beginner-level knitting stitch that makes elongated stitch; used for edges, heel flaps, and mosaic color patterns. Stitchers use it for heel flaps, neat selvage edges, mosaic colorwork. To start, move the next stitch to the right needle without wrapping the yarn around it. It is usually learned alongside linen stitch (knit).
Slip Stitch (Knit) is a beginner-level knitting stitch that makes elongated stitch; used for edges, heel flaps, and mosaic color patterns. Patterns abbreviate it as sl, in both US and UK terms. Makers use it for heel flaps, neat selvage edges, mosaic colorwork, decreases.
The table below sums up slip stitch (knit) in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Knitting |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | sl |
| UK abbreviation | sl |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Elongated stitch; used for edges, heel flaps, and mosaic color patterns |
| Best for | Heel flaps, Neat selvage edges, Mosaic colorwork, Decreases |
How do you work slip stitch (knit)?
- Insert the right needle into the next stitch as if to purl, unless the pattern says knitwise.
- Move the stitch to the right needle without wrapping yarn.
- Keep the yarn in back unless the pattern says with yarn in front (wyif).
- Continue with the next stitch as instructed.
Slip Stitch (Knit) is one of the stitches covered in how to measure knitting gauge. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the knitting gauge calculator will measure row gauge, which slipping changes most.
What are the most common slip stitch (knit) mistakes?
- Slipping knitwise by default, which twists the stitch
- Carrying the yarn on the wrong side
- Pulling the strand behind a slipped stitch too tight
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does slip stitch (knit) lead next? Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat) is the natural step up: brioche stitch is built on a slipped stitch worked together with its own yarn over.
Which stitches are related to slip stitch (knit)?
The 3 stitches below are the closest relatives of slip stitch (knit), with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linen Stitch (Knit) | n/a | Intermediate | Woven look with floats on the right side; firm, low stretch |
| Slip Slip Knit | ssk | Intermediate | Left-leaning single decrease; mirror of k2tog |
| Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat) | brk / sl1yo | Experienced | Deep, lofty, reversible rib; very stretchy and warm; uses more yarn |
What other beginner knitting stitches should you learn?
- Knit Stitch: first lessons, garter and stockinette fabrics
- Purl Stitch: stockinette on flat pieces, ribbing
- Garter Stitch: scarves, dishcloths
- Stockinette Stitch: sweaters, hats
- Reverse Stockinette Stitch: cable backgrounds, textured panels
- Seed Stitch: borders, washcloths
- Moss Stitch: blankets, textured sweaters
- 1x1 Rib: cuffs, hat brims
- 2x2 Rib: hat brims, sweater hems
- Knit Two Together: hat crowns, shaping
- Yarn Over: lace, eyelet buttonholes
- Knit Front and Back: easy increases, toe-up socks
Tools for knitting
Clover Universal Knitting Counter
Under $25A simple row counter so you never lose your place in a stitch pattern.
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KnitIQ Blocking Mats, 9 piece set with T-pins
Under $100Blocking evens out stitches and opens up texture patterns; interlocking mats make it easy.
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ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set, Complete, 5 inch tips
Under $250A complete interchangeable set covers every needle size a pattern calls for.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is slip stitch (knit)?
Slip Stitch (Knit) is a knitting stitch that makes elongated stitch; used for edges, heel flaps, and mosaic color patterns. Makers reach for it for heel flaps, neat selvage edges, mosaic colorwork, decreases. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do slip stitch (knit) step by step?
1. Insert the right needle into the next stitch as if to purl, unless the pattern says knitwise. 2. Move the stitch to the right needle without wrapping yarn. 3. Keep the yarn in back unless the pattern says with yarn in front (wyif). 4. Continue with the next stitch as instructed. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for slip stitch (knit)?
US patterns abbreviate slip stitch (knit) as sl. UK patterns use the same abbreviation, sl, so this one reads the same on both sides of the Atlantic. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use slip stitch (knit)?
Slip Stitch (Knit) suits heel flaps, neat selvage edges, mosaic colorwork, decreases. To size a project before you start, the knitting gauge calculator will measure row gauge, which slipping changes most, and how to measure knitting gauge walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with slip stitch (knit)?
The most common problems are: slipping knitwise by default, which twists the stitch; carrying the yarn on the wrong side; pulling the strand behind a slipped stitch too tight. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after slip stitch (knit)?
Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat) is the usual next step, because brioche stitch is built on a slipped stitch worked together with its own yarn over. It is rated experienced here, against beginner for slip stitch (knit). Its own step-by-step page is at brioche stitch (one color, flat).
What stitches are similar to slip stitch (knit)?
Stitches closely related to slip stitch (knit) include Linen Stitch (Knit), Slip Slip Knit, Brioche Stitch (One Color, Flat). Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
