What a slip stitch is and when you use it

A slip stitch is a knitting stitch where you move a loop from one needle to the other without knitting into it. Instead of inserting your working needle through the stitch and pulling yarn through, you straightforward slide the stitch over to your right needle as if it were already finished. The stitch itself doesn't change shape—it just moves.

You slip stitches for three main reasons: to create a neat edge on your work, to move stitches around without changing their structure, or to set up for a decrease later. Many patterns call for slipping the first stitch of every row to make the edge look polished and even. Other patterns use slip stitches to create visual texture or to join pieces invisibly.

Key Takeaways

  • Insert your right needle through the stitch from left to right (knitwise) or right to left (purlwise), depending on what your pattern says.
  • Slide the stitch onto your right needle without wrapping yarn around it or pulling yarn through.
  • Slipping knitwise twists the stitch slightly; slipping purlwise keeps it in its original position.
  • Most patterns ask you to slip the first stitch of a row purlwise to create a clean, finished edge.
  • Always check your pattern to see whether it wants you to slip with yarn in front or yarn in back.

The two ways to slip: knitwise and purlwise

The direction you insert your needle changes how the stitch sits on your needle afterward. Slipping knitwise means you insert your right needle from left to right, the same direction you would for a knit stitch, but you don't wrap yarn or pull it through. This twists the stitch slightly. Slipping purlwise means you insert your right needle from right to left, the same direction you would for a purl stitch, and again you don't wrap or pull yarn. This keeps the stitch in its original position.

Most patterns specify which one to use, and it matters. If a pattern says "slip 1 purlwise," that's what you do. If it just says "slip 1," check the pattern notes—many assume purlwise by default, but not all. When you're learning, purlwise is the safer choice for edge stitches because it keeps the edge neat and even.

Step-by-step: how to slip a stitch

Hold your needles as you normally would, with your working stitches on the left needle and your right needle ready to receive them. Bring your yarn to the position your pattern calls for—usually in front of your work for a purlwise slip, or in back for a knitwise slip, though some patterns specify differently.

Insert your right needle through the first stitch on your left needle in the direction your pattern says (purlwise or knitwise). Do not wrap your yarn around the needle. straightforward slide the stitch from the left needle onto the right needle. That's it. The stitch is now on your right needle, unchanged, and you move on to the next stitch.

The whole motion takes about one second. You're not creating a new stitch—you're moving an existing one. If you find yourself wrapping yarn or pulling it through, you've knitted or purled instead of slipped. Stop, put the stitch back on the left needle, and try again.

Yarn position: in front or in back

Before you slip, your yarn needs to be on one side of your work or the other. Most patterns tell you which. "Slip 1 with yarn in front" (often written as "sl 1 wyif") means your yarn sits between the needles, toward you. "Slip 1 with yarn in back" (written as "sl 1 wyib") means your yarn is on the far side of the needles, away from you.

If your pattern doesn't specify, the default is usually yarn in back for a knitwise slip and yarn in front for a purlwise slip. The yarn position affects how the stitch looks on the edge and whether it's ready for the next row. When you slip the first stitch of a row purlwise with yarn in front, you create a chain-like edge that looks professional and lies flat.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

The most common error is knitting or purling the stitch instead of slipping it. You'll know this happened because the stitch will look tighter and shorter than the others, and you'll have created an extra loop. If this happens, put the stitch back on your left needle and try again, making sure you don't wrap yarn this time.

Another mistake is putting your yarn in the wrong place. If your pattern says yarn in front and you put it in back, the edge won't look right and the next row may be harder to work. Always glance at your pattern before you start a row, not after you've already slipped three stitches the wrong way.

A third mistake is inserting your needle in the wrong direction. Slipping knitwise when you meant to slip purlwise will twist your stitch and throw off the edge. If you're unsure, pause and double-check the pattern. It takes five seconds and saves you from ripping back later.

When to slip stitches in real patterns

The most common instruction is "slip 1 purlwise" at the start of every row. This creates what's called a chain edge—a neat, finished-looking border on both sides of your work. You'll see this in scarves, blankets, and garments where the edge matters. Do this for every row, and by the time you bind off, you'll have a professional-looking selvage.

Patterns also use slip stitches to set up decreases. For example, "slip 1 knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over" creates a left-leaning decrease. The slip stitch doesn't stay as a stitch—it's part of the decrease technique. Other patterns use slip stitches to move stitches around without changing them, or to create texture by slipping multiple stitches in a row.

Practice tips for smooth slipping

Start by practicing on a straightforward garter stitch scarf. Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise with yarn in front. After a few rows, you'll see the chain edge forming. This repetition builds muscle memory so the motion becomes automatic.

Keep your tension consistent. Slipped stitches should look the same size as your knit and purl stitches. If they're too loose, tighten slightly as you slip. If they're too tight, relax your grip. The goal is a smooth, even edge that doesn't pucker or flare.

If you're working from a pattern that uses slip stitches for texture or decreases, read the full instruction before you start. Knowing whether the slip stitch is temporary (part of a decrease) or permanent (part of the final fabric) helps you understand what you're doing and why.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between slipping knitwise and purlwise?

Slipping knitwise inserts your needle left to right and twists the stitch slightly. Slipping purlwise inserts your needle right to left and keeps the stitch in its original position. Most patterns ask for purlwise, especially for edge stitches, because it creates a neater look.

Do I always slip the first stitch of every row?

Not always—it depends on your pattern. Many patterns do call for it to create a chain edge, but some don't. Always check your pattern instructions. If it doesn't mention slipping, knit or purl the first stitch normally.

What if I slip a stitch by accident?

If you slip when you meant to knit, your edge will look uneven. You can usually keep going and fix it later, or you can put the stitch back on your left needle and knit it properly. Either way, it's not a disaster—just a learning moment.

Can I slip multiple stitches in a row?

Yes. Some patterns call for slipping two, three, or more stitches in a row, usually as part of a texture pattern or to set up a decrease. Follow your pattern's instructions for how many to slip and in which direction.

Why does my slipped edge look loose?

Slipped stitches can look looser than knit stitches because the yarn isn't pulled through them. This is normal. If the edge is too loose, tighten your tension slightly as you slip. If it's still loose after binding off, you can gently tighten it by hand or with a tapestry needle.