What slipping a stitch means and why you do it
Slipping a stitch means moving a loop from your left needle to your right needle without knitting or purling it. The loop stays on the needle but shifts one position to the right, and the working yarn stays where it is. You use this move to create a neat edge, to set up decreases, to carry yarn up the side of your work, or to move stitches around without changing their structure.
The most common reason to slip a stitch is to make your edge stitches look finished and even. When you slip the first stitch of every row instead of knitting it, the edge becomes a clean vertical line rather than a bumpy chain. Slipped stitches also appear in patterns where you need to move a stitch without working it — for example, when you are setting up a decrease that will happen on the next row.
Key Takeaways
- Slip a stitch by inserting your right needle through the loop on your left needle and sliding it off without wrapping yarn around it.
- Slip stitches knitwise (the way you would knit) when you plan to knit the stitch later, and purlwise (the way you would purl) when you plan to purl it or leave it alone.
- Slipping the first stitch of every row creates a neat, finished edge that looks professional and is easier to pick up later if you need to add stitches.
- Keep your tension consistent when you slip — too tight and your edge will pucker, too loose and it will look sloppy.
How to slip a stitch knitwise
Knitwise means you slip the stitch the same way you would knit it. Insert your right needle through the loop from left to right, as if you were about to knit. Instead of wrapping yarn and pulling through, straightforward slide the loop off your left needle and onto your right needle. The stitch moves one position to the right, and your working yarn stays in the back of your work.
Use knitwise slips when the stitch will be knitted later or when you are setting up a left-leaning decrease. The stitch keeps its original orientation, so it will knit the same way it did before. This is the most common slip direction in everyday knitting.
How to slip a stitch purlwise
Purlwise means you slip the stitch the same way you would purl it. Insert your right needle through the loop from right to left, as if you were about to purl. Slide the loop off your left needle without wrapping yarn. Your working yarn stays in front of your work.
Use purlwise slips when the stitch will be purled later, or when you want to twist the stitch slightly without changing its appearance. Purlwise slips are also used in some edge techniques and in patterns where you need to move a stitch without altering its structure. Many knitters slip the first stitch of a row purlwise to create a smooth edge, because the motion feels more natural at the start of a row.
Slipping the first stitch for a neat edge
The most practical use of slipped stitches is creating a finished edge. On every row, slip the first stitch purlwise instead of knitting or purling it. This creates a chain-like edge that looks neat and professional. The edge stitches sit in a vertical line rather than spreading out or bunching.
Keep your tension even when you slip. If you pull too tight, the edge will pucker and curl. If you slip loosely, the edge will look loose and uneven. A medium, consistent tension is the goal. After you slip the first stitch, work the rest of the row normally. On the return row, slip the first stitch again the same way.
This technique works on stockinette, garter stitch, and most other patterns. The slipped-stitch edge is especially useful when you plan to pick up stitches later — the chain edge gives you clear places to insert your needle, and the edge looks intentional rather than accidental.
Slipping stitches in decreases and pattern work
Many decrease techniques require you to slip one or more stitches before working them. A common example is the slip-slip-knit (SSK) decrease, where you slip two stitches knitwise one at a time, then insert your left needle through both and knit them together. This creates a left-leaning decrease that mirrors a knit-two-together decrease on the other side of your work.
Patterns will tell you whether to slip knitwise or purlwise, and how many stitches to slip. Always follow the pattern instruction, because the direction matters for how the decrease will look. Slipping the wrong way can make the decrease lean the opposite direction or twist unexpectedly.
You may also slip stitches to move them temporarily without working them — for example, when a pattern says to slip three stitches to a cable needle, work the next three stitches, then work the slipped stitches. This rearranges the order without changing the stitch structure.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is pulling too tight when you slip. This happens because slipping feels like an extra step, and many knitters unconsciously tighten their tension. The result is an edge that puckers or curls. To fix this, consciously relax your hand slightly when you slip the first stitch. Your tension should feel the same as when you knit or purl normally.
Another mistake is slipping the wrong direction. If a pattern says to slip knitwise and you slip purlwise, the stitch will twist and may not work correctly in the next row. Read the pattern carefully, and if it does not specify, knitwise is usually the default. When in doubt, slip knitwise.
A third mistake is forgetting to slip consistently. If you slip the first stitch of some rows but not others, your edge will look uneven. Make it a habit: slip the first stitch of every row, every time. After a few rows, it becomes automatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between slipping knitwise and purlwise?
Knitwise means you insert your needle the way you would knit — left to right. Purlwise means you insert it the way you would purl — right to left. The direction determines how the stitch sits on the needle. Use knitwise when the stitch will be knitted later, and purlwise when it will be purled or when you want a smooth edge.
Do I slip on every row or just some rows?
That depends on what you are doing. For a neat edge, slip the first stitch of every single row. For decreases and pattern work, follow the pattern instructions — some patterns ask you to slip on certain rows only. Always read your pattern carefully.
Why does my edge look loose when I slip stitches?
You are probably slipping too loosely. Keep your tension the same as when you knit or purl. The working yarn should be snug against the stitch as it moves to the right needle. If the edge is still loose after you tighten up, you may be pulling the working yarn too far away from the needle.
Can I slip a stitch if the pattern does not mention it?
Yes. Slipping the first stitch of every row to create a neat edge works on almost any pattern and is considered good practice. Many experienced knitters do this automatically. However, do not slip stitches in places where the pattern does not call for it, because it can change how the pattern looks or how stitches line up.
What does "slip as if to knit" mean in a pattern?
It means slip knitwise — insert your needle left to right, the way you would knit. Some patterns spell this out to be clear about direction. If a pattern just says "slip", knitwise is the standard assumption.