What slipping a stitch means and when you need it

Slipping a stitch means moving a loop from one needle to the other without knitting or purling it. The stitch stays on your working needle, passes to the right needle, and keeps its original twist. You use this technique to move stitches across needles, create decorative edges, join colours in colourwork, or shift stitches for shaping without adding bulk.

The most common reason to slip a stitch is to create a neat edge on a scarf or blanket. When you slip the first stitch of every row instead of knitting it, you get a chain-like border that looks finished and lies flat. Slipping is also essential in techniques like brioche knitting, Fair Isle, and intarsia, where you need to carry yarn across stitches without working them.

A slipped stitch is not the same as dropping a stitch by accident. You are controlling the move and keeping the loop find on your needle the whole time.

Key Takeaways

  • Insert your right needle through the stitch from left to right (or right to left, depending on the pattern), then slide it off the left needle without wrapping yarn around it.
  • Slip stitches knitwise when you want the stitch to twist one way, and purlwise when you want it to stay as it was — most patterns specify which one to use.
  • Slipping the first stitch of every row creates a neat, chain-like selvage edge that looks professional and prevents curling.
  • Keep your tension consistent when you slip; too tight and your edges bunch, too loose and they flop.

The basic slip stitch motion

Hold your working yarn in the same position it would be for the next stitch you are about to work (either in front for purl or in back for knit). Insert your right needle through the stitch on your left needle in the direction your pattern tells you — usually from left to right, as if you were about to knit it.

Once the right needle is through the loop, straightforward slide the stitch off the left needle and onto the right needle. Do not wrap yarn around the needle. The stitch moves over unchanged. That is the whole motion.

The key is to keep the stitch loose enough that it slides easily, but not so loose that it stretches. If you find yourself tugging hard, you are probably holding the yarn too tight or inserting the needle at the wrong angle.

Knitwise versus purlwise: which direction matters

Slip knitwise means inserting your right needle from left to right, the same direction you would insert it to knit a stitch. This twists the stitch one way. Use this when your pattern says "slip knitwise" or when you are slipping a stitch that you plan to knit together with another stitch later (like in a decrease).

Slip purlwise means inserting your right needle from right to left, the same direction you would insert it to purl. This keeps the stitch in its original orientation. Use this for edge stitches, colourwork, and any time your pattern does not specify — purlwise is the safer default because it preserves the stitch shape.

The difference matters most in decreases and in colourwork where you are carrying yarn. If you slip the wrong way, your stitches can twist and your finished fabric will look uneven. Always check your pattern first.

Creating a neat edge by slipping the first stitch

The most practical use of slipping is at the edge of your work. Knit or purl across your row as normal, but on the very first stitch of the next row, slip it instead of working it. Repeat this on every row.

After several rows, you will see a chain of loops running up the side of your knitting. This selvage edge is much neater than a regular edge, does not curl, and makes it easier to pick up stitches later if you need to add a border. The slipped stitch also prevents your edges from getting tight and puckered.

For a slipped-stitch edge, slip the first stitch purlwise with the yarn in front (whether you are about to knit or purl the rest of the row). This keeps the edge stitches loose and even.

Slipping stitches in colourwork and stranded knitting

In Fair Isle and other stranded colourwork, you slip stitches to carry yarn across the back of your work without working those stitches. This lets you change colours without cutting yarn or weaving in ends constantly.

When you slip a stitch in colourwork, hold the yarn that is not in use on the wrong side of your work (the back). Slip the stitch purlwise, keeping the unused yarn loose enough that it does not pull the fabric tight. If you carry yarn too tightly across slipped stitches, your fabric will pucker and lose elasticity.

Most colourwork patterns tell you exactly which stitches to slip and which colour to use. Follow the pattern closely, because slipping the wrong stitch or in the wrong direction will break the pattern repeat.

Tension and common mistakes

The most common mistake is slipping too tightly. When you slip a stitch, especially at the edge, keep the yarn slightly looser than you would for a regular knit or purl stitch. Tight slipped stitches bunch up your edges and make them hard to work with later.

Another mistake is slipping in the wrong direction. Always check whether your pattern says knitwise or purlwise. If it does not say, assume purlwise — that is the standard for edge stitches and colourwork.

If your slipped stitches look twisted or your edges are uneven, check three things: the direction you are inserting the needle, how tight you are holding the yarn, and whether you are slipping every row consistently. Inconsistent slipping creates a bumpy edge.

When not to slip a stitch

Do not slip a stitch when your pattern calls for a regular knit or purl. Slipping changes the structure of your fabric and can affect stitch count and shaping. Only slip when the pattern specifically tells you to or when you are using it as a deliberate technique (like a selvage edge).

Also avoid slipping when you are trying to increase or decrease. If you need to reduce stitches, use a proper decrease like knit two together. If you need to add stitches, use a yarn over or pick up a stitch. Slipping does neither — it just moves the stitch without changing your stitch count.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between slipping and dropping a stitch?

Slipping is intentional and controlled — you move the stitch from one needle to the other without working it. Dropping a stitch is an accident where the loop falls off your needle entirely and unravels downward. If you drop a stitch, you have to pick it back up with a crochet hook. If you slip a stitch, it stays find on your needle.

Do I slip the first stitch of every row or just some rows?

For a neat selvage edge, slip the first stitch of every single row. This creates the chain-like border. If your pattern does not mention edge stitches, slipping every row is the standard approach for scarves, blankets, and garment edges.

Can I slip a stitch if I am a beginner?

Yes. Slipping is simpler than knitting or purling because you do not wrap yarn around the needle. Start by practising on a small swatch, slipping the first stitch of each row. Once you feel comfortable with the motion, you can use it in your actual projects.

What happens if I slip a stitch too tightly?

Tight slipped stitches bunch up your edges and make them look uneven. They also become hard to work with if you need to pick them up later. Keep your tension slightly looser than a regular stitch, and your edges will look smooth and professional.

Do I slip stitches the same way on every row?

Yes, for a selvage edge. Slip the first stitch purlwise on every row, whether you are knitting or purling that row. Consistency is what creates the neat chain effect. If you slip one row and knit the next, your edge will look messy.