techniques: make a slipknot
Welcome to the first post in our new Techniques series on the Quince blog. Our goal for this series is to provide illustrated, step-by-step information on knitting techniques, from beginner tips like making a slip knot and casting on, to more intermediate techniques and various knitting methods, covered in depth.
Links to our Techniques posts will be included in Quince patterns under the Helpful Tips section whenever they apply. Our vision is to provide this information to knitters immediately at hand and clickable directly from your Quince pattern. Enjoy!
There are several different ways to cast on. We like the long-tail cast on because it’s easy to do and makes a stable, tidy edge. The long-tail cast on begins with a slipknot, which secures the yarn on the needle and counts as the first stitch.
Here we'll explain that first step—making a slipknot.
How to make a slipknot
From the tail end of your yarn ball, measure out about an inch for every stitch you’ll cast on, and a few extra inches for good measure. At this point on your strand, make your first stitch, a slipknot, to secure the yarn to the needle.
a. Make a smallish loop, about the size of a silver dollar, overlapping the tail end on the working yarn.
b. Reach through the loop and grab the tail.
c. Pull it through the loop.
d. Holding the loop just pulled through, pull gently on the yarn ends until the pulled-loop shrinks a little. This is your slipknot.
e. Put the slipknot on your needle. Snug the knot by gently pulling on both ends.
You are now ready to cast on.
Looking for other techniques covered here on the Quince blog? View all of our Techniques
And for fun, an animated GIF version of the illustrations above:
