Lesson 2: How to Make a Slip Knot and Chain Stitch

Hello Lovely!
You’re doing so well. Now that you’re comfortable holding your hook and yarn, it’s time to learn your very first stitches — the slip knot and the chain stitch. These two are the foundation for nearly every crochet project you’ll ever make. 🌸

What You’ll Need

• Your yarn and crochet hook from Lesson 1
• Scissors
• A comfortable, well-lit space

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot

The slip knot is how you attach your yarn to your hook. It’s the first loop that begins your crochet journey.

1. Hold the end of your yarn (the tail) in your left hand.
2. Wrap the yarn over your fingers to make a loop.
3. Pull the working yarn (the strand connected to the yarn ball) through the loop using your fingers or the hook.
4. Tighten both ends gently to form a knot that slides easily on your hook.

Step 2: Crochet the Chain Stitch

The chain stitch (abbreviated “ch”) creates the base for almost every crochet pattern.

1. Hold your hook with the slip knot on it in your right hand.
2. With your left hand, hold the yarn a few inches from the hook to guide it.
3. Wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front — this is called a yarn-over.
4. Pull the yarn through the loop already on your hook — you’ve made one chain stitch!
5. Repeat this motion to make a row of even chains.

Practice Exercise

Try making 15–20 chain stitches in a row. Focus on keeping your tension even. When you’re done, gently stretch your chain — it should look neat and even, not too tight or twisted.

Next Lesson

Once you’ve mastered the slip knot and chain stitch, you’re ready for your first real stitch — the single crochet! It’s the stitch that turns chains into fabric.

Thanks Lovely, and happy crocheting!