The process of crocheting is considered to be a fascinating activity, upon completion of which you can get delicate and airy beautiful products. Both experienced and novice craftswomen are able to create sliding loops. At the same time, there are several different options from which it is possible to choose the best one for the needlewoman.
Advantages of the Slip Stitch Crochet
The slip knot used in the knitting process was invented by the Japanese. In specialized handicraft publications, this technique is called the amigurumi circle. In Japanese art, amigurumi is considered a certain branch. This creative direction is in high demand not only in Japan, but also in the Scandinavian countries, France, Germany and China.
Initially, this technique, unlike other types of handicrafts, was not a creative direction intended for the upper classes. Amigurumi was in high demand among the common people and poor artisans. However, today this style has become more popular than before.
The knitting knot allows you to start working in a circle, so it is a kind of basis for creating a chain of fragments in a circle. It is also permissible to do the work in a different style, for example, using air loops. But the amigurumi ring is considered more popular because it helps to form a strong, invisible and correctable initial knot.
Sliding loop crochet (for beginners this technique is easy to perform) is often used in the figure style, when it is necessary to form decorative objects in the form of foliage or inflorescences. At the same time, this method helps to design other details, as well as to create full-fledged one-piece clothing.
The ring can be made with knitting needles, but a crochet hook is often used. This is because this tool is more convenient for knitting slip knots than knitting needles. In this case, the result will be achieved 100%.
Advantages of a sliding knot made with a hook:
- the size of the node can be adjusted at your own discretion;
- makes it possible to keep a small hole or leave the inner ring without a hole;
- Unlike the standard first knot, which immediately receives its size after the second knot is formed, the parameters of the sliding element can be corrected even if the product is completely knitted.
Crocheting is considered an exciting process because it allows you to create delicate, airy and elegant products. It is easy to make a slip knot, and there are several different ways, among which you can choose the most convenient and optimal one at your own discretion.
Any type of thread and tools can be used for knitting. There are no exact restrictions, so you can independently determine the type of material, relative to the task at hand. However, it is advisable to use a thin, small-sized tool. It is not recommended to take dense, large, thick yarn containing small pile for work. This is due to the fact that this material is problematic to knit.
When knitting a large item or designing a composition using the large knitting technique, it is permissible to use any yarn with a hook. However, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort to design the sliding knots. In the absence of much experience, it is not advisable to experiment with such materials, so it is better to start with something simple to get your hand in and then proceed to more complex tasks.
Features of choosing materials with tools:
- Knitting hook. It is advisable to use a tool whose size will be half that stated on the package with threads. As a result, the knitting will be stronger. The edge of the tool should not be very rounded or pointed. The cutout of the tool should not be small.
- Threads. For beginners, medium-thickness acrylic or cotton yarn is suitable. The shade can be any. Wool, textured or very thin yarn can distort or spoil the knitted elements.
Products created using the Japanese amigurumi technique are characterized by cylindrical or spherical fragments that need to be sewn together and stuffed with soft filler. Elements that are intended to create animals, dolls or amigurumi figures must be filled with holofiber or other material that is suitable for stuffing. The knitting must be tight so that the stuffing material does not come out. In this regard, it is necessary to correctly design the ring of the initial row.
Any diagram of each individual part of the product will begin with a Japanese loop, presented as a composition of a slip knot and single crochets. Due to this, the product will not have unwanted holes that prevent the stuffing material from coming out.
There are 2 main methods for creating an amigurumi ring, differing in the number of turns of yarn - 1 or 2 turns. When choosing a method, it is necessary to take into account the thickness and texture of the threads used, the size of the tool, as well as the purpose of the future thing.
Sliding loops can be used to create various things:
| Products | Features of style |
| Toys | Products created in the amigurumi style must be knitted in a circular pattern. Each part must be created separately, then sewn or secured together. Due to the sliding loops, the product will retain its shape, and the filling will not come out through the hole from which the knitting began. |
| Rattles | To create a rattle, you will need a plastic egg-shaped form. Inside, you need to place 2 beads or dry beans to create noise when playing with the toy. Then you need to tie the product with bright yarn and make a handle. |
| Sling beads | To decorate the product, wooden beads must be tied with colored yarn. Initially, you need to create a sliding knot, after which the knitting process should proceed in a circular pattern, gradually adding loops. |
| Hats | Any type of yarn is suitable for decorating the hat. The main thing is to start with a sliding loop. After that, the work should be done in a circle with alternating air knots and double crochets for summer models or with the use of continuous knitting for winter options. |
Slip stitch crochet
A sliding loop crochet for beginners can be done in several ways. When familiarizing yourself with the features of each method, you can choose the method that will be the easiest to perform. This knot allows you to make a strong, invisible and adjustable circle.
The first way
A crochet slip stitch made in this way is considered easier to perform, so it is suitable for beginners. Any type of thread and tools can be used for knitting, because there are no special restrictions. However, it is recommended to prepare a thin hook. The yarn should not be thick and should not have any pile. Otherwise, it will take a lot of time to make loose knots.
Step by step description:
- Hold the free edge in your left hand. Wrap the working yarn around your index finger.
- Insert the tool under the material located on the thumb. The knitting tool should be inserted from right to left. Turn the tool clockwise.
- Take the yarn and pass it through the created knot.
- At the end, a free loop should be formed, which can be knitted with columns and tightened according to the pattern. Afterwards, you can tighten the free edges.
This method is completed in 1 turn.
For a more accurate understanding of the technique, after creating a sliding knot, you need to:
- Insert the tool into the circle, grabbing the working yarn coming from the skein and passing it in front of the loose knot. As a result, a loop should form on the tool.
- Grab the working yarn and pass it through the knot formed, then tighten. This will form a loop that acts as the original column in the Japanese circle.
- Insert the hook into the free loop, secure the working yarn and pull it through the circle. As a result, 2 air knots should be formed.
- Pass the working material through 2 loops to form a single crochet. Make the required number of single crochets, which should be at least 6.
- Remove the ring from your finger and pull the end of the yarn to tighten the slip knot. An arc should form.
- Join the starting column with the last one to complete the starting row of the circle.
Knitting in one turn does not take much time and effort, and the circle is easy to tighten. However, this style will not allow knitting on thin yarn, and after numerous washes of the item, these loops will unravel or become loose.
This method of creating a free loop is considered universal and easy, so it is suitable for experienced and novice needlewomen. However, other options for creating this element with a crochet hook stand out.
The second way
Sliding loop crochet for beginners requires craftswomen to be careful in their actions and attentive, so that there is no confusion. Initially, this option will be difficult to perform, but with the acquisition of experience, everything will work out the first time.
Operating algorithm:
- Place the free edge of the material in your left hand and wrap it around your index finger.
- Using bottom-up movements, wrap the working yarn around your thumb.
- Insert the tool into the formed loop from below and grab the yarn.
- Thread the thread through the loop to tie the knot. This will create a loose loop.
This knitting option is quick to perform, but requires accuracy and attention from the craftswoman. If the rules are not followed, the material may be damaged.
The third way
A slip stitch crochet for beginners can be done in 2 turns. However, this technique is rarely used due to its complexity.
Step by step instructions:
- Wrap the index finger twice with yarn.
- After removing, hold the circle with your left middle and thumb fingers.
- Grab the material with the tool and pull it through the circle.
- Grab the yarn to pull through the loop formed.
The method of forming a double knot is required for some knitting styles. It is difficult to create a loop in this technique, so some craftswomen are unable to perform this task. This may be due to the fact that many only wrap the finger once. When working in this knitting style, the knot must be firmly fixed so that in the future the circle does not weaken and unravel.
When creating a sliding loop using the double turn principle, it is necessary to knit a knot later. When the loop is created, this element must be put on the tool. Then it is necessary to grab the working yarn and pull it through the previously formed circle.
Work scheme:
- After pulling the working yarn through the circle, place it back on the head of the tool to knit the initial loop.
- Start knitting a single crochet. Additionally, perform processing around the ring.
- Then, knit the required number of columns according to the selected pattern. The loops should be free and loose. This is required so that in the future it will be permissible to stretch them slightly.
- After finishing knitting the columns, tighten the knot slightly by pulling the free edge of the yarn. If you cannot perform this movement smoothly, first pull one thread, then its end.
The double turn technique allows using a thin type of thread, while the center of the product will not unravel after stretching and numerous washings. The only disadvantage of this method is the complex process of creating a sliding loop.
Tips for Beginners
Useful tips for beginners:
- For a smoother product, it is recommended to use thin threads. However, this type of yarn can easily break during the tightening process. Thick yarn fits well to each other.
- It is recommended to use a small tool for work so that the knitting is tight and does not create various holes through which the stuffing material will crawl out. If the threads indicate the size of the tool from 3.5 to 4, it is advisable to use a hook of size 1.75 or 2 for the product.
- To create a loop, there should be at least 7 cm left to the edge of the yarn. The working material should always be behind the loop.
- Beginner needlewomen should knit counterclockwise. With experience and mastery of simple techniques, the work can be done in a way that is comfortable. Some needlewomen initially knit several rows counterclockwise, then turn the piece inside out and knit clockwise.
- Regarding the chosen method, to form a free loop, it is recommended to wrap the material around the index or middle and index fingers 1 or 2 times. If the size of the formed circle is slightly larger than necessary, the ring will be tightened upon completion of the work. In this regard, no manipulations are required.
- When choosing a tool, it is advisable to pay attention to the sharpness of the head. If it is sharp, you can hurt your fingers during work. If the head is very round, it will be problematic to insert the tool into the loops. For work, it is advisable to use a tool that resembles a rounded cone in shape. Beginners should use a hook without handles so that they can feel how much the loop stretches. If there are handles, sensitivity will decrease.
- The Japanese ring must be knitted in a spiral, making decreases and increases within the spiral row. In this regard, it is recommended to mark the beginning of the second row with contrasting yarn or a pin. Thanks to this, you can avoid confusion in the order of creating rows. It is also recommended to highlight decreases and increases so that there is no confusion in the spiral rows.
Sliding loops are suitable if you need to create a decorative element. With this knitting method, you can get leaves, flowers and other figured details. You can also crochet a sweater or scarf from individual rings. Such clothes will look fashionable and stylish.
The main task for beginner craftswomen is considered to be precise adherence to a certain technology and careful execution of all manipulations. As a result, the loops will not unravel, and the desired result will be achieved.
Video about crochet slip stitch
How to make a slip stitch with a crochet hook: