Slip stitching is one of the simplest ways to accomplish a rather impressive-looking effect with your knitting project. It’s a technique where stitches are simply transferred from one needle to the other needle without working them. Doesn’t it sound “too simple” to be possible? Well, it is simple and effective. This knitting technique is used in multiple ways whether you are working with a pair of single-pointed needles or different lengths of circular needles for a project to be knit flat (back and forth). This is also for projects knit in the round, such as socks or sweaters with a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) or varying lengths of circulars.
Slip Stitching in Knitting
Slipped stitches can be used to create complex-looking patterns with minimal effort – It gets really interesting when you use more than one color! Slip stitch can look a lot like Fair Isle colourwork knitting but it’s much less work. Do take a look at the guide to the basics of Fair Isle knitting style to know more about the similarities and differences. In addition, slip-stitch knitting has a pleasing texture which makes it ideal for everything from an elegant scarf to a mundane washcloth.
The internet abounds with videos and tutorials which show you how to use your needle when transferring, but here’s a simple how-to: When doing the slip stitch, you most often are instructed to slip a stitch from one needle tip to the other by simply passing it over – left to right – without every knitting (or purling) it. That’s all there is to it: You merely transfer or pass a stitch from one needle to the other without working it.
There are slight variations: You can slip a stitch knit-wise (as if to knit) and purl-wise (as if to purl), and also hold the yarn at the front or the back of the work, to create different effects. (As the new knitter knows this means the direction in which you insert the right-hand needle into the stitch that is about to be worked.
If you are just doing this for the first time or you are a new knitter, you might wish to use bamboo needles to practice – just til you get the hang of it. Bamboo or wooden needles tend to “hold” a stitch a bit. One of the slight problems with slipping stitches is that they can fall off a needle in the transfer if worked with a slick metal needle. We also love these Basix needles that are made of birchwood for the same reason. This same method is used when working on the purl side. The pattern will (or should) always instruct you on how to slip. Sometimes, it will require you to place the yarn in front and sometimes in the back.
The Beautiful Effects of Slip Stitches in Knitting
Wait until you see what beautiful effects can be accomplished with this simple little slip stitch exercise. This pattern is currently one of the most popular online and while it may be best suited for an intermediate knitter, it would be easily done by anyone someone with a bit of practice in reading patterns and charts. All stitches are knit and purl so you just need to be a master of the basics.
Slip Stitching for Textured Fabric
Textured stitches in knitting work with a combination of knit ad purl stitches along with the slip stitches giving extra definition. From basic hats to shawls, you’ll find many pattern designers using the stitch technique to work on textured effects.
Slip Stitching in Colourwork Knitting
Colourwork knitting is an entire world of possibilities. Slip stitch is a technique to get started with knitting with colours in a project. If you explore further, you may run into another version of the slip stitch technique. It is called the Mosaic Stitch, and it was uncovered (or discovered) by Barbara Walker, an academic who made a brilliant study of the variety of stitches that can be accomplished with knitting. Along with Elizabeth Zimmerman, she is regarded as one of the godmothers of knitting.
Mosaic knitting is knitting with two colors - sometimes more than two - to create geometric shapes by slipping stitches. You can use garter stitch, stockinette stitch, or a combination of both for varied effects. Here’s a nice simple video that demonstrates the technique. Mosaic is a “version” of slip stitch knitting, but there is a difference.
In mosaic knitting patterns, the geometric effect is best achieved with high-contrast colors. You can work with any of your preferred knitting needles. You can work with bamboo or wood for a controlled flow of yarn to make stitches. Lightweight aluminum needles such as Zing are perfect for this type of work. The smooth metal tips on the needles are ideal for picking up and transferring stitches from one needle to the other. The points are distinct without being too sharp. Lots of people learn to knit on aluminum needles so this particular knitting needle is popular. If you are into the mindful practice of knitting, the Mindful Collection offers smooth stainless steel needles each carrying an inspiring word on the body. Here are examples of a few different mosaic knit designs to give you some idea of how distinctive it is. See why some people love to use squares like this for washcloths? It’s the texture. If you knit them in bright cotton, they are as durable as they are attractive.
Slip Stitching for Neat Edges
There are a variety fi stitches and techniques that work for neat edges. Think of blankets, scarfs or even the humble dishcloth. The basic slip stitch technique on both ends of a flat-knit pattern gives a smooth edge. You can refer to our previous guide on how to knit neat edges that do not curl.
Slip Stitching for Seamless Rounds
Seamless rounds in knitting are just a step easier with slip stitches. When it comes to joining the round, this technique gives you an almost invisible join. Whether it's a pair of socks or sweaters, slip stitches work effectively.
Talk about impact without unnecessary knitting stress! Be sure to try this technique out. It just might deepen your appreciation for the incredible versatility of knitting. With KnitPro’s widest range of knitting needles, crochet hooks and accessories, enjoy a smooth crafting experience.
