Crochet Class 3: Slip Knots and Chaining Made Easy!

Hi, I'm Christa from Secret Yarnery, and I’m so glad you’re here!

If you’re just getting started with crochet or looking for a refresher on the basics, welcome to Crochet Class 3—where we dive into the first magical steps of turning yarn into beautiful, handmade projects. Whether you're picking up a hook for the very first time or coming back after a break, this class is all about making those first stitches feel easy, fun, and totally doable.

In this lesson, we’re learning how to make a slip knot and start chaining—the foundation of nearly every crochet project. So grab your yarn, your favorite hook, and let’s hook along together!

To follow along with this class, you’ll need just a few simple things:

• Yarn (I'm using a four-weight worsted acrylic)

• Crochet hook (I prefer a 6mm, but a 5mm or 5.5mm will also work perfectly)

• Comfortable place to sit and relax

Pro tip: Try to use a center-pull skein. It helps keep your stitches even and your yarn flowing smoothly. If you’re not sure how to find the center pull, don’t worry—I cover tips like this in my YouTube tutorials all the time!

The slip knot is the first stitch on your hook and the beginning of everything in crochet. I know it might feel a bit fiddly at first, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s as natural as turning on your favorite podcast.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Leave about 5 or 6 inches of tail (we’ll sew this in later).

2. Lay that tail over your non-dominant hand and hold it down with your thumb.

3. Wrap the yarn around two fingers to make an “X”.

4. Flip your hand over and poke the working yarn (that’s the yarn coming from your ball) under that “X” between your fingers.

5. Pull it up and gently slide that loop onto your crochet hook.

And just like that—you’ve got a slip knot! 🎉

Want to see it in action? Head over to this beginner-friendly video tutorial where I walk you through it step by step. I also show how to remove the slip knot, so no pressure—it’s all part of the process!

Now that your slip knot is on the hook, we can start chaining! This is where the fun really begins.

Here’s my method, which I like to keep relaxed and beginner-friendly:

• Hold the yarn however feels comfortable for you. (I hold mine in what I call a “crazy” way—hey, it works!)

• With your hook in the loop, push your hook down onto your working yarn.

• Bring the hook up to about 11:30 (or 12 o’clock).

• Rotate the hook so the toothy bit is facing your body.

• Slide that hook back through the loop on your hook.

• Gently let the new loop settle on the fatter part of your hook—this helps keep your stitches even and the right size.

And that’s one chain!

Repeat the motion: hook down, rotate, pull through, and slide back.

If you're chaining too tightly, it can be hard to work into those stitches later—so think relaxed and easy. Let the yarn glide, and don’t worry about being perfect. We’re all learning together.

• Move your fingers up every couple of chains to hold your work closer to the hook.

• Make sure your chain loops are resting on the shaft of your hook, not the skinny neck. That’s how you get even stitches.

• Don’t pull tight! This isn’t a tug-of-war—it’s a dance with yarn. 💃🧶

If you need a visual boost, check out the slow-motion section in my video tutorial on YouTube. I slow things down so you can follow each motion clearly and confidently.

For today’s class, just practice chaining until you have about 10 inches of stitches. They should all face the same direction and look about the same size. This is your crochet foundation—getting comfortable here sets you up for success.

Want to get a head start on the next class? Go ahead and make a chain that’s about 36 inches (90 cm) long. This will prep you perfectly for what’s coming next in our crochet adventure!

No stress. Seriously. If your chain looks a little wonky or you feel like you “messed up,” just frog it—that’s crochet-speak for pulling your work out—and start again. No yarn wasted. No pressure.

Crochet is forgiving, and learning is part of the fun.

This was just the beginning! If you loved learning the slip knot and chaining, you’ll absolutely enjoy what comes next. In Class 4, we start working into the chain and really see our stitches take shape.

And if you haven’t yet, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a class. I release new videos regularly—everything from complete beginner tutorials to fun stitch-alongs, seasonal projects, and community challenges.

You can also visit Secret Yarnery for instant PDF pattern downloads, left- and right-handed tutorials, and loads of free crochet inspiration.

Crochet isn’t just a craft—it’s a cozy, creative journey. And whether you’re a brand new beginner or a seasoned yarn whisperer, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

So keep practicing that chain, stay relaxed, and remember—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about enjoying the process. 💛

Thanks for hooking along with me today in our crochet class for beginners. You’re doing amazing, and I can’t wait to see what you create next.

Until then—stay hooked!

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