Slip Stitch Knitting Patterns (Tips, Tricks & Free Patterns)
Slip stitch is one of our favourite knitting stitches! Working with slip stitch knitting patterns is an easy way to create striking designs and add a decorative element to your next knitting project. The good news is, this technique is not as complicated as it may seem and is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to try out a technique that creates a striking end result.
In this post today we explain what slip stitch knitting is, how it’s done, and share some free knitting patterns that you can use to create beautiful garments.
So read on and get inspired!
In this post…
What is Slip-Stitch Knitting?
Slip stitch is one of the knit stitches that can be used to create intricate designs in your knitting projects. The “slip” part refers to slipping the yarn between the stitches rather than knitting or purling them.
There are different variations of slip stitch knitting, but in most cases the yarn is always being pulled through the fabric rather than being picked up or put down to knit or purl a stitch.
This type of knitting is useful when you want an area of your knitting to stand out from the rest. It is great for creating geometric patterns or adding simple textures such as ribs or basket weave patterns to your knits. It is also an easy technique to master, making it a great choice for beginners.
To help inspire you and also encourage you in trying this out, we have included our favourite slip-stitch patterns
10 Stunning (& Free) Slip Stitch Knitting Patterns
We’ve found a free knitting pattern for shawls, blankets, hats, and gloves. Whatever you want to make, and no matter your skill level, we’ve found it in a slip stitch pattern. Without further ado, indulge in these stunning slip-stitch designs!
1. Slip Stitch Graphic Shawl by Lion Brand
Skill Level: Beginner
The Slip Stitch Graphic Shawl by Lion Brand is a show stopping shawl. It is made in contrasting black and white yarn that creates several bold patterns. The finished garment will be a stunning, stylish and definitely on trend shawl. You can experiment with different yarn colors, but we think black and white would give the best result.
2. Slip Stitch Cardigan by Caron
Skill Level: Beginner
The Slip Stitch Cardigan by Caron is easy and fun to make! It uses a 2-row slip stitch repeat pattern that creates a dynamic texture. The Slip Stitch Cardigan keeps you warm and looks amazing!
3. Shimmer Nights Slip Stitch Cardigan by Lion Brand
Skill Level: Advanced
Shimmer in the night with the Shimmer Nights Slip Stitch Cardigan by Lion Brand. This slip stitch knit cardigan is made with a fine weight yarn. The pattern creates a wonderful multicoloured geometric pattern that will make you stand out from the crowd!
4. Slip Stitch Blanket by Bernat
Skill Level: Beginner
Snuggle up with the Slip Stitch Blanket by Bernat. This is a luxuriously soft blanket made in a textured pattern that looks amazing displayed in your living room or your bedroom!
5. Basketweave And Slip Stitch Afghan by Lion Brand
Skill Level: Beginner
The Basketweave And Slip Stitch Afghan blanket by Lion Brand will be your favourite companion for a night in. This blanket is inspired by traditional Afghan blankets, and will help you get some practice in colorwork knitting. It features colourful squares and a textured appearance. Stay in tonight with the Basketweave blanket!
6. Slip Stitch Beret by Caron
Skill Level: Beginner
Knit hats, but in particulat berets are a chic addition to your winter wardrobe. The Slip Stitch Beret by Caron will soon become your funky favourite. It’s colourful, bold, and very fashionable!
7. Slip Stitch Lapghan by Lion Brand
Skill Level: Advanced
The Slip Stitch Lapghan blanket by Lion Brand is made with a medium weight yarn in a slip stitch. The Lapghan blanket features a range of different colours and patterns. It will certainly be a challenge to make this beautiful blanket, but you won’t regret it! This blanket will transform your interior with its extraordinary patterns.
8. Let It Slip Knit Blanket by Bernat
Skill Level: Intermediate
Let it Slip Knit Blanket by Bernat is a mosaic blanket made in a slip stitch. Despite the beautifully intricate mosaic knitting pattern, this colourful blanket is actually surprisingly easy to make! Definitely one to try in the chunky blankets category!
9. Fantasy Shawl by Schachenmayr
Skill Level: Intermediate
The Fantasy Shawl by Schachenmayr free pattern is a beautiful, large shawl made with a combination of slip and brioche stitch. Take on the winter months in style and live your fantasy with the Fantasy Shawl.
10. Headband and Fingerless Gloves by Lion Brand
Skill Level: Beginner
Accessorise to your heart’s content! The Headband and Fingerless Gloves by Lion Brand will keep your fingers and head nice and warm all winter long. The colorwork pattern will help you create a set that’s a little different than what you are used to, but super stylish nonetheless.
Video Tutorial: Simple Slip Stitch
To help you better understand this technique, especially if you have never tried it before, below we’re sharing a tutorial video from NobleKnits where she shows the simple technique to create slipped stitches, by knitting up a small swatch.
You can clearly see the right side, as well as back of the work here to see the specific pattern and texture created with slip stitch.
For this demonstration a skein of worsted weight yarn is used, alongside a pair of size 8 9″ bamboo knitting needles. Watch below for specific instructions to follow along.
When should you use slip stitch in knitting?
As a versatile stitch, it can be used for a variety of different purposes when knitting, including:
- If you want to join two pieces of knitting together, slip stitch is a good choice. It creates a nearly invisible seam that can be easily sewn or knitted.
- If you are working with a delicate or lightweight fabric, slip stitch can help to reinforce it and prevent it from stretching out of shape.
- If you want to create a border around a piece of fabric, slip stitch is an ideal choice. It can be worked in conjunction with other stitches to create different effects.
- If you want to add interest to a plain fabric, slip stitch can be used to create textured effects.
How to choose the right yarn for slip stitch knitting
No matter what knitting project you have in mind, choosing the right yarn is essential. The wrong yarn can make even the most beautiful pattern look messy and unfinished.
But with so many different types and brands of yarn on the market, how do you know which one is right for your project?
When it comes to slip stitches, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, because slip stitch knitting involves moving stitches around on the needle, you’ll want to choose a working yarn that has good stitch definition. This means that the individual stitches will be clearly visible, even when they’re moved around.
Second, because slip stitch patterns often involve multiple colours of yarn, you’ll want to choose a yarn that has good colorfastness. This means that the colours won’t bleed into each other when they’re wet or stretched.
Final tips before you go!
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
- When working with slip stitches, it’s important to use a firm tension so that your stitches don’t become loose and sloppy.
- To create a nice, even edge on your work, try using a smaller needle size for slip stitch knitting than you would for regular stockinette stitch.
- If you’re looking to add color to your work using slip stitches, be sure to use a contrast color that will really stand out against the background fabric.
- Slip stitch knitting can also be used as a way to add texture to your work. For example, you could try slip stitch purlwise for a bumpy effect, or slip stitch knitwise for a more ridged texture.
We hope you’ve enjoyed these stunning slip stitch patterns! If you’re looking to experiment with a new stitch, look no further than these patterns! They’re all so beautiful it’ll be hard to choose your favourite pattern.
Jump into your next knitting project with tips in hand and easy knitting patterns to choose from!
Until next time, happy knitting.
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