Unraveling the Truth: Debunking the Myth of the Slip Stitch as a Knitting Stitch

As any avid knitter knows, mastering different stitch techniques is an essential skill in creating beautiful and unique pieces. One stitch that often sparks debate among the knitting community is the slip stitch. While some swear by its simplicity and versatility, others question whether it should even be considered a stitch at all. So, does the slip stitch count as a stitch in knitting? In this article, we’ll delve into this age-old question and explore the various perspectives surrounding it. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on to discover the truth behind this elusive knitting technique.

The Basics of Slip Stitch in Knitting

Slip stitch is a common technique used in knitting and is essential for creating intricate designs and patterns. It involves moving stitches from one needle to the other without knitting them. This creates a horizontal line, often used as a decorative element in various knitting projects.

Slip stitch is abbreviated as “sl st” in knitting patterns and can be done with either knit or purl stitches. It is quite easy to learn and can be used to create various textures, stripes, and colorwork designs.

How to Create Slip Stitches

To create slip stitches, simply insert your needle into the next stitch on your left-hand needle as if you were going to knit it, but instead, just slip it onto your right-hand needle without knitting it. The yarn stays behind the work throughout this process.

For a purl slip stitch, insert your right-hand needle into the next stitch on your left-hand needle as if you were purling it. Then slip the stitch onto your right-hand needle without actually purling it.

The Different Uses of Slip Stitch

Slip stitches have multiple uses in knitting projects, both practical and decorative. One of its main uses is for decreasing stitches. When you slip a stitch from one needle to the other without knitting or purling it, you are essentially creating an extra loop on your working yarn. This extra loop decreases one stitch from your total stitch count.

Slip stitches are also great for creating texture in knitted fabric. By slipping stitches on different rows and changing colors of yarn, you can create beautiful geometric designs and patterns.

You can also use slip stitches for seaming pieces together when finishing a project. Simply place the pieces side by side with right sides facing out and slip stitch through both pieces at once.

Does Slip Stitch Count as a Stitch in Knitting?

Now onto the question at hand. Does slip stitch count as a stitch in knitting? The simple answer is yes and no.

Yes, it counts as a stitch in terms of how many stitches you have on your needle. For example, if a pattern calls for 20 stitches and includes slip stitches, you would still have 20 stitches on your needle after working the slip stitches.

However, it does not count as a “worked” stitch. In other words, if you are following a pattern that requires you to knit or purl every stitch in a row, but there is also an instruction to slip a stitch, you would not actually knit or purl that slipped stitch. Therefore, it does not affect the overall appearance of the knitted fabric in terms of creating height or width.

Common Mistakes When Using Slip Stitch

As with any knitting technique, there are some common mistakes to watch out for when using slip stitches. One of the most common mistakes is accidentally knitting or purling the slipped stitch instead of just slipping it onto the right-hand needle.

Another mistake is misreading the pattern and treating slip stitches as worked stitches instead of just moving them from one needle to the other. This can create confusion and affect the overall appearance of your project.

Lastly, not paying attention to how many stitches are being slipped can result in an uneven number of slipped stitches and throw off any patterns or designs being created with those stitches.

The Advantages of Using Slip Stitch

Despite these possible mistakes, slip stitch has many advantages that make it worth incorporating into your knitting projects. It adds an extra dimension to any project through its ability to create interesting textures and designs.

Slip stitches also help with tension control by allowing for more stretch in certain areas where needed. They also provide stability for certain areas where you do not want any stretchiness, such as in a neckline or cuff.

Slip stitches are also useful for fixing mistakes. If you accidentally knit a stitch when you were supposed to slip it, simply work a decrease in the next row to eliminate that extra stitch and get back on track.

In summary, slip stitches are an essential and versatile knitting technique that can be used for both functional and decorative purposes. They are easy to learn but require careful attention to avoid common mistakes. And while they may count as a stitch in terms of numbers, they do not affect the overall appearance of the knitted fabric. So go ahead and explore the possibilities of slip stitch in your next knitting project!

Understanding the Slip Stitch in Knitting

The slip stitch is a commonly used technique in knitting that is used to create a variety of different designs and textures. While it may seem like a simple maneuver, the slip stitch can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your knit projects. In this section, we will delve into the fundamentals of the slip stitch and how it counts as a stitch in knitting.

What is the Slip Stitch?

The slip stitch is a technique where you move one or more stitches from your left needle to your right needle without actually knitting them. This creates an elongated or “slipped” stitch that can be used to create various patterns and textures. As its name suggests, this technique involves simply slipping stitches without working them in any way.

Slip stitches are commonly abbreviated as “sl st” in knitting patterns. They are often used to create design elements such as vertical columns, ridges, or even colorwork (as seen in mosaic knitting). Unlike other stitches like knit or purl which manipulate yarn to create new stitches, slip stitches use pre-existing stitches in different ways to create intricate patterns.

The Purpose of Counting Stitches

Before delving into whether slip stitches should be counted as actual stitches, it’s important to understand why counting stitches matters in knitting. When following a pattern, knowing how many stitches you have on your needle is essential for keeping track of your progress and ensuring your finished project turns out correctly.

Furthermore, counting stitches becomes crucial when shaping your work. Any increases or decreases need to be accurately tracked so that you end up with the correct number of remaining stitches for the next row or round. In this sense, counting each individual stitch accurately is crucial for achieving successful results.

Does The Slip Stitch Count As A Stitch In Knitting?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Allow us to explain: in traditional knitting, a stitch is created by wrapping yarn around the needle and pulling it through the loop on the other needle. However, when working a slip stitch, you simply pass the stitch from one needle to the other without any manipulations of yarn. This means that technically, slip stitches do not use yarn to create new stitches and therefore may not be counted as traditional stitches.

However, in knitting patterns, slip stitches are often referred to and treated as regular stitches. For example, if a pattern asks you to “slip 1 stitch,” you will count it as one of your total number of stitches. This is because although the slip stitch itself does not add an additional stitch, it still counts as a manipulation of an existing stitch (which is necessary for creating certain textures or design elements).

When Should You Count Slip Stitches As Regular Stitches?

In general, when working with slip stitches, it is best to count them as regular stitches unless otherwise specified in the pattern. This ensures that you maintain an accurate stitch count throughout your project and also helps keep things consistent across different patterns.

However, there may be some cases where slip stitches are not counted in order to achieve a specific effect or design element. This will usually be indicated in the pattern instructions as something along the lines of “do not include slipped stitches in total stitch count.”

In conclusion, while slip stitches do not technically add new stitches to your work like knit or purl stitches do, they are still essential for achieving certain textures and design elements. While they may not always be counted as regular stitches in knitting patterns, it is generally recommended to count them as such unless otherwise specified. Knowing how to accurately count your slip stitches will ensure your projects turn out exactly as intended and help you become a more proficient knitter. So the next time you come across a pattern that involves slip stitches, remember to count them as regular stitches and watch your project come to life!

1. Is the slip stitch considered as a stitch in knitting?

Yes, the slip stitch is counted as a stitch in knitting. It is used to create an extra loop on the needle which can be worked in later rows.

2. Can I skip counting the slip stitches in my knitting pattern?

No, you should always count slip stitches as they are an essential part of the pattern. Skipping or miscounting them can lead to mistakes and affect the overall outcome of your project.

3. Are there different types of slip stitches in knitting?

Yes, there are different variations of slip stitches such as slip knitwise, slip purlwise, and double slip stitch. Each has its own unique purpose and effect on the knitted fabric.

4. Do I need to include slips stitches when determining my gauge in knitting?

Yes, slip stitches should be included when determining your gauge as they are counted as actual stitches in your pattern. Not including them can result in a different size or shape of your finished project.

5. How do I create a slipped stitch when knitting?

To create a slipped stitch, simply insert your needle into the next stitch as if you were going to knit or purl it, but then slide it off onto your other needle without actually knitting or purling it.

6. Can I use a slipped stitch instead of knitting or purling a regular stitch?

No, a slipped stitch cannot replace a regular knit or purl stitch as it does not actually create a new stitich on the needle like regular knitting does. It is used for shaping and texture purposes in knitting patterns.

In conclusion, whether the slip stitch counts as a stitch in knitting is a widely debated topic among knitters. However, after examining various perspectives, it can be concluded that the slip stitch can be considered both as a stitch and not a stitch in knitting, depending on the context and purpose.

On one hand, the slip stitch is an essential technique used in knitting to create various patterns and textures. It involves moving a loop from one needle to the other without working it, resulting in a horizontal strand across the back of the work. In this sense, it can be considered as a stitch since it contributes to shaping and adding complexity to the knitted fabric.

On the other hand, some argue that since the slip stitch is not technically worked like other stitches by creating loops on the needle, it cannot be counted as a traditional stitch. Moreover, in terms of pattern instructions or counts for sizing purposes, it is often excluded from being counted as a stitch.

Despite these opposing views, what matters most in knitting is understanding and following pattern instructions correctly. Whether you count the slip stitch as a stitch or not ultimately depends on how a specific pattern defines it and what works best for you.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that while debates may continue about whether or not to count slip stitches

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.