Slip stitches are often thought of as simple joining stitches, but they can create some of the most beautiful knit-like textures in crochet. By working slip stitches into specific loops, you can transform your fabric to closely resemble classic knit stitches...from garter stitch ridges to ribbing and even purl-like textures.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through three slip stitch variations that mimic knit fabric: slip stitch in the front loop only (FLO), slip stitch in the back loop only (BLO), and a combination of FLO on the right side with BLO on the wrong side. Each technique produces a distinct texture while keeping the simplicity and structure of crochet.
Before we look at the stitch variations, it’s important to understand what it means to work into the front loop only (FLO) or the back loop only (BLO). Every crochet stitch has two top loops that form a “V” shape. By inserting your hook into just one of these loops instead of both, you change the structure and texture of the fabric.
BLO (Back Loop Only) – Insert your hook under the back loop of the stitch only (the loop farthest from you), leaving the front loop unworked.
FLO (Front Loop Only) – Insert your hook under the front loop of the stitch only (the loop closest to you), leaving the back loop unworked.
Crochet Garter Stitch (Slip Stitch in FLO)
One of the simplest ways to create a knit-look fabric with a crochet hook is by working slip stitches in the front loop only (FLO). This fabric develops soft horizontal ridges that closely resemble classic knit garter stitch.
This stitch pattern is fully reversible, meaning it looks the same on both the right side (RS) and wrong side (WS). The finished fabric is dense and warm, perfect for garments and accessories where you want both texture and coziness.
How to Work ss-FLO
Insert your hook under the front loop only (FLO) of the stitch, yarn over, and pull through all loops on the hook to complete the slip stitch. Repeat this across the row, and continue working slip stitches in FLO for every row.
When working slip stitch fabric, shaping and edge control are essential for maintaining a smooth, professional finish on your project. Here’s how to handle increases, decreases, and side stitches when working in slip stitch.
Slip Stitch Increase (ss-incr)
To increase, work into both loops of the same stitch: first, make 1 slip stitch in the back loop only (BLO), then make 1 slip stitch in the front loop only (FLO) of that same stitch. This creates two stitches from one, resulting in a single stitch increase.
Slip Stitch Decrease (ss-decr)
To decrease, insert the hook under the front loop only (FLO) of the next stitch, then insert the hook under the FLO of the following stitch (you will have three loops on your hook). Yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook to complete the decrease. This turns two stitches into one, resulting in a single stitch decrease.
Working into the Side Stitch
To maintain a clean, straight edge, work the last slip stitch of each row by inserting the hook under both the side loop of the turning chain and the front loop of the final stitch. Completing the stitch through both strands helps prevent gaps and keeps the edge neat and stable.
Below is a video that demonstrates ss-FLO in detail, including increases, decreases, and how to work into the side stitches for a polished finish.
Crochet Ribbing (Slip Stitch in BLO)
Working slip stitches in the back loop only (BLO) creates a beautifully flexible fabric that closely resembles knit ribbing. This technique produces a very elastic fabric, making it ideal for cuffs, hems, hat brims, and neckbands.
Like the crochet garter stitch variation, this stitch pattern is fully reversible; it looks the same on both the right side (RS) and wrong side (WS). That makes it especially useful for pieces where either side may show.
How to Work ss-BLO
Insert your hook under the back loop only (BLO) of the stitch, yarn over, and pull through all loops on the hook to complete the slip stitch. Repeat across the row, and continue working slip stitches in BLO for every row.
Shaping & Edges
Increases and decreases are worked in the same manner as described above (ss‑incr & ss‑decr). The only difference is that the final stitch of each row is also worked in BLO, consistent with the rest of the row.
The video below demonstrates this stitch variation in detail, including increases, decreases, and how to maintain clean edges.
Crochet Purl Ridge Stitch (Slip Stitch in BLO & FLO)
This variation combines both front-loop and back-loop slip stitches to create a fabric that resembles the knit purl ridge stitch. By working slip stitches in FLO on the right side (RS) and in BLO on the wrong side (WS), the fabric develops defined horizontal ridges with slightly wider spacing between them than in the garter stitch version.
Unlike the previous two variations, this stitch pattern is not reversible. The purl ridge texture is clearly defined on the right side only, while the wrong side has a smoother, less structured appearance.
How to Work Purl Ridge Stitch
Row 1 (RS): Slip stitch in FLO across.
Row 2 (WS): Slip stitch in BLO across.
Repeat Rows 1–2.
This alternating loop placement creates the characteristic raised ridge effect. The video below walks through this stitch in detail.
