Surface slip stitch (sl st) is a decorative crochet technique you can use to outline shapes, add details, or create overlay designs on finished crochet fabric. I often use it in my crochet squares to highlight motifs in the center. Below are a few simple tips for starting and finishing your surface stitches cleanly, I hope you find them helpful.
How to Begin
Hold the yarn behind your work.
Insert the hook from front to back through the fabric, catch the yarn, and pull up a loop to the front.
Working the Surface Slip Stitch
*Insert the hook into the next stitch from front to back, yarn over, and pull up a loop through the fabric and the loop on your hook.
Repeat from * around, ending in the last stitch.
How to Finish Seamlessly
To close the round invisibly:
- Cut the yarn and pull the tail to the right side.
- Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle.
- Insert the needle under both loops of the first stitch (side to side).
- Then insert the needle down through the center of your last stitch and pull it to the wrong side.
This creates a smooth, continuous finish that blends perfectly with the rest of your stitches.
Now weave in your ends... and you’re done!
Below is a short video walking you through each step. Have fun adding beautiful surface details to your projects.
