Surface Slip Stitch (abbreviated surface sl st)

Surface slip stitch is a decorative stitch used to create designs on the surface of a crocheted project. It’s created by pulling loops up through the fabric from the wrong side to the right side and then through the loop on your hook. This makes a series of V stitches or chains along the top of the work. You can have fun putting free-form designs on your work with surface slip stitches or strategically using them to add interest.

Note: Crochet does not have standardized naming conventions for special stitches. Designers may call stitches by whatever name they prefer. For this reason, it is difficult to search online for how a particular special stitch is created. Another reason it is hard to find the “correct” way to work a particular special stitch is because each designer might work a special stitch in their own unique way. Be sure to follow the directions stated in your pattern for how to work the stitch.

Begin by making a slip knot and placing it behind the fabric. Insert the hook into the crocheted fabric from the front to the back and place the slip knot on the hook, then pull a loop through to the front. Insert the hook from the front to the back and pull a loop to the front side and through the loop on the front of the fabric to create a surface slipped stitch.

Work these stitches loosely as you don’t want to cause puckering or restrict the fabric.

You can now place surface slip stitches in any direction on the fabric -- in straight lines or curves. Continue working as your pattern states or as you desire.

When you are done, cut the yarn, remove the loop from your hook, insert the hook from the back to the front a short distance away, and pull the loop to the back side, then pull the yarn tail through the loop. Weave in the ends to secure them.