Crocheting Slip Stitches / Crocheting a Knit Look

Dear community,
what do you use slip stitches for?

Hey there :)

Slip stitches are actually very versatile.
I’ve used them myself in various projects.

With amigurumi, for example, to make certain areas a bit narrower or to create ear tips by connecting a picot stitch back to the actual spot with a slip stitch.

With crocheted flowers, I’m currently using them again to shape the ends and beginnings of the petals.

For granny squares, I use a slip stitch to close out a row or round so that the join looks neat.

For shawls, you can create a very pretty decorative edge by using a slip stitch, among other techniques.

Best regards
Jenny

Sometimes slip stitches are part of the pattern. Like in my Marika headband, for example:


If you insert the hook only into the back loop, you’ll get an elastic cuff. As seen in the Pina headband:


Slip stitches are used in Bosnian crochet. It’s important to crochet very loosely because slip stitches tend to tighten up quickly. Especially when you’re just starting out, it helps to use a crochet hook that’s one or two sizes larger than what’s normally recommended for the yarn.Although there are special Bosnian crochet hooks made of wood or metal that are flat and narrow, a regular, more pointed crochet hook works just as well. The finished piece is therefore particularly well-suited for cuffs, hats, headbands, socks, gloves, or wrist warmers.

I simply crocheted these coasters using gray cotton and then decorated each one with a different color. To do this, insert the hook from the top between the individual rounds and crochet slip stitches. You can also create color gradients and rainbow designs this way, and it’s really quick. 

I like to use slip stitches as a finishing edge or border on blankets for doll strollers or doll beds. For example, this blanket is knitted, then finished with a slip-stitch border and small crocheted arches along the edge.
But as @blickfang-design already said: slip stitches tend to pull together, so crochet very loosely or use larger hooks. 

For example, when I crochet a small basket in spiral rounds using single crochet stitches, I make 2 slip stitches in a row at the end—the transition is barely visible.
Best regards, Sabine

Can you also use slip stitches to create a knitted look when crocheting?

Yes, you can crochet with slip stitches to make it look like knitting.
As always, start with a foundation chain of chain stitches—don’t forget the turning chain stitch at the end—and be sure to do this in every row. Now work slip stitches along the foundation chain. Starting with the second row, insert the hook only into the back loop for the slip stitches.
This way—if you use very thick yarn—you can easily crochet blankets and pot holders.
  It’s important to use a larger hook than recommended for the yarn and to crochet loosely, otherwise slip stitches will pull together very tightly—this is clearly visible on the small swatch (which I crocheted very quickly, so it’s not very even), even though the hook was already two sizes larger than recommended for the yarn. That’s why I only use slip stitches for the border, even though the pattern is pretty and looks the same on both sides. 
     




 

Nice explanation, thank you rusalki01

Always a pleasure. :-)