Basic Knitting Techniques: Slipknot

Putting a slipknot on the needle makes the first stitch of the cast-on. Loop the yarn around two fingers of the left hand, the ball end on top. Dip the needle into the loop, catch the ball end of the yarn, and pull it through the loop.

Pull the ends of the yarn to tighten the knot. Tighten the ball end to bring the knot up to the needle.