Stitch markers are often used in crochet and knitting but if you are fairly new to playing with yarn, they might still be a bit of a mystery. Even if you are an experienced crocheter or knitter, there may be ways to use stitch markers that haven’t occurred to you
In this video and guide on my blog you will find everything you need to know about crochet stitch markers and how to use them. (The sister guide to knitting stitch markers is here.)
I’ve included information throughout about all the crochet stitch markers I make to put in my online shop.
The techniques involved are the same as those used in jewellery making and I really enjoy making pretty and practical stitch markers to add a bit of glamour to your projects. If you would like to see other styles or types of marker available please leave a comment on the video “Everything you need to know about stitch markers” that was published on my YouTube channel on Wednesday 3rd August 2022:
Never forget your hook size crochet stitch markers
I started making these about 6 years ago, about the same time I started my YouTube channel and my online shop. I can’t say I was the first but there are so many people doing these on Etsy now – so I’m glad all of mine are now here at Crafternoon Treats HQ!
Never forget your hook size stitch markers are pretty drops that hang from lobster claw clasps and that show your crochet hook size. Use them as a stitch keeper and a progress keeper (see above) and you can also instantly see what crochet hook size you have been using on your project.
This is so helpful if you tend to use the same hooks for several different projects. We all mean to write that info down don’t we? But life happens! Having a little stitch marker to tell you that vital information can save so much wasted time, yarn and patience.
My most popular set is for the 10 standard crochet hook sizes ranging from 2.5mm to 6mm. I can make sets for US hook sizes too. I used to do these as a custom order on Etsy but I’ll be adding some to my own shop very soon. I just need to make them and take the photos! I can also make custom sets too – several people have ordered a set of 10 markers with five of 4mm and a mixture of the other sizes. I’ve also made some sets to match crochet hook caddies and supplied little bulb pins to attach them all so that the hooks and hook size stitch markers can be kept together.
Crochet markers that do mark a stitch
The term crochet stitch marker comes from the fact that markers are actually used to mark a particular stitch in your work. This can be the first stitch in a round (particularly if you are working in amigurui circles, or crocheting a sock, for example) or a stitch in a row where you need to increase or decrease, according to pattern instructions.
You can use any type of removal stitch marker for this, but its also possible to use a strand of spare yarn in a contrasting colour. This simple method works really well in amigurumi but you have to remember that the yarn scrap is marking the space between two stitches, not an actual stitch. Make a note of where you are adding your marker. Marking the space after the end of the last stitch of one round is a good rule to follow.
To mark a stitch correctly using a removable marker, work the next stitch and then add your marker to the previous stitch (the one you need to mark) by placing the clasp of the marker through BOTH loops at the top of that stitch.
This is better than marking around the post of the stitch, or just through one loop, as this can pull and distort your work.
Its wise to use a stitch marker of a suitable size and weight for your project too. Larger stitch markers are good for blankets and shawls made with aran or chunky weight yarn but for a crochet sock or delicate shawl, you need something lighter. Stitch markers for lacy projects need to be very delicate – or just use a bulb safety pin.
Marking your project so you know where you are
If you are making a garment, an accessory or a blanket, sometimes its important to know which is the front and which is the back. Or which is the wrong side and which is the right side.
You can use any marker for this but the trick is remembering what marker you have assigned to what!
Front and back stitch markers
I designed the front and back stitch markers with a simple FT and BK. I make them to be removable so that you can easily add them to your project to show which is the front and which is the back. These are invaluable if the pattern calls for a deeper curve to the front neckline, for example and you need to be sure which side you are working on.
Right side wrong side markers
Many patterns require you to know whether you are working with the right side of the work facing you, or the wrong side. It can be hard to read your crochet and work this out just by looking each time. Having markers to tel you exactly which side is which takes away all of that stress and makes following this kind of pattern plain sailing.
I think both the FT and BK markers and the WS and RS markers I still make were originally suggested by viewers or customers who said they would find these really useful.
They look pretty too. AND you can use them as progress keepers as you work on the project.
These are just as useful in knitting projects – see the accompanying guide to using stitch markers in knitting.
When I was making the Niamh sweater by Marie Wallin a couple of years ago, I found that I really enjoyed it but realised how useful it would be to have a set of sweater stitch markers.
The front as a dipped neckline compared to the back so a set of FT and BK markers were essential. But I also needed to know which sleeve was the right and which was the left as I was working on them at the same time and needed to match up the sleeve with my pattern notes so I knew where I was up to.
The sleeves are supposed to be identical, but I was alternating the pattern quite a bit as I was using thicker yarn. So matching up which row I was up to on which sleeve was really important. And the RSV and LSV markers were born.
I then added a RFT and LFT marker set so that if you are making a crochet cardigan in pieces and need to mark the right front and left front, that’s easy too!
To complete the set I added a RBK and LBK for right back and left back as some crochet cardigan patterns are made by working sideways.
Crochet sweater marker set
Each set of 8 markers comes with a free bag clasp to keep them together and easy to access if you clip it to the zip tab of your project bag.
Buy nowYou can take a look at my complete range of crochet stitch markers here. In the next few weeks and months I’ll be adding to the collection. Definitely included will be a grab pack of progress keepers with charms, some different sized packs of Never forget your hook size stitch markers and hopefully some new markers suggested by viewers of the video!