10 reasons to use stitch markers: free simple guide to understand them

/ Crochet / By natashaj

I have collected stitch markers for both knitting and crochet. And I also have made both the types myself with some stationary and craft materials that I had laying around at home.

If you are a knitter or a crocheter or someone who does tatting. You should be familiar with stitch markers.

If you are just starting out and have no clue what a stitch marker is, don’t worry I have your back. I will discuss in detail what stitch markers are, how you can use them, why you should use them.

I will do a post later on on some DIY stitch markers in case you do not want to spend the extra bucks on these.

So let’s dive in…..

What are stitch markers

To start let me first tell you what a stitch marker is.

As the name name suggests it a tool that is used to mark stitches in crochet or knitting. These will help you keep a track of the design and pattern when you are working on an intricate design.

The also help you keep a track of pattern change or end or round that helps you relax when crocheting, making crocheting a relaxing activity and more fun and stress free.

What is the difference between crochet and knitting stitch markers

Firstly, in crochet stitch markers are placed in the stitch itself, whereas in knitting it is places on the needle.

For crochet, the stitch marker has to open and lock to place and remove it from the stitch. For knitting on the other hand you just pass the marker from one needle to the other.

Any of the stitch marker locking, ring or split ring can be used for knitting. But for crochet only split ring or locking stitch markers can be used.

10 reasons why you should use stitch markers

1. To keep track of rounds

Many crochet patterns specially amigurumi require you to work in continuous rounds. It might become a little tiring to continuously count the stitches to keep track of rounds. So here the stitch markers are to the rescue.

Place the stitch marker in the first stitch or the last stitch. This will help you locate the end of the beginning of the round and save your mind from a lot of counting.

2. For marking rows

You can also use stitch markers to keep track of rows. Is you need to make a specific number of rows for a project. it is a good idea to mark the rows.

It depends on the number of rows that you want. Loke for a fewer rows I place stitch markers every 5th row that help me keep the count. If the number of rows is in hundreds you can place stitch markers in 10th or 20th rows and so on.

This will help reduce the time counting from 1 every time.

3. To keep track of pattern change

Every crocheter and knitter is unique. But when it comes to following a pattern we all love to work in continuous and smooth flow. But when you have to keep track of stitch pattern change all the time it breaks the flow.

If there is a stitch marker placed everywhere the change has to be made it becomes easier to keep the flow.

4. To mark placements of objects

Stitch markers also come in handy when you have mark the place for certain additions to the crochet or knit pieces.

Mark places for buttons, button holes, eyes, ears and nose of amigurumies, place for appliqués or pockets etc.

5. To mark color change in a project

To mark the place for color change when working with two or more colors, stitch markers come in handy.

Here again they serve the same purpose freeing your mind space in counting stitches and keeping track of color change.

Just as you hit a stitch marker you’ll know that its time to change color.

6. Using stitch marker to mark the point of increase or decrease

Shaping a crochet or knit piece is always slightly challenging for me. But knowing where to increase or decrease makes the task a lot easier and stress free.

When doing a garment or a circle or triangle shawl or poncho where increases are to be done frequently, it is a good idea to place stitch markers so that you don’t skip the increase or decrease.

It saves a lot of time and mind space and also hard work by avoiding the chances of making a mistake.

7. To keep the stitches from unraveling when you are not working on the project

Whenever I am working on a big project, obviously I’ve to take brakes and keep the project down every once in a while.

Or when I take a crochet project on a drive or a trip. It ends up in the project bag a lot.

There is always a possibility that a few stitches might get unraveled when it lump it out of the bag.SO I like to remove the crochet hook and place a locking or split ring stitch marker in the open loop to lock it and prevent unravelling.

8. Pinning pieces together for joining with stitch markers

Stitch markers also come in handy to pin up of join pieces of crochet together for easy assemble.

Attach the pieces like grannies squares, pockets, patches etc together with stitch markers to hold them in place for sewing.

9. Counting stitches/chains

When you are doing a long long shawl or scarf or blanket, it can be frustrating to keep the chain or stitch count for the foundation.

Keep placing stitch markers at regular intervals to keep the count.

10. Marking the right or wrong side of the fabric

Crochet pieces are usually identical on both sides. But when I am doing a project that involves shaping I prefer to place a stitch marker to mark the right or wrong side of the fabric.

All this being said…..I don’t always prefer to use stitch markers.

Like when working on small amigurumies, I always finish one piece in one sitting. So putting and removing stitch markers every round actually slows down my speed. So I prefer to count the stitches.

In some cases I prefer to use them like for big projects such as shawls or blankets

So stitch makers are super helpful tools but only you can decide when you want to use them.😊I hope this was a helpful…….

Happy crocheting!!