Stitch markers are “must-haves” if you want to be successful with your crochet projects. In addition to the crochet hook and your yarn, they are necessary accessories and tools. However, not all stitch markers are useful for crocheting. The use of stitch markers depends on the crochet project as well as the crocheter. In this blog, we’ll discuss the type of stitch markets and how to use them for your projects. Very soon stitch markers will assist you with your projects.

Types of stitch markers

Stitch markers come in different shapes. Most of them are suitable for both crocheting and knitting. Stitch markers available in the market are safety-pin-like markers and closed markers, such as rings. The ring markers should only be used for knitting. You do not want to use them for crocheting, as they will get stuck in your work. When choosing stitch markers for your crochet project, the half-open hooks will surely work, but the lockable ones are the best. These markers besides marking for reference have multiple purposes, they can hold on to the end of the row of the crochet project.

Here are only four of the many uses for these types of markers:

Marking rounds

One of the most frequent problems that occur when crocheting rounds for a stuffed toy, a hat or a bag, is forgetting the spot where the round starts and ends. That also can throw off your stitch count and you won’t even realize it until the work doesn’t look right. Our tip: Use a stitch marker from the end of your first round onwards. Just insert it into the last loop, lock it and move it up every two or three rounds. That way you will always be able to identify when the row begins and ends.

Marking a new pattern

The fun of crocheting is trying a new pattern, a lace stitch or perhaps a pentagon-shaped granny square. Marking the beginning and the end of a repeat pattern will help you concentrate on your beautiful new work. You can use another color marker to mark important spots, such as your increases and decreases. When you crochet an item over a long period, crochet markers are the perfect tool to help you remember where you are and any changes that have been made.

Highlight errors and bugs

Yes, you have read correctly. Mark your mistakes. We all make them. Even the most experienced maker messes up a new pattern occasionally. So, do not panic, or get frustrated. Just keep calm, mark your mistake and move on. One of the advantages of crocheting is that you do not have to unravel all your work every time a mistake occurs. For now, you can just highlight the error in order to fix it later. In addition, your stitch marker can also help you catch a lost stitch or tuck in a pulled stitch. Of course, not all errors can be fixed in the end. Sometimes you just may have to undo everything, but we all have been there.

Markers help you count your stitches

If you are tired of having to count your stitches time and time again, you can use stitch markers to divide the row into manageable sections. Hang a stitch marker on the first and then after every ten stitches. This way, you know at a short glance where you are and how many stitches you still have to finish in between markers. Make sure to use a different color marker to pinpoint the end of your row since you don’t want to be confused.

Working with difficult yarn

Use stitch markers when working with fluffy or multicolored yarn. There are so many exciting yarn creations on the market. Fluffy yarn cab look beautiful on a toy animal or a cardigan, but its inconsistent texture can cause your stitches to almost disappear. If you are crocheting back and forth, insert a stitch marker into the first and last stitch. You can see right away where the two important stitches are and the edges will be nice and straight. If you are crocheting in the round, then place a stitch marker in the first stitch. So you know right away where the next round begins. Insert a different colored stitch marker after every three rows, and you can never lose count.

Secure your loop

Besides many other advantages, crochet is very convenient when it comes to travel. You can work with more than one project that requires the same hook size. With the help of a lockable stitch marker, you can comfortably secure the single loop on the unfinished project and work on it again whenever you wish.

Once you get into the habit of using stitch markers in your crochet projects, you will never do without them. One of the most important things to remember is to have patience. Each crocheter is different, as is every project. The idea is to enjoy your craft and have fun with crochet.