When I started making my own stitch markers to sell on Etsy, and sharing them, I realized that not everyone (even crocheters and knitters) are aware of what they are, or how to use them. Of course, every time I find a way to educate people when it comes to crocheting, I take it, and write a blog post. So, let’s talk about stitch markers and how to use them.
What are stitch markers?
Stitch markers, also known as progress keepers, are meant to help you keep track of your stitches and/or rows in your crochet and knitting projects. They can also be used to hold your place when you leave off on a project, so you don’t have to worry about the hook falling out and your project coming unraveled.
Different Types of Clasps and Closures
Although there are many types of clasps and closures out there, I make my stitch markers with two different options on most sets. If you purchase a crochet starter set of hooks from somewhere like Amazon, odds are that they’ll come with a set of plastic stitch markers. Check out this set to see what I’m talking about and maybe snag some inexpensive ergonomic hooks!
The two different types I use are lobster clasps and lever back clasps. Lobster clasps are the clasps where you pull down the levers, and a spring opens the closure. These work well, but can be difficult for people to use. This is why I also use lever back clasps. These are the same as what you see on some earrings! You pull down the back of the closure, and unlike lobster clasps, you do not need to hold it there. No spring action, at least on the opening part.
See photos of the different types of closures I use below.
How to Use Stitch Markers
For using the lobster and lever back stitch markers for crochet, you can attach them around the last stitch in a row to help count and keep track of stitches. In addition, you can attach the clasp around your loop from your crochet hook so that you’re not worried about your project unraveling when you remove your hook, or if your hook falls out. See the images below for some ideas on how I hook my stitch markers onto my crochet projects.
Lobster clasp hook used to mark the last stitch in a row
Leverback clasp used to hold place on the project
Hook hints stitch markers are great for holding your place on a project, and helping you remember which hook size you used.
