A stitch marker is a small clip you hook into a stitch to mark an important spot: the first stitch of a round, a corner, an increase or the end of a pattern repeat. Instead of counting again and again, you simply look for the marker. They are one of the cheapest crochet tools and one of the most useful.
Which stitch markers work for crochet?
- Locking stitch markers open and close like a tiny safety pin. They lock into a single stitch, will not fall out and can be removed at any time. This is the best type for crochet.
- Split-ring markers have a small opening. They work too, but can slip out more easily.
- Closed-ring markers are made for knitting needles. They cannot be clipped into a crochet stitch or removed later, so they are not useful for crochet.
Our locking stitch markers come in a pack of 100 in mixed colors, so you can use different colors for different jobs.
7 ways to use stitch markers
1. Mark the first stitch of each round in amigurumi
Most amigurumi is worked in a continuous spiral, with no visible join between rounds. Place a marker in the first stitch of the round. When you come back to it, remove the marker, work that stitch and place the marker in the stitch you just made. Now you always know where each round begins.
2. Mark corners and increases
In squares, blankets and garments, mark the corner stitches or the places where you increase, so you do not miss one.
3. Count long foundation chains
Clip a marker every 10 or 20 chains. If you lose count, you only need to recount from the last marker.
4. Mark pattern repeats
Place a marker at the end of each repeat in a stitch pattern. Mistakes become easy to spot within one repeat instead of at the end of a row.
5. Mark the right side of your work
Many patterns tell you which side is the right side (RS). Clip a marker on that side so you can tell at a glance.
6. Hold your loop when you take a break
Before you put your project down, take the hook out and clip a locking marker through the live loop. Your work will not unravel in your bag.
7. Hold pieces together before sewing
Use a few markers like pins to line up pieces, such as amigurumi limbs or the panels of a bag, before you sew or crochet them together.
No markers? Quick alternatives
A piece of contrasting scrap yarn, a small safety pin, a bobby pin or a paper clip can do the job in a pinch. Scrap yarn is especially handy for long rounds, because you can leave it in and simply move it as you go.
Kits that include stitch markers
- Owl crochet tool roll: 63 pieces, including 20 locking stitch markers and 21 hooks
- Crochet hook set with storage box: 16 hooks with locking stitch markers and other notions
- Crochet starter kit: 46 pieces with yarn, hooks and stitch markers
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need stitch markers?
For amigurumi and anything worked in a spiral, they make a big difference. For simple rows you can manage without, but they still save time when counting.
How many stitch markers do I need?
A small project may need only one or two, but they are easy to lose, so a larger pack is useful to have around.
Will a marker damage my yarn?
Smooth plastic locking markers do not damage normal yarn. Open and close them gently on fine or delicate yarn.
Put your markers to work with the magic ring and our amigurumi crochet patterns.