Thursday Tool Talk - Stitch Markers in Crochet

     I feel like I see mention of stitch markers a lot less frequently in crochet, as compared to knitting, but I use stitch markers while crocheting just as frequently, and I think it benefits the crafter in all the same ways. 

What are stitch markers?

    Stitch markers are a tool (also called a "notion") to help crocheters keep track of some part of their work. You place the marker in or around a stitch (or sometimes group of stitches) to mark repeats, rows/rounds, make counting easier by placing them every set number of stitches, or to mark the right/wrong side of the work. People also sometimes use them for tracking increases/decreases, marking areas where surface crochet, buttons, or embroidery will go, or keeping track of where the beginning of the round is. Markers in crochet are embedded temporarily into the fabric, and have to be removed upon completion of the project, if not before. They are reusable, and can last for many years if they are well taken care of. Stitch markers for crochet can be had relatively cheaply from big box retailers, at more mid-range prices (and accordingly more aesthetically appealing forms) at local yarn shops or other mid-range craft marketplaces like Etsy, and there are even some jewelers who make high-end notions from precious metals like silver and gold for the more discerning crocheter. But what do they look like?

Locking Stitch Markers

Padlock shaped locking stitch markers. Photo credit Clover USA

    The most common type of stitch marker for crochet by far is the locking stitch marker. They come in multiple shapes, though the most common I've seen are pear/lightbulb and padlock. Both shapes can be used the same way, and the choice in shape seems to be an aesthetic and/or cost decision, as not all brands make both shapes, and both shapes are not always made in every material. Some people do say that they have difficulty manipulating one shape or the other, while others say that the shape doesn't matter and they are partial to both. If you're uncertain, it may just be a matter of trying it out for yourself.

Pear/bulb shaped stitch markers. Photo credit KnitPicks.

 Spiral or Split Ring Stitch Markers

If locking stitch markers aren't your jam, as they are for many - the chief complaint is that the locking mechanism is a little fiddly, which can be difficult for people with a variety of abilities to manage - then perhaps spiral stitch markers, also known as split ring stitch markers are for you. They are used in the same basic was as locking markers, however instead of locking on to the stitch like a safety pin, these markers are slid in and around, a motion some people find easy while others find fiddly. Some brands will have a taper on the outer edge of the spiral to make getting into the stitch easier, while others will have a knob at one or both ends in order to keep the stitches from sliding off. Some brands will have a mixture of both. Which of these types is most useful is a personal decision, as factors in your gauge, stitching style, fiber being used, etc. will impact which works best for you. But what if any of these are outside your budget? There is a solution.

Doing It Yourself

    The kind of markers available to the crocheter who does not want or is unable to purchase stitch markers is luckily something just about every crocheter has lying around the house somewhere. That's right, it's a simple piece of string. Like the knitting version, a simple piece of string woven in a stitch or around a group of stitches functions just as well, and if kept to a good length (not so short that it easily works it's way out of the stitch, but also not so long that you struggle to keep it from tangling) it can stay well embedded in the work even through a long project that is brought many places in a project bag, etc. This is also a great alternative when you're traveling because it does not show up on metal detectors or x rays, and security will never question why you have string coming out of your crochet project, though I have gotten comments asking why I have so much metal on my knitting projects while using soda tabs for stitch markers. So how does it work? Here's a picture of the method in action:

    It looks a bit messy, but they're removed at the end with much less fuss than weaving in ends, so it's a cost I'm willing to bear. A contrasting color is obviously best for visibility, but even the same color can work in a pinch. Plus, they're cheap to replace if one falls out, or if you need to make new ones for a project requiring more than you already have of any kind of marker. Hope this can help, and happy crocheting!