Buy Cute Stitch Markers For Knitting

When I first began knitting, I wondered why I would need a bunch of stitch markers.  All I was knitting was simple scarves and hats.  I used one marker to remember the beginning of the round on hats.  It is true that if your projects are knit flat - back and forth, like a scarf - and are very simple, you may not need a stitch marker at all.

As I began to knit more intricate projects, I realized why I would need bunches of markers.  Use them to mark off repeating colorwork patterns.  Keep track of lace knitting repeats.  Decreasing at the top of a hat pattern can use up 4 or 5 markers or more.

In other words, there are many times within any one project where I will need to be reminded of something... and a stitch marker does that.

 Once you catch the knitting bug, it is likely that you may have more than one project in the works.  Each project might need markers.  Be sure you have enough to go around!

Stitch markers come in many styles, designs, and sizes.  They will either be rings, that will slide onto the knitting needle, or clips - called locking stitch markers.

Little ring markers are usually made of plastic or metal.  They may be plain, or have some decorative item attached.  Remember that it is important that they slide easily on your needle.  Smooth rings are needed that will not catch on yarn.  A special marker that stands out from the rest is useful to mark your BOR (beginning of round).

Locking stitch markers are like safety pins and open and close.  They can do the same job as rings but they do more.  They can be added and removed any place on the project.  Because they can be unclipped, they work to hold a dropped stitch, or remind a knitter of a place in the project that needs attention. 

It's a good idea to have some of both marker types.

I am a knitter, so I can't speak for crocheters but I assume the needs are similar.  The only difference is that when using a crochet hook, the ring markers won't be used.  A ring marker slips over the knitting needle and stays there.  It can only be removed when the knitter knits back around to the marker placement.

When knitting in the round, such as when making a hat, a special BOR (beginning of round) marker is used.  It should be different from any other markers used for the project.

In the photo below, I am knitting a hat.  One marker was placed at the beginning of the round to alert me to a new row. When I reach that marker I know the row is complete.

Now I will slip that marker from the left to right needle and continue on.  I can take it off the needle whenever I want, once I reach the end of the row.

While knitting you may see the initials PM or SM which refer to using stitch markers.

PM is to "place marker".  As you knit along the pattern designer will advise to add a marker to the needle to mark this place for one reason or another.  It could be needed for a number of reasons, such as making an increase or decrease.  To mark the beginning of a round or pattern of stitches.  Simply take a marker and slip it over the needle in your right hand.  

SM means to "slip the marker".  As you knit along and come to the marker, simply slip it to the right hand needle from the left.

Not all patterns will mention using markers.  It is a convenient way to check small sections of knitting for mistakes before knitting further. 

Knitting needles come in various sizes, or thickness.  Tiny stitch markers might only be good for small circumference needles.  Most medium size markers will work for the most frequently used needle sizes.

The exception will be for the largest size knitting needles.  Size 10 and above would usually need big stitch markers.  This would be when knitting with chunky or bulky yarn.

If you are knitting along and decide you need to mark your place, but alas, you don't own any stitch markers, go to your jewelry box. A loop type earring can be used as a stitch marker.  I have a couple of old earrings which have no partner, and I have used them.

Anything with a loop - even a scrap piece of yarn - can be used to mark your place.  Of course it's more fun to collect cute markers.  All knitters should have lots of them because they are easy to lose when they pop off the needle.