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 on a hat knit in the round to mark the beginning of the circle.

As I began to knit more intricate projects, I realized why I would need bunches of markers.  

Any time a pattern will repeat itself, placing markers to section off the repeat is helpful.  You can see this in the knitting basket photo of mine below where I was knitting a shawl.  Marking each repeat helped me keep track of the stitches so mistakes could be caught quickly.

Color changes may require markers, as will increases and decreases.

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.

Each project will probably require it's own number of markers.  Does any knitter ever have only one project going at a time?  

Hence the need for bunches of markers.

Pretty Warm Designs has a collection of colorful stitch markers.

They also offer clasp markers which can be attached to, or removed from, yarn.  Crocheters need this type, and I have used them when I don't want to keep moving the ring markers.

Click the image here to see more at the store on Amazon.

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 use them when I need a special marker.

Anything with a loop - even a scrap piece of yarn - can be used to mark your place.

If you make jewelry, are a crafty person, or want to start selling your own stitch markers, Amazon sells rings, pliers and lots of things to embellish those rings.  You could make yourself some very unique stitch markers and create some special gifts for other knitters you know.

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 markers, but experienced knitters will place their own markers to help them remember what to do.

Some markers are used as row counters for more elaborate patterns.

The most commonly used stitch markers are either loops that do not open, or removable clasps of some type.

Both types can be saved on a cute OWL stitch marker holder like the one shown here.  It clips to clothing so stitch markers are nearby at all times - pretty clever!

Both types of markers can be used when knitting, but the non-opening loops won't work for crocheters.  They will need to choose clasps to attach to the yarn.

When using a marker while knitting, simply slip the loop over the needle where a reminder is needed.

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.  While knitting on circular needles, it is easy to knit past the beginning without a marker.  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.

Knitting needles come in various sizes so purchase stitch markers that are larger enough to fit over the needles you plan to use.

If the marker's loop is too small for needles they can't be used.  Bigger is better, but not so big that the loops get in the way.  Loop size doesn't have to be exact, just large enough to slip over the needle.

Some makers offer small or large sizes.  Small loops will work for knitting lace, sweaters, hats, mittens and anything made with typical size yarn.

Larger loops can be used on big needles which are used for bulky or chunky knitting.  A large marker can also be used on small needles.

Often the seller will list markers at "snag free" or something like that to tell the buyer that it won't snag the yarn as you knit over the marker.