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Knitting may look like a tangle of yarn and needles to the uninitiated, but those of us who love it know - it's a dance of rhythm, precision, and just a pinch of chaos. And sometimes, that chaos needs a bit of taming. Enter: the humble stitch marker. If you've ever wondered how to use stitch markers, you're in for a treat (or at least a solid, helpful read).
Whether you're still learning the ropes or have knit enough socks to warm a small village, stitch markers can make life easier. Let's dig into how they work, when to use them, and why your future self will thank you for getting familiar with these tiny lifesavers.
Stitch markers are small tools that you place on your knitting needles or in your stitches to keep track of specific points in your project. Think of them as the bookmarks of the knitting world - tiny, colourful, sometimes oddly shaped placeholders that help you stay on track.
They’re not new (we’ve seen knitters fashion them out of scrap yarn and even paper clips), but modern versions come in a dizzying array of materials, from flexible plastic rings to delicate beaded loops.
Let’s not pretend that knitting is always zen and error-free. It’s not. That’s where stitch markers shine.
They can:
In short, they keep things manageable. And honestly, any tool that reduces the chance of frogging hours of work is a friend.
Not all stitch markers are created equal. Some are best for slipped-on-the-needle use, while others clip onto stitches directly. Knowing which to grab - and when - can make a big difference.
These resemble tiny plastic safety pins. You can clip them onto a specific stitch (great for marking rows) or even use them as temporary holders for dropped stitches. Versatile and beginner-friendly.
Simple, effective, and usually circular, these slide directly onto your needle between stitches. They’re ideal for marking repeats or the start of a round in circular knitting. Just make sure you pick a size that fits your needles!
These work a bit like keyrings and can be slid onto stitches rather than needles. A bit fiddly at first, but great for marking stitch locations rather than needle positions.
Caught without any markers mid-project? We’ve all been there. Bits of yarn, small rubber bands, or even earrings (yep) can stand in as temporary fixes. That said, investing in a proper set - especially something visible and durable - pays off.
Okay, theory aside - how do you actually use these things?
If you're marking pattern repeats or the beginning of a round, simply slip a ring-style stitch marker onto your right-hand needle at the desired point. When you come back to it, just slide it across to the other needle as you go.
No fuss. No need to do anything fancy.
Want to mark an increase point every 10 stitches? Place a marker. Trying to visualise the front and back of a sweater? Different coloured markers help separate sections. Need to track rows instead of stitches? Use a locking marker and clip it into a specific stitch every few rows. It’s like leaving yourself breadcrumb trails.
To remove a ring marker, just slide it off when you get to it. For locking markers, unclip and reclip as needed. They’re reusable (thankfully), so you’ll get into a rhythm pretty quickly.
If you’ve ever yanked one out by mistake - we feel you. It happens. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep extras handy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all method, but these little tips will make using stitch markers feel second nature.
Use markers that won’t snag your yarn or slide off your needle. Plastic, metal, rubber - they all have their place. Just make sure they fit comfortably on your needle without stretching the stitches.
Especially useful in complex patterns. Assign one colour to increases, another to decreases, and maybe a fancy one to mark the start of a round. Your future self will be grateful.
They disappear. Constantly. It’s a mystery. So stash a few in your knitting bag, on your worktable, even in that weird little drawer you always forget about.
Tins, pouches, pillboxes - whatever works. But try not to let them float loose at the bottom of your bag unless you enjoy digging through crumbs and tangled yarn to find them.
Oh, and if you’re just starting out on your knitting journey, check out our best knitting kits for beginners and experts - they’re a great companion to the beginner’s guide to knitting and often come with handy stitch markers built in.
Stitch markers may be small, but their impact on your knitting can be huge. They simplify patterns, minimise mistakes, and make ambitious projects far less intimidating. Whether you're a total beginner or decades into the craft, understanding how to use stitch markers in knitting is a smart move.
They won’t do the knitting for you (if only), but they will make the process smoother, more enjoyable - and a little more fun. And in the end, that’s what knitting should be.
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