Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

STITCH AND HOOK MARKERS – MAKE YOUR OWN EASILY

by

number-beads.jpg

 

alphabet-beads.jpg

http://www.beadsandsupplies.com/

coil-less-pins.jpg

My favorite mail order source for beads:

gold-alpha-beads.JPG

 

even has the alpha and number beads in costlier gold plate and silver plate for those among us who want to create some heirloom markers.

Typical stitch markers look like this:

stitch-markers-typical.jpg

www.fluffbuff.com

These stitch markers are fine – but you can’t really use them for hook markers. You have to create your own version of these. Some people use earring wires to create markers:

earring-stitch-markers.jpg

www.goodtobegirl.com

Again, these work fine for stitch markers – but they will also hold a bead to use as a hook marker too. A variety of types of earring wires is available. This type (spring back) will have the most secure hold.

Others use a bunch of different things for stitch markers:

safety pins with coils

bobby pins

paper clips

pieces of yarn

twist ties

plastic bread bag closures.

These all work fine, the paper clips and regular safety pins can snag yarn and bobby pins just don’t make sense to me, although they are commonly used so they must work. Seems like they could easily be dislodged. The little pieces of yarn work well – but cutting and tying them on makes me crazy! And twist ties – well they just belong in the kitchen IMO! Of course, they’re ‘free’ since we all get so many of them at the grocery store. And, those plastic bread bag tags just don’t seem secure to me at all, although they can be written on with a marker.

Thanks to one of my readers for pointing out that I hadn’t actually included the directions for making one’s own stitch markers. Sorry!  Here’s what I do:

Choose the size coil-free safety pin that I want – I use smaller ones for stitch markers and larger ones for hook markers.

Slide a number or alpha bead onto the safety pin.

Simple as that!  I’ll add that those small M&M plastic tubes are perfect for storing your markers in.   Of course, Altoid tins and other small containers work fine too, but I prefer the M&M tins because one can crochet a cute little cover for the tube to further personalize it.

So, be adventurous and make your own markers. They’re inexpensive and fun to make and allow you yet another area in which to express your individuality and creativity!

Comments

  1. Love your blog … great article on stitch markers … I’ve been thinking of doing just that because sometimes the ones I buy snag … but my question … what is a hook marker?

    Thanks!

    Pam

    HI PAM – thanks for the kind words about the blog.  I use hook markers to remind me which size hook I was using if I abandon a pattern (temporarily or longer) and need to take the hook away.  I own a BUNCH of hooks, but found that I would run out of G or H hooks because I would leave them with one of the many projects I was working on.  So, I decided to begin marking the project in some way to make it easier to return to it.  In addition to leaving a copy of the pattern with the project (always a good idea!), I try to make notes on the pattern as I often change the hook size.  So, having hook markers in my most commonly used sizes has been very helpful – and keeps me from spending more money on hooks I already own!

    jd

  2. Thanks for going a little further on how to make a stitch marker. I’ve never see the coiless pins. The idea on the use of a hook marker was awesome! I have the same problem. must have at lease 5 G and J hooks! I keep finding them at the bottom of my craft bag or purse! LOL!

    DENISE, glad I’m not the only one who does this.  I’ve lost a gazillion hooks.  Well, not so much lost as hiding in WIP’s.

    jd

  3. I never thought about hook markers, but boy, oh, boy does it ever make sense?!!!

    All my UFOs are made with different sizes, and, darned if I can remember which goes with which!

    This is a great idea – thanks!

    JACKIE,
    Glad to be of help. That’s what the blog is here for!
    jd

  4. Wow, that is a great tip for a way to remember which hook for which UFO. Some of my missing hooks are still in some UFOs, but some just plain disappear. I even blogged about the G or H Hook Gobbler, and you all might get a kick out of it…
    http://prayersncrafts.blogspot.com/2010/06/g-or-h-hook-gobbler.html

    Some of the comments were funnier than I expected. Enjoy, and thanks again!

    Evie, heading off to find some beads for using on her soon-to-be hook markers.

Have you read?

Lightweight Lacy Crochet Tee Pattern That’s Perfect for Layering

Some crochet garments look beautiful on the hanger but feel awkward to wear. This Lacy Crochet Tee from Lana Grossa is not one of those pieces. It’s light, breathable, and very much designed to be worn — the kind of handmade top that slips easily into your everyday wardrobe without feeling “too precious.”

What immediately stands out is the openness of the stitch pattern. It has that airy, lacy feel that works so well for warmer weather or for layering over a tank or dress. This isn’t a heavy, structured garment; it’s soft and fluid, with just enough texture to make it interesting while still letting the yarn shine.

From a making point of view, this tee is a really enjoyable project if you like crochet that feels calm and rhythmic. The lace pattern keeps your hands engaged without constant counting or frustration, which makes it perfect for evening crochet or quiet weekend sessions. It’s also very satisfying watching the fabric grow — those lacy stitches really show progress quickly.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate crochet. You don’t need advanced shaping skills, but being comfortable with stitch patterns and keeping even tension will make the process much more enjoyable. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toe into wearable crochet without tackling a full sweater, this is a great place to start.

What I really appreciate about this pattern is how versatile it is. Change the colour and fibre and it can feel casual and beachy or clean and modern. It’s the kind of tee you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something handmade that still feels light and effortless.

If you enjoy crochet garments that are wearable, practical, and quietly stylish, this lacy tee is a lovely pattern to have in your collection.