Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

STITCH AND HOOK MARKERS – MAKE YOUR OWN EASILY

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number-beads.jpg

 

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http://www.beadsandsupplies.com/

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My favorite mail order source for beads:

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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:

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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:

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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?

The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book: That Rooster Had Me Hooked

Apparently, this is the year chickens took over my crafting attention. First came the emotional support chickens, then the pocket chickens, and now a rooster has managed to talk me into looking at another crochet book.

Honestly, put a crocheted chicken in front of me at this point and I’m going to stop scrolling.

That is exactly what happened with The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book. The rooster sucked me in before I had even properly investigated what else was inside. After all the emotional support chicken crochet patterns we’ve been sharing, you would think I’d have had enough poultry. Apparently, there is still room in the imaginary yarn coop.

Now, a little honesty before we go any further: I haven’t read this book yet or tried its patterns. This is a look at why it has caught my attention ahead of publication. I have a very good feeling about this one, and I’m expecting it to be a lovely addition to the crochet bookshelf.

What’s Inside The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book?

The publisher describes a collection of 25 crochet patterns with variations for more than 45 amigurumi projects, created by ConcernedApe, Megan Lapp and Ryan Novak.

The announced projects include Junimos, Slimes, chickens, a Junimo Hut and familiar game items. There are simpler projects such as Eggs alongside more challenging makes, including the Mermaid Pendant.

The chicken variations are particularly tempting, with different beaks, combs and tail feathers, plus White, Blue, Brown, Golden and Void varieties. You can probably see why my attention keeps wandering back to the coop.

It is scheduled for release on 26 January 2027 through Random House Worlds, with 240 pages in the hardcover edition.

Why This Crochet Book Is on My Radar

What appeals to me is the combination of recognisable characters and slightly ridiculous little objects. Those are often the crochet projects that make me smile most. A useful blanket is wonderful, but sometimes you simply want a tiny yarn creature keeping you company beside the sewing machine.

If you’ve enjoyed our emotional support pocket chicken crochet feature, you’ll understand the attraction. Small, characterful projects have a way of becoming much more tempting than the sensible project already waiting in your basket.

For Stardew Valley fans, there is also the pleasure of making something connected to a favourite game. We’ve previously shared a Junimo crochet pattern, so this feels like a lovely next book to explore for readers who enjoy that crossover between gaming and yarn.

Would I Add It to My Crochet Wishlist?

Absolutely. I can’t yet comment on the clarity of the instructions, the finishing details or how the patterns work up. Those are things I would want to assess with the book and a hook in hand.

But based on the announced collection, I know this is going to be a good one for my kind of crochet browsing: plenty of personality, playful projects and chickens I’m already mentally choosing yarn for.

You can take a closer look at The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book on Amazon.

I came for the rooster. I suspect I’ll stay for the rest of the farm.