Stitch Markers for Knitting Projects

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While making a baby blanket that required me to place markers in my work, I came across a huge range of these little knitting accessories.

Normally I make a plan with a contrasting piece of yarn tied to my needle, but as I do more projects these days I decided I needed a better tool for the job.

After looking at various options, I realized that there was more to them than I first thought. So, if you’re like me and a bit confused about these essential bits of knitting kit, this post will hopefully make it more clear to you as to which one you need.

What are Stitch Markers Used for?

When you use these little rings – usually either made from plastic or metal – you will never lose the place where you are in your knitting. They are used to mark a certain spot in your knitting work.

Slip them onto the needle when you reach the point in a row at which you need a mark. For example, I needed to mark where the border of the baby blanket started so that I would know to start working the seed stitch. Instead of having to keep counting to see if I was 12 stitches away from the end of the row, I merely marked it. Then I could just knit til I reached that marker.

You can also use them to identify the end of a row when knitting in the round with circular needles.

Keep your sanity!

They are useful also when you need to count a large number of rows. Mark a set number of rows with a marker as you knit to make it easier to count up large numbers of rows.

Have you ever looked over your work and noticed that you have dropped a stitch several rows back? Use a split ring marker to prevent it from unravelling in your work.

Like I said earlier, you can make your own, and they will do the trick. Things like paper clips, safety pins and bits of yarn can be used.

However, once you start searching for these little gadgets, and see what varieties, shapes and designs they come in, you will want to own and use them!

Two Main Types

There are two types of markers – closed and open (or split-ring)

Closed Types

These ones are essentially just a ring which can be slipped onto the needle. They are designed either very simply as a plain ring or can have decorative charms attached to them. These decorative types make very good gift ideas for the knitters in your life – and they are inexpensive too!

Open or Split-Ring

This type of marker can be moved around without having to knit to the point on your needle where it has been placed. They can be locking – like a safety pin – or have a lever mechanism or even have a small gap in the ring. As they are open in nature this type have more uses. If you plan on doing some crochet work then you will need to use this open type.

Ok, so now that we understand what they are, and how useful they are, let’s take a look at what’s available.

I have chosen five different ones that show a broad spectrum of what’s available.

As you can see the more decorative ones are available in themes. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who knits and also has a love for owls or sewing then these would make a good choice.

Assorted Set of Knitting Stitch Markers with other accessories

In this pack, you get a range of stitch markers which will equip you for many different kinds of projects. It’s a good kit to start with as you’ll get other useful tools at the same time such as large-eyed blunt tapestry needles, a few cable needles, stitch holders, tape measure and protectors for the ends of knitting needle points.

Split Ring Type Knitting Stitch Markers

I have this set which I have used in most of my knitting projects. The different colours are especially useful if you’re doing a complex pattern. Place different colours at different positions to identify where something changes ie one colour for shaping and another to mark the point where you need to decrease.

Sometimes in a pattern, for example when knitting toy dogs for my grand nephews, I was instructed to mark a point for the position of the eye. I have found removable stitch markers very handy for this purpose.

I have also used them to indicate the place where on a button band I needed to pick up stitches.

Set of Metallic Stitch Markers for Knitting Enthusiasts

Some markers are both functional and attractive like the ones pictured above.

When you click through to this product you’ll find a wide range of niches – such as these sunflowers pictured above. They are a bit of fun and a good way to show off your passion – like bees, fish, spiders, bats, many kinds of pretty bead arrangements, maple leaves, birthstones, cats, sheep, Halloween themes, turtles, skulls, rabbits, clocks and balls of yarn.

Stitch Markers for Knitters who Love Owls

Many people have a passion for and love of owls. These markers would make a lovely small gift for a knitter who admires these birds.

Stitch Markers with a Sewing Theme

This small collection has a sewing theme and so would make a gift idea for knitters who also sew.

For Equipment that makes knitting easier, visit the Equipment Category HERE