For some reason, the correct way to use stitch markers totally eluded me. My frazzled beginner crochet brain just couldn’t understand it! Using a stitch marker is actually a super simple concept.
Stitch markers are ESSENTIAL to crocheting in a continuous round. Only very experienced crocheters can spot the beginning and end of a crochet round with ease. Even then, stitch markers provide a little insurance on your crochet investment. This method of crocheting is so common in amigurumi patterns.
There is no need to purchase any stitch markers! I use bobby pins, modified paper clips, yarn scraps and anything else that I think might work. Seriously once you learn how to use stitch markers you’ll start seeing everything around the house as a stitch marker.
I use a running stitch marker. It’s marginally faster because you don’t have to remove the marker after each row. Instead, you just pull your marker through the final stitch of each row.
All you need is a yarn scrap! A yarn scrap in a contrasting color will work best.
I’m working on a pattern for a mathematically ‘perfect’ crochet sphere by Emily-Premise Conclusion for this photo tutorial. You can get the free pattern on her site here.
1. Work the first two rows of your pattern continuously.
2. Remove your hook when you’re done with the last stitch. Pull up a bit of yarn so the stitch doesn’t come undone. Double up your scrap piece and pull it through the last stitch with your hook.
3. Adjust the tails of your yarn scrap. Insert your hook
4. Crochet round 3 of your pattern
5. Remove your hook when you’re done with the last stitch. Pull up a bit of yarn so the stitch doesn’t come undone. Insert your hook into the last stitch.
6. Pull the scrap yarn through the last stitch with your hook. insert your hook and continue crocheting.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you complete your pattern.
8. Tug at the end of the scrap yarn. It should pull through your work leaving behind a seamless piece of crochet!
Here’s a quick little photo recap of the tutorial to follow along with!
While doing some research on different types of stitch markers, I found some super cute ones on Etsy! I honestly don’t know if they would work quite as well as the utilitarian scrap yarn marker. They might come in handy for taking pretty pictures of my crochet works in progress. I think they would make awesome gifts for anyone who loves crochet (or for yourself if you’re feeling indulgent).
Confetti Stitch Markers from TiltingPlanet
Let me know if you have any questions about this tutorial in the comments below.
Happy crocheting!
this post contains an affiliate link
I don’t understand stitch markers either! I don’t think I even own any. I’ve always used scrap yarn. It’s so much easier for those times you need to frog multiple rows!
I agree! I lost so much time (and yarn) to frogging when I first started with amigurumi.