How to Use Stitch Markers in Crochet

If you are creating a pattern that has a repeat, using a stitch marker is a great way to help yourself remember that it is time for you to switch to a different kind of stitch, or repeat a stitch.

To use a stitch marker for a pattern with a repeat, fasten a lock ring stitch marker (shown below) to the stitch that marks your place in the pattern.

Using a stitch marker at the beginning can be helpful for reminding you of a new row if you are crocheting in the round, or as an indicator for when it is time to increase or decrease a row as well.

If you are working on larger projects, this can help you to mark how many stitches you've done. This way you can mark every 5, 10, 20, and more stitches just to keep yourself aware.

These are also great for larger projects that you cannot finish in a night. This way you can see where you have left off and where to pick back up.

If you're a visual learner, then watch our in-house expert, Chris, show you how to use the variety of stitch markers we're detailing on this page. See below for more explanations for these types.

There are many different stitch markers that you can buy, find, or make yourself. However, not all stitch markers are useful for crochet. There are stitch markers that can be used for both knitting and crochet and then some that are better for one than the other.

For example, the jump ring works for knitting but not so much for crochet. For, crochet, it's best to use lock rings, split rings, or scraps of yarn.

This is a specific kind of stitch marker that looks just like a safety pin. If you are having trouble finding these at the store an actual safety pin would work just as well. Though, these are available in more colors and aren't as sharp as traditional safety pins.

These specific stitch markers are great for helping you to remember to make a special stitch or something because they stay put very nicely. It's the perfect stitch marker for crochet!

Wanting to know how to make crochet stitch markers instead of buying them? Well, there are several ways to go the crochet stitch markers DIY route. You can create a looped scrap of yarn which can also be very helpful if you are crocheting, and you can easily make this yourself at home.

It's budget friendly and handy since you are working with yarn! Just make sure that you choose a different color than your project so that you can find the marker when needed.

Then, while you are crocheting on your hook, you can place a scrap of yarn along with your work so that you are aware of how many stitches you have completed or where you would like to create a special stitch. 

This type of stitch marker works well for both crochet and knitting.

You can find these in tons of different sizes and colors, even with trinkets on the rings to help identify and locate them when needed.

You can use this very similar to the spare piece of yarn. This is great for knowing your pattern repeats or when to increase or decrease a stitch. 

These stitch markers are great for knitting because they slip right on your needle and they don't damage your yarn while you are using them. However, they are not as easy to use for crochet.

The second image below shows knitting, so, as you can see, you would have to work to attach them to crochet, which could cause damage, unlike knitting with the two needles.

This is a wonderful choice for crochet because these simple coils can be attached and removed easily to your crochet project. Knitters, this works you, too!

As you can see in the image below, the design is basic. It's an open circle with a little tail, which makes it easy to slip on and off your row. There are a variety of colors and sizes available, which makes it easy to stay organized.

If you can't make a trip to the craft store, there are plenty of DIY stitch marker options. As you read above, even a scrap of yarn can be a great homemade stitch marker! Check out our list below of other handy ideas.