One of the common issues when starting out with knitting or crochet projects is keeping track of your work. It is easy to lose count and get confused at the end of a row. Things get even more complicated when you need to change the pattern or color. A good stitch marker can help, and there are some great sets available.
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10 of The Best Stitch Markers
To be completely honest here, I wouldn’t be surprised if there are lots of the same companies offering the exact same product and putting their own name to it. There is such simplicity to the design of these pins and rings, as well as the boxes they come in, that there isn’t much difference between a lot of them. So, if you see a style you like, it is better to go by price, quantity, and availability than by name. However, this isn’t the case for those that sell more decorative charm-style markers. Here you could find a brand with a clear style and better reputation with its customers.
1) Besmelyin 240 Pieces Knitting Stitch Marker
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This first product is a good example of a set that you can see everywhere under different names. There is a common theme with the colors offered in these rings – blue, orange, green, and pink – and you almost always get the larger and smaller sizes. A bonus here is there there are a few orange and green in an even smaller size. This one is a 240 piece set so there are plenty of pieces in each option. They come in their own compartments in a secure box with a nice clasp at the front. The o-rings seem to be smooth enough to meet user needs and durable enough to last.
2) ChiaoGoo Stitch Markers
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This set caught my eye because at least they look a bit different from the norm. I really like the pretty banded design that creates different tones on the pink, blue, and green rings. You also get a nice range of sizes, even if there are only 40 pieces in the bag. They seem to be thicker than average too, making them a little more durable. Just make sure you have a nice place to keep them so they don’t get lost.
3) HiMo Mix Color Knitting Stitch Counter Crochet Locking Stitch Markers
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There are two things that I love about this set. The first is the storage container. The neat little ring provides a fun way to keep all of the colors separate and doesn’t take up much space in a sewing drawer. The second is that there are all the colors of the rainbow – and pink. This octet of options provides more joy and a better chance of finding the perfect contrasting color for your needs. They are bright, bendy, and secure enough for regular use. There are 13 of each color, which should be more than enough.
4) Yarnladies Mix Black and White Color Knitting Stitch Counters
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I know that I said that a big selection of multicolored pins is a more practical and fun way to mark out your stitches. However, there is something really appealing about this little box of black and white pins. The black and white can still provide that nice clear marker against your yarn, especially when using softer pastel fibers. There are 15 of the black and 15 of the white and they sit neatly in a stylish open case, making it easy to fish one out one-handed as you need them. Again, these pins are small and rounded for safety but still have secure closure like a traditional safety pin.
5) HiMo 100 PCS Colorful Knitting Stitch Rings
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Next, I want to show you this set of markers in the split ring style. There are 100 pieces in total that cover four different colors – blue, orange, pink, and green – and two sizes. Therefore, you can use the smaller ones like clips for dropped stitches and the larger ones over your needles with greater ease. I think that there is great value here as you get a lot of pretty durable pieces for not a lot of money. The downside, however, is that there is no storage solution. I recommend getting a little box with small compartments to store them all more neatly – like the ones provided with the HiMo pins above, or the ones for the rings at the start of these reviews.
6) Willbond 200 Pieces Knitting Stitch Rings
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This alternative option from Willbond offers more pieces in a wider range of colors. You get that same shade of blue, green, orange, and pink, but there are also purple and red rings. Each color comes in the larger and smaller sizes and there are 200 pieces in total. This time, you do get a box to hold them all in. It would just be a little more practical if that box had compartments. Instead, you will have to fish around for a specific color and size.
7) Walnut Farm 5 Sheep Stitch Markers for Knitting
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Moving on to the charm-like markers now, we have a set of five silver charms on O-rings. This is the complete opposite to the mass of plastic colors where you can use these to mark a few specific points on your knitting and add some more style to your work-in-progress. I love the adorable look of these little sheep, with their expressive faces and the marking on the fleece coat. It is also a great choice when working with real wool. They are handmade, so could have some imperfections and won’t look completely uniform, but that just adds to the charm. You also have to pay more for this smaller set of 5 than a mass of 240 plastic rings, but they are a great gift for keen knitters or crocheter.
8) Cat Kitten Stitch Markers
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This next set is something a little bit different. Here there are 5 pieces that represent little cats, all in unique colors. These ones also have that helpful lobster clasp instead of an O-ring. This makes them easier to fix onto dropped stitches and to remove from other areas. Customers report high satisfaction with these stitch markers on all types of yarn thickness, even bulky yarn. They come with a nice bag to store then in. Again, you have to pay a little more for the unique look and quality, but they are a great gift.
9) Jupean Complete Knitting and Crochet Accessories
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An alternative option here is to opt for a set that gives you a wide range of knitting and crocheting accessories to play with. This first option is a 91 piece set with a range of different markers to play around with. You can try out the different sizes and styles to see if one works best for your needs, or you can use different types for different types of marks. For example, you can pin the dropped stitches and add the rings to the ends of rows or as pattern markers. You also get a series of plastic needles, hooks, a tape measure, and a case to put them all in. This is a great little beginner kit at a low price so even if you find that you only end up using a small number of these pieces, there is still value in this product.
10) Mayboos 381 Pieces Stitch Ring Markers and Colorful Knitting Kits
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Finally, there is this set from Mayboos that gives you a lot for your money. There are essentially three products in one here. First, you get a box of different colored pins. Then you get a similar box with compartments for rings of four colors and two sizes. Then there is another box that offers alternative accessories. There are some split rings, some traditional safety pins, plastic needles, needle caps, stitch counters, and a tap measure. There are 381 pieces in total and everything is brightly colored and engaging. Again, it should prove to be a great little beginners set or a more comprehensive option for those that aren’t sure where to start with their knitting or crocheting.
Why Should you Use Stitch Markers?
Before we can compare the different types of stitch markers, we need to look at why we use them in the first place. If you are new to knitting, a marker can help you mark the beginning and ends of your rows. They can also act as counters. The skill of counting stitches is something that develops over time, so adding markers can be a great way of keep track until it all comes naturally.
Still, even the most experienced knitter like to use markers here and there when they are marking out areas for pattern changes, edges, new colors, or other aspects of the design. Many also find them to be a big help when knitting in the round. This form of circular knitting isn’t easy so a clear marker can help you keep track of your work.
What Can you Use as Stitch Markers?
To be honest, you can use anything you like to mark your stitches as long as they can go over a knitting needle or can clip into place. I have seen some great images of people’s knitting projects on social media where they use little beaded charms, keyrings, and other items to mark their stitch. DIY options are great if you are a keen crafter and don’t knit that much, from some of the more random items that you might find around the home. However, this might not be ideal if you have a big project and want to make everything from dropped stitches to rows and pattern changes. In these cases, you might be better off buying a bigger set of loops, pins, or other similar markers.
The most Common Types of Stitch Markers
Below, I have compiled reviews for a series of little stitch markers of different styles. One of the most popular, and my personal favorite, is the pin that looks like a little safety pin. These are very easy to use and are just the right size for marking dropped stitches and changing colors in a pattern. Other people like to use little rings or charms that have beads and other features hanging from them. Here is what you need to know about these options.
The Ring Marker
Rings are enclosed circles that slip over your knitting needles and mark your spot on your knitting as you work. Most of the popular products are just simple little plastic rings that come in different sizes and colors. The smaller rings are going to get in the way so much on smaller projects, but you do need to be sure that they will fit over your needles. There are some independent designers out there using wood and metal too.
The Pin Marker
These little markers work like miniature safety pins with a simple flexible plastic pin and a secure clasp. You can easily pin them into place without having to slip them over your needles, which can be a great way of marking dropped stitches and going over your work.
The Split Ring Marker
Split rings are something a little different and offer the best of both worlds, to a degree. The unfinished ring allows a gap so you can slip the ring onto your knitting and your yarn rather than sliding them over the needles. But, there is also that ring shape that allows for this sort of use. You can find lots of sets of multiple split ring markers in various colors and sizes, just like the other rings and pins.
The Lobster Clasp Charm
This final option is very cute. A lobster clasp is the sort of claw-shaped clasp that you get on the end of charms and other decorative embellishments for bags and key chains. The clasp gives a secure closure around the stitch in the yarn, and then you get the decorative element hanging from it. This can be a bit over-the-top for those that like the simplistic and unobtrusive nature of the small pins and rings. However, there are some beautiful designs out there and they are great for those that only need to use a few markers for pattern changes rather than for stitch counting.
Important Considerations for Choosing a Pack of Stitch Markers
Before we look at some of the best options around in these different types of markers, it is important to consider the following points.
How many markers do you get in the pack?
Quantity can be important here if you have a big project in mind or if you are an inexperienced sewer. The idea here is that you should be able to mark every important stitch or dropped stitch you come across. So, the more pins or loops that you have, the better your chance of going back and fixing your mistakes and keeping track of everything. Large packs of pins offer plenty to work with. Small sets of 4 or 5 markers may be pretty, but are they going to be practical enough.
How many different colors are in the pack?
A multicolored set can make a big difference to your work and your progress as you can color-code the markers. You might choose a certain color for dropped stitches and then use corresponding colors for color changes in your pattern. Also, a range of colors lets you add markers that are a strong contrasting color to the yarn so that they stand out. There is no point in having 120 red pins the exact same shade as the red yarn.
Do you want more of a collectible option?
While there are downsides to choosing a small pack of charm-like stitch markers, you can get some really attractive pieces that are fun to use when making a scarf and marking out your patterns. They can become quite a collector’s item when you get some of the more interesting designs and a nice rail to display them on in your sewing room. These pieces are also nice little gifts for friends and family that love to knit.
Do they come with a good storage solution?
Another reason for choosing a set with lots of pieces is that you could also easily lose some of these pins or rings over time. They could find their way to the bottom of your sewing drawer or in some very random places. This is less likely if you have a storage solution as part of the set. If they come loose in a plastic bag then you need to have a box, tin, or pouch already to transfer them to. But, if they come in a little box, perhaps even with separate compartments for the colors, you don’t have to worry so much about how you are going to keep them all safe.
The Right Set of Stitch Markers Can Make a Big Difference
Take your time to find the best stitch markers for you. If you know that pins are a more user-friendly option for your needs, you can focus on finding a good set with adequate storage. If you prefer the idea of the O-rings or split rings then there are similar kits out there. I recommend looking at the broader kits if you are a complete beginner to find what suits you best. As you get more confident, you can then treat yourself to some lovely charms.