How to use a stitch marker

Stitch markers are often optional tools, but they're useful to help you keep track of your stitches. And they come in handy when you're just starting out and need to know where to start crocheting a stitch, or to mark the end of a row so you don't accidentally add extra stitches.

Crocheting while keeping track of your stitches can be difficult, and stitch markers help you do just that. Whether it's to help mark the start of a round, to keep track of where you've made an increase or decrease, or to mark a specific stitch, stitch markers are a great tool. It may seem impossible to count stitches when you're just starting out, but with practice, you'll be able to do it in no time! It's a skill that's easy to pick up after a little practice to keep track of your stitches.

How to use a stitch marker to keep track of your progress (step-by-step with photos)

Below is a stitch marker video for beginners on how to use a stitch marker. It lets you mark where you started a round and that's all it does.

So while you're a beginner, stitch markers keep you on track to ensure to properly count and track your stitches.

1 Step 1

1. Crochet the first stitch of the round.

2 Step 2

2. Insert the stitch marker under both top loops of the stitch you just made, and clip it closed like a safety pin.

3 Step 3

3. Crochet the rest of the round as you normally would. When you've crocheted into the last hole before the stitch marker, you're done. Count the number of stitches in the round, starting with the one marked by the stitch marker. (Remember, the loop on the hook does not count as a stitch.) If it matches the pattern, then congrats! You can move onto the next round.

Tip

Insert the stitch marker from the back to the front of the piece with the open side on the bottom. This way, you can use your thumb to keep pushing the stitch marker back.

Still have questions?

A stitch marker is a small tool used to mark a specific stitch in your crochet work. It can be a specially designed marker, a safety pin, a bobby pin, or even a piece of scrap yarn. It helps you keep track of where you are in your pattern.
Stitch markers are used to mark the beginning of a round, track increases or decreases, mark pattern repeats, or identify specific stitches you need to return to later. They're especially helpful when crocheting in the round for amigurumi.
Insert the stitch marker under both loops of the stitch you want to mark. Make sure it's secure but not too tight. When you reach the marker in the next round, remove it, work the stitch, then place the marker in the new last stitch.

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