5 Crochet Hacks I NEVER Use (And Why You Might Find Them Helpful Anyways!)

I hope y'all enjoy this video, and be sure to let me know in the comments what you think I got right and what you think I got wrong! Again, this video is meant to be light hearted and fun and is just my personal opinion. The beauty of crochet is we don't all have to agree and have the same preferences to create beautiful art and appreciate each other's talents. So if you like these hacks, go for it!
Yarn bowls shown with artists' permission in video. Available on Etsy!
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Video mentioned:
How to Change Yarn Color - • How to Change Yarn Col...
5 Crochet Hacks - • 5 Crochet Hacks That A...
Alternative Turning Chain - • Alternative Turning Ch...
Foundation Double Crochet - • TuTu Ep 21: How to Fou...
5 More Crochet Hacks - • 5 Crochet Hacks To Lev...
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[@CraftersAutonomous]

Y'all are making such great points in the comments! I love reading your thoughts on my controversial opinions, so keep the comments coming. Also, I forgot to include the link to the 42 crochet tips & tricks articles, but here is the link if you want to check out the full list! snappyliving.com/42-crochet-tips/

[@bettablue2660]

Warm up America- maybe work your old yarn by creating the 7’ x 9’ inch rectangles in any stitch you like. Either create a blanket or just do rectangles in for charity. I’ve been working on mine this year. Check out their website, and think about making a video for this.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

@@bettablue2660 I'll look into them!

[@debbieholmes8926]

me too

[@alandaescoe5928]

I posted a video about how to use the clamps on your yarn by squeezing the two silver pieces and they come off that way you don’t have to cut your yarn

[@dadm1052]

Ditto on the magic ring, I just used chain 2 method, but recently saw a guy do the finger gun technique. Changed my life..

[@hartmanartsource]

When I do a magic ring, I put the tail to the LEFT, and stitch OVER it, so that it’s caught tightly in the first round. That might help you to keep it from unraveling.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to give it a try.

[@wanitamcdade4946]

I do this to 👍🏽

[@magicmoon65]

Same! My first reaction seeing it is maybe thats why it doesn't work. I have a harder time pulling it tight how it's done above

[@kaym804]

Love the magic ring, I keep my yarn tail to the left so it gets crocheted into the ring!

[@msmikkic9738]

This is how I do it, too.

[@TLYarnCrafts]

So glad KZbin recommended this video and your channel. Great explanation. And I love that you're showing there are many ways to accomplish the same things in crochet 💕

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks so much! That's one of the many things I love about crochet - there's no "right or wrong" way to make something as long as the method works. Everyone can find what works best for them, and we can all admire each others skill! Love watching your channel too btw. 😃

[@empain_]

When the crochet goddess herself comments on your video :o

[@kaitlynboss3497]

The russian join isn't really for color changing though. It's to attach the same color but a new ball. Avoid unneeded knots/weaved in ends.

[@stargazer_andi]

I agree, it's meant for the same color of yarn. I find this works really well for me for knitting!

[@Rachel-vz7yg]

Came to the comments to say this! They just show 2 colors in the tutorials because it's easier to see

[@laurent3415]

Glad someone else was thinking the same thing. I always use it when knots would show too easily like on a lacy shawl pattern.

[@firebladetenn6633]

As a new crocheter I am learning a lot from videos like hers and comments from y’all. Thanks. Learning from those books is a pain in the rear.

[@pamharrison324]

Thanks, I've never tried it because I didn't think I could line up the colors. But I didn't think to use it when I run out. I will definitely try it now.

[@katherinerohrbacker145]

For the last hack, when using the binder clip, you can squeeze the metal loop that the yarn is going through and remove it from the sides of the clip and free your yarn. The little loop is just kept in place by the force of the loop pushing outwards (trying to go back into a straighter form). It's a little fiddly but not terribly hard to do (provided you don't have arthritis or something preventing you from using your pinch grip).

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Totally forgot about that until people started mentioning it in the comments! haha

[@CandysYarnCrafts]

I'm a magic ring pro lol. I also only use a larger hook on my starting chain when starting a blanket so that the corners don't curl up. We all have our preferences with time. Love your videos.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I have a lot of admiration for people who can get the magic ring to work consistently for them! So true about developing habits and preferences over time. Sometimes people will point out little quirks I do in my videos that I didn't even realize I did! haha

[@brittneydarnell7609]

I personally love the magic ring as well. I make a lot of amigurumi and I like how tight it can get. I always make sure to do extra long tails and weave them back on themselves a few times to make sure they don’t unravel.

[@armedo109]

Due to inheriting a large quantity of leftover yarn from my grandmother... my crochet obsession Started with amigurumi. Because it was easier to use up small quantities of random colours. Therefore... became a magic ring pro quickly and just... can't settle for the chain ring method. The gap drives me nuts

[@ArDeeMee]

@@CraftersAutonomous Here‘s a mind hack: The ‚magic circle‘ is just a slipknot. That‘s it. Seriously. You just don‘t pull it close and work directly into the knot. You‘re welcome. 😄

[@mariab.1997]

@@ArDeeMee the magic ring can also be done as an overhand knot that is not immediately tightened. Someone, somewhere on YT has a video. I could not believe how simple. Just work a chain around the open circle of the knot and go. When you pull tight at the end, you are literally pulling a knot closed. Since it is just an overhand knot, I would also leave enough to weave. But I recently saw a video of it being a slipknot too. Two of the easiest starts I ever saw.

[@laughingaardvark3128]

I lived in Montana for 20 years which is a very craftY place. I also visited many yard sales. As a result, when I packed to move back to California I found I have ten and a bit large storage tubs of fairly random yarn. But when you are at an estate sale and are offered a 33 gal plastic bag and two large boxes full of yarn for $15 you would be insane to resist. That Russian join gave me an idea for how to make scrap Afghan though, so thank you.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

It's so hard to say no to such a good deal like that! And great point, the Russian join would work great for a scrap Afghan because it doesn't matter where the color changes fall. Plus, you avoid knots!

[@barbarasmith2693]

On the magic ring: This takes a little practice but I swear it's worth it. DOUBLE IT! Wrap the yarn TWICE, not once, then proceed as shown in this video to bring the yarn through the two strand ring. Then stitch whatever number of stitches you need to make in the circle but DON'T JOIN THE ROUND YET. HERE'S THE IMPORTANT (albeit a little tricky) PART!!!: hold the circle in your dominant hand and ever so gently pull the tail of the yarn to see which of the two strands in the circle begins to get smaller. Grab only that strand (the one that moved) and begin to pull it to cinch the OTHER strand into the center. Once that is tight, you just pull the tail and the second strand of yarn will cinch in. Now you have a magic circle with two loops so that it will not come undone or unravel. Oombawkadesigncrochet has an excellent step by step photo tutorial of this method. I highly recommend it. Here's a hack to use instead of a yarn bowl. Use a cheap zip top bag and use a paper hole punch (or, heck, just poke a hole with a crochet hook) to make a hole in the bag. Put yarn in bag, thread working yarn through hole you made. Zip close the bag. Works great. No tangles. No dust bunnies in your yarn. And no big deal if you want to take your yarn out without cutting the working yarn. Just snip open the bag with a scissor. Also great for working with multiple colors for C2C afghans.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Both of those are great ideas! Thanks for sharing.

[@deewathen6734]

i always have the doubled version and the 2 loops bind against each other and secure it, then i always use a darning needle to run the tail through stitches to secure even more.

[@severineg8702]

Thanks Barbara- I’ll have to read through your instructions again and try it when I have time. I have mixed results with the MC but I’m willing to try a new technique. Thanks 😁

[@emmagoff]

Great idea on the magic loop! Off to get some yarn and try that right now!!

[@char8059]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h369oYJrYpZsnrM This is a link for MJ's Off the Hook double magic ring tutorial. It's good. Another one is from Kickin' Crochet:. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4qYe6mboJZ9edk This one is good also. I hope these help. 🙂

[@darladelahunty4025]

Love your videos because you get it said quickly. No long pauses and no yawning involved. One thing about the index card with your supplies listed: There's nothing wrong with duplicates. I will work on a project, then bag it up and move to the next one for a while, and the hook or needles stay with the project, thus taking that particular item out of inventory. So I NEED duplicates. Many duplicates in the case of my my most-used sizes.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great point! I have duplicates from my great grandmother, plus my Denise interchangeable tunisian crochet hooks, and it's so nice knowing I can always find the hook size I need.

[@CandysYarnCrafts]

No kidding..haha I've misplaced many a hook by leaving it in a project. Worst one was a steel one it got packed up when we moved, didnt find it for over a year and there it was still with the project.

[@severineg8702]

I do this, too, Darla. However, I’m also guilty of misplacing hooks because I’m disorganized. I probably have at least 4 of each size from 3 mm to 15 mm. For this, I do not feel guilty at all 😝.

[@lizzieturbeville4089]

Actually with the binder clip, you can squeeze the metal things (handles) together and unhook them from the clip itself. Or so I think it works at least for bigger clips.

[@janeweller]

It also works for the smallest ones, it's just a little bit tricky to do it with your fingers but with some pliers it's perfectly doable.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I totally forgot that part can slide out! I might be warming up to this hack now haha

[@headlessempress1816]

I use the makeshift binder clip yarn bowl all the time, but I connect my yarn using a closed stitch marker(the kind you can lock and unlock) that I link to the clip so I can put everything away and avoid that problem all together!! Hope this helps others!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Smart idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@char8059]

@Heather Near That's a brilliant idea, Heather! I'm going to try it!

[@namarien31416]

You can also remove the “loop” in the binder clip from the black part. That way you can take the yarn out of the loop.

[@msmikkic9738]

When you make a magic ring, you want to place your tail to the left (not the right) so you can work over it. If you do that, you can just pull on the tail when the first round is done to close the center hole. I love ❤ 😍 using the magic ring.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks for the tip! After reading through the comments, it seems like there's lots of little variations on the magic ring to solve different problems. Maybe I've just been using the wrong method all along!

[@indragill]

Pull that tail tight, but you MUST weave the tail in as well. If you pull tight and clip the tail, it will unravel at some point for sure!

[@juliemfchristmas]

@@indragill it technically gets weaved in throughout the first round if you start with the end of the magic ring to the left and crochet over top of it

[@RoseCloak77]

The magic ring is great but I do it a little differently than you showed. And for Russian joins, I never use it to change color but when I want to continue with a new skein of the same color I use it instead of tying the yarn together sometimes to avoid knots in my project. I’m with you on the other hacks though!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That is a good point for the Russian join! I can see how it would be a good option if there's not a color change.

[@susannevanmierlo6341]

That is also how I use a russian joint. To connect a new skein in the same color.

[@jakual339]

The Russian join is also a good choice if you're doing a scrap yarn project, so you're just chaotically adding together lots of different yarns, and don't have a specific plan for the colour changes.

[@chriscrosscrafter]

I too have had a problem with the magic ring unraveling. The trick is when you weave in the ends. If you weave in counter clockwise then clockwise and then counterclockwise again (or vice versa) it will make it virtually impossible for the ring to unravel. Thanks to Mikey from the Crochet Crowd for that little tidbit. The last “tip” boggles my mind a little. What in the world is wrong with buying multiple hooks of the same size? I do that on purpose quite deliberately because that way I can have multiple projects using the same size yarn and hook. I’m not going to want to go chasing around the house finding the bag that has the right hook size in it, I want to have multiples of each hook size! And I keep a thorough inventory of my yarn on ravelry because they have an excellent resource for just that purpose and I can access it from everywhere. (Oh and I am entirely sure that my yarn stash would take a reasonably sized notebook assuming I listed each separate yarn on one line only. I have four walls of yarn not including the stuff that’s in storage in the storage room, an index card is completely ridiculous to me.) Take care and stay safe!

[@a.b.cooper4807]

Me: Controversy? I'm still kinda new to this, so she's probably not gonna say anything I'd think is controver-- "So the first one is the magic ring." Me: :0 No but seriously, this video was very interesting and helpful. What's funny to me is I use the magic ring instead of chaining because I never learned how to do the chain method right, and this is the first time I'm seeing the chain method done properly. XD

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Haha, I had to start with the biggest one! 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@katelynpoyntz3654]

Ravelry has a needle/hook inventory - I use that and can access it anytime from anywhere. I love it and reference it all the time! Not just when I'm shopping but more often when I go to start a project I can check to see if I have that hook/needle size. It's really helpful because it saves me from going through all my hooks searching. I would highly recommend it!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That sounds like a good resource!

[@danieljgmiller9031]

I've taken to using brown paper grocery bags instead of yarn bowls. They are deep enough for most sizes of balls and the yarn slides off the paper nicely without snagging.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great idea!

[@danabenedetti8753]

Good idea.

[@Emily-ru6ev]

Smart!

[@KarenRose73]

Going to try that!

[@FreyaWarr]

Lol, I use a cereal bowl, never had any issues.

[@rence69]

I just discovered your videos and have given me some great tips. The one thing I can say is I love the magic ring and recently I discovered a "double magic ring" that is much more secure and I use it religiously since getting the hang of it. Again you videos on crochet have showed me alot thank you 😊

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I'll have to give it a try! It's been so fun reading the comments and discovering how many variations there are for the magic ring.

[@SilkaLiveDoll]

Maybe as a variant on using the binder clip-and-container DIY yarn bowl, you can actually run the yarn under the clip rather than through the arms of it? That way, you can just take the clip off, and free the yarn without cutting or unraveling? I'm bad at explaining stuff; I hope that was clear.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I get what you're saying! That's a pretty good idea! The advantages of feeding through the clip, without the project being stuck 😄

[@mariab.1997]

You can usually remove the clip handles if need be. As long as you can, I would use the handle parts because the clip has sharp edges. It won't cut the yarn, but may stress it. I use them for keeping charging cords orderly.

[@loristrout4741]

That is what I would do too just take the little arm off. However I have a yarn bag. It is a sewn bag big enough to put 4 skeins of yarn on amd has 2 big slits in the top that are sown and bound. Each slit has 2 holes on each end so you can knit or crochet with up to 4 yarns or 4 projects at a time. It has a zippered top that comes almost all the way off so plenty of room to get the skeins in and out. Has storage on the outside for crochet hooks or knitting needles also has a small zippered pocket to put accessories. I got mine on Facebook Marketplace from a non knitter she goes to auctions and estate sales. It came with a bunch of yarn and both needles and hooks. However there is a pattern for a dedicated crocheted bowl that you can make your self.

[@mariab.1997]

The only makeshift "yarn bowl" I use is a handy dandy plastic bag (a clean one) like from the supermarket. Yarn goes in and I tie the handles (not too tight) and it works like a charm and doubles as the project bag. Also, any drawstring bag would work too.

[@faridakamran915]

I do the same ☺️

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I really like this idea! *immediately searches for my drawstring bag*

[@DavidNurbin]

I use reusable produce bags for this...

[@KarenRose73]

Love it!!!

[@micheleconley4826]

Same here, plus I hang the bag(s) from an S-hook under my adjustable tv tray. My pattern, scissors, yarn needle, and other craft helpers are conveniently on the tv tray.

[@bobbiepoynter3848]

Love your tips. I've just begun working a lot with multiple skeins of yarn at the same time. This may sound silly, but I put the ball of yarn in a plastic grocery bag, tie a loose knot (or bow that I can loosen quickly) and pull the yarn through the small opening created by the tie. This protects my yarn from getting dirty or loaded with dog hair (part of my house's natural decor), and I can throw the project (and extra bags of yarn) all into the same bag for storage. It also travels well.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great idea! Anything to keep yarn untangled and clean is a win!

[@ooohlaa13]

dog hair decor, too funny ... right on, I love the tee shirt dog hair, don't care ... but not when it comes to knit/crochet projects! Thanx for the laugh so sending a return chuckle!

[@DavidNurbin]

Thank you for these. Presenting bith the hacks and your alternatives taught me a lot. One thing I want to mention is the thing with the binder clips. If you like to use it, but want to be able to remove your yarn, most binder clips come apart easily, and can be put back together. If you flip up the silver handles one at a time, and squeeze right above where they attach and slide to one side or the other. The handle comes right off. You can remove the other in the same fashion to get your yarn loose (or put it back on). They can be put back on by reversing the procedure.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, I completely forgot about that! I feel a little dumb now 😆 Thanks for reminding me!

[@DavidNurbin]

You are welcome! I may start using this hack now, I had never seen it before and am already using a plastic container to hold my yarn 🤣

[@firebladetenn6633]

I may be a little late for this video but as a new crocheter I am so thankful for these vids. It’s much easier to learn from these than from those books. And that basket shown to keep the ball in will keep my cats from getting it. My sweet/evil little trouble makers. Two, like the cat loving idiot I am. Brothers. Virgil and Dante.

[@ooohlaa13]

right on, I love the tee shirt dog hair, don't care ... but not when it comes to knit/crochet projects ... my black cats shed a lot ... ugh!

[@CherylDFloyd]

I sit at a card table while I crochet. I tie one handle of a plastic grocery bag to the hinge of the table leg and put my yarn ball or skein in the bag. It comes out smoothly as I crochet and doesn't roll all over the floor, until the ball becomes so small it doesn't have enough weight to stay in the bag. Works for me.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Smart!

[@MrsGump]

Oooh I love this idea! I have a big, chunky coffee table in front of my couch I sit on n it has a big knot of wood as the drawer handle - in a bag hanging off that would be perfect! Thank you thank you thank you lol

[@cassandramartin1571]

I liked this video. I like the magic ring and prefer it to your preference but to each their own. You asked what tricks I see all the time that drive me crazy? Using the back bumps of your chain because, like you, I prefer the foundation row. It rocks! I have never been able to do the Russian join I just weave my tails in. I go under a number of stitches then pop out, go over the last bar or stitch and then run back under more stitches. Repeat a few times. I like this method and it seems to work well. My yarn stash is pretty large and would not fit on any note card because I would include everything! Color, brand, lot, everything. My two year old just got his big boy bed and his crib is back in my room (we're hoping for a sibling) and most my yarn stash is in and under the crib. I've separated it by color in bins. Projects are in basket scattered throughout the living room but the yarn not attached to a project is in or under the crib. I really like having it separated by color so when I want to start a new project I know what I have available to work with. P.S. I work at Hobby Lobby and have for 5 years...are you surprised my stash isn't bigger? Yarn is %30 off every other week!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, the foundation row is such an amazing hack! I love that you sort your yarn stash by color. And I'm the same way about projects scattered throughout the house, just depends on where I was working on it last! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@Dratchet]

I love the magic ring, but instead of a twisty loop, I use a backwards slipknot so it's knotted and doesn't come undone. I do also crochet over the loose end to keep that from slipping and coming out.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@winterroseblooms]

For the magic circle, you still need to properly weave your end in for it to be secure. The makeshift yarn bowl hack with the binder clips works great. The handles on the binder clips are actually removable. You just pinch the metal handle together a little and the ends will slide right out of the clip. Then just reverse that to put the handles back.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks for the tips! I completely forgot that the binder clip piece is removable when I was filming haha

[@creativeknotting]

That way of doing the magic ring is the hardest way to do it, everyone uses that way and it is the hardest! I love it!

[@jakual339]

Agreed! I was watching the video going "that looks so much more complicated than what I do... have I been doing it wrong this whole time?" XD

[@terribear3810]

My friend bought a soup tureen with lid at a yard sale, no chips in it. She gave it to me to use as a yarn bowl. I cake most of my yarn, and even the really big cakes fit in the tureen. And it's sturdy and really pretty.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That sounds like a great solution!

[@elizabethtrimble6853]

I love your Hacks videos!! I'd never seen a y of your videos before yesterday, when one popped up in my feed, and I subscribed right away. They're very helpful, and I will incorporate many of your hacks into my crocheting practice. Thank you!!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I'm so glad you've been enjoying the hacks! Glad to have you here.

[@JJW77]

I love your helpful checks. I loved your version of alternative turning chain on #2, which I learned from one of your previous video. It's quite hard to time #4 just where you want it. I also used the same method as you. #5 I don't like to use a self made container to hold my ball of yarn down - the container falls are over the place and like you said, I end up cutting the yarn and later end up tying extra knots that I would have like to avoid... Thank you for sharing your crochet knowledge with your fans!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

So glad you enjoyed these ideas, and thanks for being a fan! 😊

[@recusa6519]

Finally! A solution for turning work. Love the double crochet turning trick. Better for edging, too. Thank you. I am a new subscriber!

[@geedubwall2153]

for the diy yarn bowl what i use is a ziplock baggie with a slit cut into the top of it because it also helps me store the whole project in the baggie (gallon sized ones!) but also the ball isn't rolling around getting the yarn all gross (when you live with dogs and cats it gets DIRTY!)

[@ooohlaa13]

right on, I love the tee shirt dog hair, don't care ... but not when it comes to knit/crochet projects!

[@Minding2010]

I love the yarn everywhere! 😂 There’s no way I could note everything on one index card. I have been trying to keep an inventory of my yarn though.🤔

[@danabenedetti8753]

Nice video. I love the magic ring. 😆 I don’t have the tail to the right. I crochet over the tail. I also leave a little longer tail to weave in at the end. Thanks for the video!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I wonder if that might help me? I'll have to give it a try!

[@lizzieturbeville4089]

Yes, I always have the tail to the left also.

[@mythicalmermaid5757]

I do that too

[@Soffity]

Me too. Love the magic ring, use it all the time and I’ve never had it come undone, I crochet over the tail and then weave it in at the back in the opposite direction. It’s worth practising it till you get it. Sometimes people give up too easily,

[@irene_f.]

I love the magic ring. I've never had it unravel. I think it is all about what works best for each individual.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

So true! It's been fun reading all the comments and seeing the little ways people adjust the magic ring to make it work better for them. I might have to give some of them a try!

[@irene_f.]

@@CraftersAutonomous It is interesting reading the comments. I subscribed. 🌸

[@CraftersAutonomous]

@@irene_f. Thanks for the support! ❤️

[@sandygrogg1203]

I loved your Honorable Mention.. I don’t know anybody who could put their yarn and hooks on ten index cards, let alone one.. Yikes!

[@Cuttlebuglover]

Good to know the ones to avoid as well as the ones that work, thank you ❤

[@donnacreativeblessings4098]

Thanks for the tip on using the clip. I am going to do that now because I'm using 5 balls of yarn and need to change the color every two rows, so I'll always be cutting it..

[@severineg8702]

Hi Amanda - I really enjoyed this video! And, by the way - your yarn stash and works in progress look like mine. I, too, have multiple hooks. You’re terrific 😘

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thank you! I always have about a dozen wips at once, and as soon as I finish one project, I'm starting three more! haha

[@WifeOfLibcraz]

This was already a great video but the honorable mention took it over the top lol I laughed so hard because SAME! Thanks for these videos! :)

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I couldn't NOT include that one in there 😂 I'm so glad to find my people on here that can relate! Thanks for watching.

[@TuulaMaaria]

I wouldn't use the magic ring either if I made it in such a complicated way 😊 I simply wrap the yarn once over my index finger and go on from there, no need to think of criss-crossing yarns and all that!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I've learned a lot from the comments of different ways to work the magic ring, so maybe I've just been using the wrong technique this whole time! lol

[@kellybrooks7655]

I use one of thousands of Walmart bags we all have 🤣 and just tie the handels together, very potable and easy to remove my yarn, stays clean and doesn't tangle 💕💕💕

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great idea!

[@dracofirex]

Yarn bowl alternative: Cardboard box. Cut a slot into one of the lid flaps, like a long U-shape that's open to the top. Close the box with the yarn in the flap slot. When you're done, you can open the box and slip it right out of the flap slot. Works with any angle and you're recycling. :)

[@jean-jn3nq]

Thank you and love your channel and your approach. Very refreshing. 😌

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thank you so much!

[@takktakterakk]

glad to see I'm not the only one with messy yarn storage. :-D never heard of 4 of your hacks, so now I know what not to do when I come across them. thanks

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Every few weeks I go through everything and reorganize, and then about two days later it's a mess again 😂

[@juswannaknow1848]

Oh yes I DO relate ... you might have been filming my yarn stash. But I don't mind, I just love doing needlework ... it calms me .... especially this last couple of years. Thank you for all your ideas.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, crochet is so relaxing (unless I make a mistake haha)!

[@chromagic]

Wow I couldn't imagine how helpful it is to hear in detail pros and cons of a hack! In addition: your hints to other hacks are great. Thank you!! As a fan of the magic ring I observed, that you keep the short end of the yarn twisted around the loop which forms the ring (sorry for my bad English...). This can cause problems while pulling the ring close. If it's important, that the ring keeps tightly together, you can make a double loop for the ring.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks for the tip! I've had a couple people mention doubling the ring, so maybe that would help me.

[@kateworkman921]

The other things I can see might be "controversial" somehow, but the magic ring?? Not to mention, it wasn't done right here, so that's probably why stuff unravels. As far as yarn bowls, I can see the usefulness of them for some people, but me, I just grab the center of the yarn. Even if I have to pull out a huge wad of the center, I know the yarn'll be used, and since I'm going from the center, it always stays in one place, anyway.

[@DavidBrowningBYD]

Love. This. Video!!!!!!!! There are so many suggestions people use that I don't care for. I hate the idea of a yarn bowl or bag where you threat the yarn through a hole, for the same reasons you state. I don't see the sense in that Russian join, although I will admit your explanation of it is the clearest I've ever seen. Regarding turning chains, I only use them on DC or larger, and my solution is merely to ensure that the next DC (or TC or whatever) is every bit as tall as the chain itself to avoid that gap that is so often seen. Regarding the magic circle, um, no. Just no. I once made a Top 10 Tips video, and the most important was: Count. Count again. Then go back and count again. Counting will either save your life or make it miserable.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, counting is a necessary evil! Almost every time I have to frog something it's because I didn't count.

[@DavidBrowningBYD]

@@CraftersAutonomous ME TOO!!!!!!!

[@marigeobrien]

Thank you! I am SO glad I'm not the only one who thinks the magic ring is less than magical. I, myself, think it's all about how you start initially-- using the best way to begin. All I know is, the way I was taught (by my mother), I can pull the end and it will close the center of so there's no hole. I've seen a lot of much more difficult ways to begin but, mine works so I go with it. As for having lots of left-over yarn, I started what I call a Memory Afghan (because it reminds me of all the projects I did.) The point of this afghan is to use up end pieces of yarn. It changes color randomly but I think it's a look; very homey and comfortable. As for buying, I am currently under a self-regulated yarn ban-- I cannot buy more yarn until I use up at least 1/2 of what I have. I just don't have any room for it and, frankly, I doubt I'll use it all up before I die. LOL! Generally, I find hacks are very personal, depending on the particulars of how each person works. Because of that, it's great to share the ideas but not everyone has to do them. Except for that transitioning hack (you show it at 3:33), because every time I use it (which is all the time) I cannot believe this wasn't discovered AGES ago! It eliminates knots in work and allows you to change precisely where you want to. My mother would have loved it.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I love the name for the Memory Afghan! Scrap yarn projects are always so fun because each one ends up completely unique. So true about hacks being personal. I love that with crochet we can all have our preferences and different techniques, yet still be able to create beautiful projects. Thanks for watching!

[@Kiki_Reborn]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 i laughed so hard at your reason for not using an index card. Also, I’m with you on the Russian join. I couldn’t get on with it at all.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

#thestruggleisreal haha

[@RIODJENIRO1]

I'm going to start using your hack for using a larger hook for the starting chain, I always seem to do that too tight when I don't use the foundation chain starts. I also use just a regular zipperless tote bag to keep my yarn and projects in this way all my yarn is together with the pattern, hooks and notions and I can just carry it from room to room or take out and work on it at the Dr's office, trip, ect... Thanks so much for making and sharing this video and hacks, also the list of 42 other hacks...

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@hengyang9424]

For the binder clip, you can take off the silver part of the clip, so you can take it out. I also have an issue of using the groomets in my project bags because they're stuck in the project bag until I finish (along with being stuck outside of the project bag)

[@CraftersAutonomous]

A few people have mentioned that about the binder clip, and I can't believe I completely forgot! 🙊😂

[@MrsGump]

I'm a newbie & this vid is brilliant! Much thanks 😊

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@jollyfamily9138]

You can take the handles off the binder clip by squeezing the sides inward, and then put the clip back together afterwards. A bit fiddly but it would free your project. Somebody should make a specially designed clip that turns a bowl into a yarn bowl- like a chip clip but with a swirly hooky thing in the handle.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Totally forgot until people started pointing it out in the comments, haha! But yes, I love the idea of a special clip to turn any bowl into a yarn bowl 😍

[@feelute8352]

Hi Amanda, The yarn bowl is new to me, but l have been using my hack for many years. I use the shopping bag l brought the yarn home from the store in. I didn't want to chase the yarn. And the yarn won't pick up unwanted animal hair, people hair, or lint on the carpet or floor. One bag per color being used. Just tie the top of bag lose enough for yarn to pass through. When your done undo your bag and put your project and yarn together.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great idea!

[@llamabrat07]

I enjoy how you explain the hack, why you don’t use it, but how others might like it. You make it clear the reason you don’t use it is your opinion. The Russian join seems like a great hack if you are making a project with scrap pieces of yarn and you are changing colors at certain lengths of yarn/when that color runs out and you don’t want to have to keep stopping to change colors. Seems like this method works best with worsted weight yarn. With yarn I prefer to wind them into a center pull and still use a yarn bowl I got as a gift to make it easier to transport it from one spot to another. You can also use a large ziplock bag with a hole cut out to thread the yarn through. Also good for crocheting on the go to keep the yarn clean and free from tangling up in your project bag.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great idea on using the Russian join for a scrap project! And center pull is my favorite too.

[@llamabrat07]

@@CraftersAutonomous it’s also good for combining ends of yarn that are the same color within the same project, or when you want to create an ombré effect and are creating the ball ahead of time so you don’t have to stop mid project. And I LOVE center pull yarn balls. I don’t have to chase a ball of yarn around the floor and they stack easier. I do it by hand using a paper towel or toilet paper roll, or my 10mm hook for smaller balls. I wanna get a winder at some point to make it easier.

[@sandyprendergast7119]

I love the magic ring very much. But the one I use is much less complicated. One wrap around finger, end to left (also allows you to hold the loop better) and do the first loop where it crosses. It is very useful if you creating a row with lots of stitches and as you said allows you to close it as closed as you want. I just liked and subscribed! Thanks

[@christied6345]

GIIIIRRRRLLLLL that index card idea...🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'd have to use the whole pack and then I'd STILL need more. 😬😆

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yessss 🤣

[@donnapiko-jones6207]

Thank you! I loved your video and must say I would only need a sheet of legal paper to carry to the store!💕

[@CraftersAutonomous]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Sounds like you're more organized than me. I'm a very "type A" personality, but I typically have organized chaos versus just organization 😆 So I'm not quite sure where my yarn and hooks end up sometimes!

[@cynthiaventura360]

😂 I’m new to crochet 🧶 and I would definitely need a poster board to keep track of the yarn I already have!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Why does it have to be so easy to buy yarn? 😂

[@cynthiaventura360]

@@CraftersAutonomous I know right! 😂 I get in trouble every time I go in to a craft store! 😂

[@karenbalch5621]

I definitely don't track the yarns I have (Hubby'd be able to see just how many skeins I've stashed about, lol) and I do have a postie note with my knitting needle sizes -- I've only listed the bamboo ones, though. I'm working on building at least 1 full set and I have a second-hand shop around the corner specialized to quilting and yarncrafts. The list helps me to get the other sizes I need and say "NO" if necessary rather than getting third or fourth wood ones,

[@cynthiaventura360]

@@karenbalch5621 😂 I hear ya my friend 😂 I have to hide the yarn 🧶 I get and bring it in the house when my hubby isn’t home 😂 he’ll say it looks like that yarn is growing , I’ll say that’s the same yarn 🧶 I’ve had I just moved it around and it looks like it’s more 🤣🤣🤣🤣 this week alone I went to Micheals like 3-4 times . I work a block away from one and I have to pass it to jump on the hwy home and I go in and say I’ll only go in really quick and end up staying about an hour just on the yarn 🧶 take smh 🤦‍♀️ needless to say I always end up coming out with at least a bag smh 🤦‍♀️ I’m addicted to yarn 🧶 I know I have a problem! It could be worse though 😂

[@char8059]

@Cynthia Ventura. Lol. I have the same yarn addiction that you have! Must be the water! And I also tell MYSELF that it could be worse! I don't smoke, drink or partake of recreational chemical substances! They would be so much worse than a "small" yarn addiction! I store mine in clear bins with lids.... I desperately need to buy more bins! Lol I just love yarn (and hooks, stitch markers, tiny scissors, row counters, project bags....) Can you see where this is going? 😂😂 It's so much fun; however, I've been reigning myself in and have cut way back on yarn purchases, until I use more of my stash! Good luck with your addiction, too, Heather! 😊😊👍🧶🧶

[@kimberlywinans3923]

I use an excel spreadsheet to document my yarn stash! I have columns for the brand, the name of the yarn, the color way, dye lot, skein size, number of skeins and total yardage available. I also have a few columns that allow me to list the project for which the yarn is intended and how much yarn it requires. I have a totals column that auto calculates the amount of yarn I have left over after I enter project information.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I love this level of organization!!!

[@lalagamma4452]

I make a lot of applications now so I learned the magic ring to help me but I don't use it for everything. I'm really good at it now it's just some things I use it for and some things I don't. I do use a binder clip at times only because I take the metal part off the binder clip when I want to take the yarn off if you push the two sides of the silver parts of the binder clip they pop right off. Then you squeeze them again to make them smaller and put them right back on. The rest of the hacks I totally agree with you on. And I'm a little crazy about my stuff coming apart too there are times when I will actually take the time to put a small knot in it and cover the knot up. Just because it's a security blanket for me and I've been crocheting for 50 some years. I think it's like everything everybody does things differently and that's what makes us interesting like you said. Great video though. Namaste ✌️🥰🐞🤗

[@CraftersAutonomous]

That's awesome you're able to use the magic ring! It's always nice having extra options when working on a project. I can't believe I totally forgot about the binder clip piece being removable 😳😂

[@RandeT73]

I just recently got back into crocheting after 20 plus years of not doing it. I wanted a yarn bowl, but felt they were too expensive when I went to look at them. Then I realized I had this Halloween decoration collecting dust. A ceramic cauldron that I had done an acrylic pour painting on then resined it. I put the ball of yarn in the bowl, threat it through the handle boom, easy.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Love the creativity!

[@circuitsalsa]

regarding the "index card" - the second you read off their index card thing I was like "lol! that's what rav is for". Also the binder clip ends come off the clip - squeeze the legs together and it comes off. Then your yarn is free, and you could put an existing project in place

[@lyndefehr5104]

Re yarn bowls: I use ziplock bags….you can cut a corner off or a cut in the middle of the bag…not only does this save your yarn from dust & debris, but allows you to put it into your project bag for travel or for ‘later’……I note the hook size & stitch on s post it not inside the ziplock if it’s going into my wip pile.

[@monarashed8906]

Thank you so much for talking on my behalf; I HATE MAJIC RING!!!!! I can not do it, I lose the yarn out of my fingers when I am doing it, it slows down my work, so I HATE IT!!! Thank you sooooooooo much for everything. All was helpful

[@HeraldHealer]

I'm super comfortable with the magic circle though I do it a bit differently than what you showed. Whether I go with the MC or the ring depends on the pattern and the yarn. Darn Good Yarn is where I got my yarn bowl with the spiral. It's handy especially for fine yarns but I can vouch that mixing bowls, wooden soup bowls and even plastic gallon ice cream buckets work well as yarn bowls. Personaly I have a pretty good handle on what I have hook and yarn wise. One i do a good job following the don't by yarn without a project rule. And prayer shawls make good stash busting projects. Two since i prefer to use diffrent styles hooks for different things I took a Pokemon trainer approach. I pulled together full set of Boye hooks and a full set of Susan Bates hooks, the ones where the hooks sit flush with the body/shaft. I Right now I'm filling out the weird sizes of Clover Armour as I need them for projects (thank you Mom for getting the set I'd been coveting for a long time for my birthday last year).

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Good point about it depending on the project! Sometimes I need to work a bunch of stitches into my first round, and the magic ring does make it a lot easier to fit extra stitches. I love the analogy for crochet hooks! Gotta catch/collect 'em all!

[@LadyValkyri]

I share your magic loop dilemma, for many of the same reasons. When I first started crocheting I made a queen sized "wedding ring" design bedspread. So many of my motifs came apart at the center. Such a waste of time and effort. Luckily it was a project just for me, which I rarely do. It's been sitting in a closet (for years!) waiting to be repaired or frogged and repurposed. I am currently using the magic loop method to make some mosaic crochet squares, and crossing my fingers that between the very grabby yarn and weaving the tail in incredibly well, they will stay intact. Great video! Thanks, and hugs.

[@allieg6401]

The trick with the Magic ring is to crochet over the tail but then weave the tail in twice more, if you right handed it will be clockwise (Wrongs side facing after coming out of the sts and turning) then anti-clockwise. I've made many, many, many projects with the magic ring like this and never had a fail going through the washing machine, dryer and regular use.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Aww, that's so frustrating!

[@katrinagreely5399]

Have you tried the double magic circle?

[@sherripatterson4151]

I do a magic ring as a double slip knot. When you pull the first loop through to make a slip knot (as used to start a crochet project), lay that loop over the working yarn and pull that working yarn through the first loop for the second slip knot.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I'll have to give that a try!

[@tanyahenson3083]

Nice video. I like your pros and cons, very fair! For the yarn ball hack, I just use a ziploc or slider baggie and zip it up most of the way. When I take a break, I can just throw everything into the baggie. I actually started using baggies when I noticed my white yarn was getting dingy while crocheting. I started using the baggie and the yarn or thread stayed much cleaner. Now, about the magic loop. First, I don't use a slip knot (it's not necessary and your work cannot unravel from that end), I just start chaining and chain one extra chain than I need and use the first chain as my "magic loop." There's literally nothing new to remember and you eliminate that annoying knot at the beginning. If you're properly weaving in the ends, nothing will come unraveled. There's one caveat to that: CHILDREN! Anything I make for kids I put knots in. Kids can destroy anything!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Glad you enjoyed the video! The ziploc bag is a great idea. Haha, yes children have a special talent for destruction! Thanks for watching.

[@debbienewton909]

I prefer "russian join" when possible but not when changing colors (use the complete-a-stitch method when changing colors), stacked singles when turning, and foundation single or double or whatever instead of starting chain, and I prefer to buy yarn I know I am going to use rather than just random pretty yarn that ends up sitting on the shelf. Yarn bowls are not always big enough, so I use a plastic sack (walmart) to keep my yarn in while I'm crocheting. Easy to transport that with your project and protects from pet hair and dust. You can put the plastic sack in a box if you want or keep it in your lap, or whatever. I have plenty of duplicate hooks in the sizes I use the most, most are inexpensive and it's worth having options and using what is comfortable at the time. Thank you for all the hacks!

[@denisehoffmann5006]

I agree about the magic loop , I just can't get it firmly in my head . I have to watch a tutorial every single time ... sometimes several times 🙄

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I can neither confirm nor deny that I watched about a dozen magic ring tutorials in preparation for showing it in this video... 😂

[@RobinMoore-z4g]

In re: the homemade yarn bowl: Using the binder clips has worked for me because I can take the "wire" part of the clip off/out of the thin metal part by by squeezing the two sides of one wire part together - the ends of the wire will come out of the little cylinders holding them onto the metal, Reverse the process to reattached the wires. This is an easy way to put the yarn up so you can change projects OR, if you're like me and hadn't heard of this hack until you're already in the middle of a project, just put the yarn in the bowl and enable the yarn that goes to your project to go into the wires without cutting the yarn. Works well for me!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Completely forgot about that when filming this video haha! Didn't remember until people started commenting. So it actually is a pretty good hack! But I still don't like yarn feeders where I can't remove the yarn lol But I'll give the binder clip a pass because it is removable

[@carlystrang5101]

Sitting working a magic ring, whilst listening to other opinions! lol! (Literally making dino spikes, started your video, and reached the MR when you started talking about it!)

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Haha, love the coincidence!

[@janepiper-lunt7655]

I do believe you are my long lost child, I agree with all these AND I noticed in a video we have a similar problem. When you start with a single crochet, I almost ALWAYS automatically yarn over because I’m used to double crocheting and have to undo the YO for like the first 3-4 sc to break the habit. This is what I like about you, while you want to do things the right way you are not such a perfectionist that you do a Russian join. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 my kinda gal.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Haha, glad it's not just me! It's so funny how we develop habits over time without even realizing it until we try something different.

[@deannastoll8468]

I saw the binder clip can be removed from the yarn by squeezing the clip handles together and they will come out of the holes. 😊 I like using a giant clip on a small basket that fits into my project bag. And if using a skein of yarn, I use a Clorox wipe container to keep the skein intact and safe from unraveling. I also use tiny binder clips to keep the project from unraveling when traveling with a project.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Ooh, I really like the idea of using an old Clorox container to hold the yarn! Great way to keep it from becoming a tangled mess, especially if the project is getting moved around a lot. Thanks for sharing!

[@DorothyUsher-mm9dj]

I love your hacks, there very helpful. I use a zip lock bag as it saves the ball of wool from my dog playing with it when it rolls across the floor😂

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great idea!

[@katsii1]

i knew I liked you - but I was SURE of it when I saw your yarn stash!! I can relate :).

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, kindred spirits! 😍😂

[@souixaan]

i do my magic ring so much different from that. i love it and its never failed me. i show the size up to people i am teaching t first them move to the chainless foundation

[@shelleysmith4017]

I absolutely detest the magic circle because unless I knot it somewhere, it always unravels with use and washing. I do however love the double magic knot. It is a little more fiddly to learn, but it holds the ring very tight and does not accidentally come loose. I have a kids blanket I made for my Nieces when they were little with lots of squares attached, so I could make lots of colorful granny squares. This meant lots of starting rings for the many squares. I made this blanket about 7/8 years ago. It is a favorite blanket for the girls, it is still used every day while sitting in the couch, watching tv/movies, and having their snack. It gets washed regularly because of said snacks, spilled drinks, etc. it went through toddlerhood, dragging it in and out to play outside with their dolls, for making into a tent and all kinds of kid friendly things. And I am thrilled to say that not one of those double magic rinks has come lose or worse opened up. So if you like the tightness of the MR but worry it is going to come loose, the double MR is the answer. I also like it when I am making cotton face scrubbies and make up removers because I will need to put up to 12 stitches in that ring according to which pattern I am using…and as I use different thicknesses and different brands the chain method is often a pain to get all the stitches it. The DMR is just easier for me. But the MR I find does not hold up with things being used constantly. I find the Russian join works well for just attaching another skein of same color for a large project that uses more than one skein of the same color. This way there are now ends to sew in and risk coming out later on with lots of use. But otherwise I do my color change the way you prefer, as I am never good at judging the precise spot for the color change with the Russian join. As for the alternative to chaining to start the row. I am not a fan of double crochet so unless it is mixed in with other stitches, of whatever I am making (say the granite stitch for example), I avoid it as I find not only the turning chain and first stitch too gappy, but also the spaces between each Dc is too gappy for my liking. But if the project does absolutely need to be Dc stitches across, I use the sc build up alternative for the turning chain (I love that the alternative looks more like a stitch than the ch2 or ch3 does), but then I use what I think is called the attached dc (well that’s what my Mom called it when she taught it to me many years ago). So instead of the typical Dc where you y/o, going through the chain, then y/o pull through, y/o pull through 2, y/o pull through two which is the normal dc. Instead of the first y/o, I pull a loop up from the side of the stitch I just completed to give me that second loop on the hook, then go through the chain, y/o and carry on with the rest of the dc. Explaining rather than showing is more difficult, so I hope that made sense. It is along the lines of when making a foundationless row, where you use the stitch you just finished to start the next stitch. By doing a row or more of DC’s this way, I have the look of the DC’s but not those gaps between the stitches that I cannot stand and it makes for a much more stable fabric. The down side is you cannot use it for doing FPDC and BPDC as the columns do not have the gap on either side to easily work into to pull the columns to the front or the back.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Ooh, the way you work your dc sounds really cool! I think I'm following what you were saying, and I get the idea of how it would put some yarn in that gap between stitches. I'm definitely gonna try this. I love how many little variations there are to crochet that create such fun results! Thanks for sharing.

[@sheryls_in2stitches]

I did a Search for the term "attached double crochet " and ended up with several links to something called "Linked Double Crocher Stitch". There are several tutorials demonstrating it...

[@Deislyn]

If you thread your yarn through a binder clip, you can pinch the silver part tighter and slide one of the ends out of the black base to remove the yarn if you really need to. This is usually tougher to do the first couple times with a new clip but will loosen the more you do it. Also, If you're the type that has many WIPs at the same time, when you take a break on one you can remove the clip from the container and clip it to that WIP with a small note with the pattern, hook size, where you left off, # of stitches/rows, etc.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Totally forgot about that while filming, but was reminded they are removable once people started commenting haha! Ooh, I do like the idea of using it to keep projects organized and know what hook size, etc.

[@lindas.patton7552]

I received a Yarn Boss for my birthday and it has holes for the yarn to pass through, I won't use the holes for the reasons you gave. Love the bag otherwise. Loved your hacks. I dont use the magic loop either, but it would be good for little stuffed things

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I almost got one of those bags, but then I realized my projects would be stuck. So for now, my wip storage is super disorganized. 😆 Thanks for watching!

[@caroleelwell2325]

My yarn supply looks like yours, in everything I can put it in

[@Lady_of_Ishpeming]

I've tried the yarn in a wire basket thing...... *insert cat 🐈 jumping from out of nowhere to attack the ball of yarn* I now have a cake ball winder and only work with center pulls.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Haha, gotta love those little stinkers! 😸

[@TreiGize]

No, I might need a Rolodex for all of my crochet hooks and knitting needles. I love the idea with the binder clip.

[@emmasmith1363]

You can remove binder clips tho? Just squeeze the silver parts to the middle, so… it’s not much of a hassle to use if you want to sit on a project for a while.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Totally forgot about this when I was filming! haha

[@esthermortensen4260]

I'm sure someone else has told you that the binder clip in back 5 is removable. Just squeeze the handle together and it'll detach from the clip. To reassemble when you're ready, just put the yarn in the handle and attach to clip. On the magic ring, I crochet over the tail. If I'm still not sure, I'll weave the end in a bit.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, I totally forgot when filming haha!

[@sarahrhodes8110]

I feel personally attacked by the honorable mention! 😂 My yarn stash looks a lot like yours!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Haha, glad it's not just me! 😂

[@rhondahutt1143]

I use the binder clip and you can take the clip apart to get your yarn out and put it back together.

[@rebeccaforstner1849]

17:43 great tip for using a binder clip on a bowl… you can squeeze the silver “handles” on the clip and they’ll pop off. That way you don’t have to cut your yarn.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Completely forgot about that when I was filming haha!

[@flyred77]

An index card! Now that is funny. My husbands call my Yarn room the Yarn Barn!

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I love that name!

[@brittneydarnell7609]

I have a crochet bag that has eyelets that work with the same idea as a yarn bowl and I hate it! I have several unfinished projects in those bags because I had a hard time transporting them, they are the same size as a large diaper bag and take up too much room in the car. Instead I wind my own center pull skeins and just put the in a reusable grocery bag when I travel. The best part of the center pull yarn is that it doesn’t jump around and draw the attention of my cat or dog as a potential toy. They are also very easy to switch from one carrier to another if I do end up with more room.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I've looked at those bags, and in theory they seem awesome, but my projects getting "stuck" in the bag has always stopped me from buying one! And yes, center pull is the way to go. It makes me wanna do a little happy dance whenever I can find the center tail on a new skein of yarn. 😄

[@brittneydarnell7609]

@@CraftersAutonomous I have learned that I like the bags for something that will stay only in my house to be worked on and that I don’t want to finish immediately. I also like it for keeping my yarns separated to work on multiple smaller projects at once but it those cases I tend to not use the eyelets to feed through.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

@@brittneydarnell7609 I tend to throw my wips into random bags, but then I either end up with a bunch of project bags, or multiple projects tangled in one bag. 😆 So that totally makes sense that the smaller compartments would be great for organizing at home!

[@mariakristinahawl1640]

I completely DETEST the magic ring. I can chain and put all the stitches into the first loop. I also don't pick up a loop to change color. I have a method that locks the yarns, weaves them at the same time and not use knots. I'm planning to get a camera so I can put up a video of my method, which I've never seen done before. 😉

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Yes, make a video! I'm always looking for new tips and tricks, so I'd love to check out your technique.

[@allisongomez7263]

I do the same thing. I saw Fiber Spider use that technique in some of his videos, found it worked beautifully, and never went back. It still tightens up with a tug, and any tail left over can be used to sew any opening left shut at the end.

[@chibimaddy]

the wings of a binder clip come off easily. If you pinch them towards the center, there are holes where you can pull the ends off. :)

[@CraftersAutonomous]

I totally forgot about that when I was filming haha!

[@esthermortensen4260]

When you use the binder clip, you can actually detach the handle the yarn goes thru so the clip doesn't have to stay attached & tangle in the yarn. It's a bit finicky at first; but, with practice, becomes easier.

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great idea! When I was filming, I totally forget they could be disassembled haha

[@lornaharris5327]

They're all interesting tips.. thanks for posting. That magic ring is just not my friend..lol I can't remember how to do it. I have a taller kitchen bowl I use for my yarn bowl. It holds my alternate color .

[@haleyp898]

Just a tip: the magic ring is just an incomplete slipknot. You just don't tighten it and work into the knot. Also, swing the tail to the left and crochet over it, much easier to close the knot and deal with the tail that way.

[@DekuSimpBunny]

I've tried the Russian Join before but not as a color change method. I used it only to join the end of one skein of yarn to the beginning of the same color and brand of yarn to continue working on my project. One trick I use when I have left over yarn skeins that don't have too much left to the skein or it doesn't allow me to pull from the middle is to use a sharpie marker to reroll the yarn into a ball where I can pull the yarn from the center and not have the ball of yarn rolling around when I'm pulling yarn from it since it's pulling from one certain area instead of unrolling from out to in. (Sorry if that doesn't make sense. I don't explain things well. I could try to find a video/TikTok that explains it better/shows how to do it.)

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Great point about the Russian join! I can definitely see it being a helpful option in that situation. That sounds really cool about making a center pull around a sharpie! I've seen things that sound similar using an empty toilet paper roll. I caved and got a yarn winder a little over a year ago (which I absolutely love), but I can see this being a great option for smaller skeins, or if someone just doesn't want to have another craft product to store!

[@lyndefehr5104]

Try starting your magic ring w/ the tail to the left & crochet over it as you crochet the stitches for your 1st round…then pull shut after you slip stitch together & you’ll have eliminated the unraveling. Sew the tail in either @ the end of your project or @ the start, after giving it another tug before you start your sewing. Hope that helps.🧶

[@CraftersAutonomous]

Thanks for the tips! It's been fun reading the comments and seeing all the different ways people do the magic ring. Maybe I've just been using a bad method all along?