Stop using plastic stitch markers!

[@ClubCrochet]

New whale patterns releasing every Wednesday! 🐳 🧶 www.clubcrochet.com/whale

[@AnthropomorphicCat]

Me who uses safety pins: 👁️👄👁️

[@maybemay541]

Same!! I also use saftey pins as yarn needles

[@aahanavarshney3965]

Same

[@aahanavarshney3965]

Lmao

[@Rosie_luv224]

Same Lamo 😂

[@Jakes_laptop]

Haha same 😂

[@angustheterrible3149]

Just use what works for you and what makes you comfortable-don't let someone else dictate how you should enjoy your relaxing activity! Plastic stitch markers work far better than scrap yarn for me, and if you feel the same, don't let someone tell you to stop.

[@xmarishx2472]

exactly!!! i tried using yarn to mark stitches, it just kept slipping or it would get knotted with the project.

[@a.b.7932]

Agreed! I don’t like the yarn trick and prefer plastic or metal stitch markers.

[@Phillia_crochet]

Try tying 1 end of the yarn into removable knots. I prefer yarn or metal stitch markers and alternatives like paper clips because the plastic ones shown in this video breaks so easily after 3-5 uses.

[@1lmp1]

​@xmarishx2472 if the yarn gets pulled out or gets tangled in the work, tie a lose knot in the first row. It is easy to open in the end to pull out. I have NEVER, in my crochet and knitting over 60+ years, bought stitch markers. Why to spend money in stitch markers when I can buy a skein of yarn with that money.

[@1lmp1]

I do not think this video was trying to dictate anything to anyone. It is just a tip to use something that is available and free. Are you someone who is selling stich markers.🙂

[@Sweetrose333]

I’ve been using hair pins. They can easily be move each row.

[@OliviaHaines-qj8ie]

I used to use bobby pins but I found that they always fell out so I started to use small paper clips

[@Catsarebread]

I use paper clips

[@sarahr8836]

I use bobby pins

[@caraamethyst6956]

I love using Bobby pins! So much quicker to slip in and out cause you don’t need to snap and unsnap like the stitch markers

[@joeheart5808]

Saaaame:)

[@mirandakrohn1719]

I need the plastic stitch markers because it's big enough to get in my way (in a good way). I need something to physically remind me of where the start/end of the rows are. The contrasting yarn would be easily overlooked for me.

[@troberts1]

I wish you showed how it's "easier" to spot the end of a row with this technique, because I'm currently not convinced. I clip the last stitch of a row and it's served me well.

[@ihartsnape]

Great idea in a pinch for people who don’t have stitch markers or are on a budget and don’t want to spend money on them. I’ll personally continue using my stitch markers.

[@ctempleman1401]

Always did the contrasting yarn and decided to try stitch markers. Went back to yarn, so much easier and no accidently catching of a stitch. Plus easier to count rows.

[@1lmp1]

I am with you. Yarn is easier, though i barely ever use any markers. I usually see where the marker site is, perhaps because I have been crocheting abd knitting over 60 years. I have seen some use stitch markers that have even small charms dangling in them. Those would be irritating in the work. There are multiple little things created in an attempt to "help" the work progress. In reality most of them are just made to get some extra money by selling them. 😊 But to rach his own.

[@KCisScreaming]

Best stitch marker: lobster claw clasps. Cant come off when youre moving it, can slide straight through the V in your stitch, keeping tight stitchers free for you at the start. Its the best

[@HappilyAfterEver]

I love using this method. No moving the stitch marker every round and it makes it so much faster to count rounds to make sure I’m on track in my pattern

[@elllie3630]

Great ide but stitch markers work Great for me really well to see I often crochet while travelling so I don't always have contrasting yarn

[@ILicoriceProductions]

Yeah... I like my little locking stitch markers. I can hold my place and not worry about having stitches pull out, and if I put two through the first loop on my magic ring then I don't have to worry about that stitch ending up so tight later. Makes it was easier to put the hook through it.

[@ZePigOfHappiness]

Ooh I'm gonna try that, my first loop is hella tight

[@anna20812]

I love this method because you save the hassle of unclasping and replacing the stitch marker every row!

[@catreader9733]

Great idea! Back in the 1970s, when I crocheted baby wear, I don't recall what I used other than safety pins or bits of contrasting yarn. I did not crochet for nearly 50 years. When I started looking into amigurumi two weeks ago and started with A Woobles kit, I was amazed by the stitch markers that were included; I have no idea when they came into popularity; they were so much easier to use than what was available when I chose to use safety pins. Even simple amigurumi work practically requires marking the start of each round if using the spiral method (Woobles kits make ample use of them for providing a started piece and beginner instruction).. But after only one full animal, I was wishing for something easier to place and remove and considered using contrasting yarn bits again. This idea is even better because it helps track progress, and I will probably try it on my next project. If it doesn't pull out readily, it is easy to "tease" it out with a hook or needle.

[@pikabeans]

I think I’ll continue using stitch marker for projects I am familiar with, but for new project where I might make mistakes and have to redo my rows, I will definitely use this method. Thank you!

[@PhaethonCrafts]

As a beginner I don’t have a lot of yarn, but I did have $1.25 plus tax to go to the dollar store to get stitch markers. Unfortunately their yarn selection is pretty bad there. They do have some extra plastic on them, but you can remove it with your nails.

[@LaCalida90]

That's what I used from the beginning. I use stitch markers for every 10th round (I put them through the yarn loop on the outside). It helps with bigger amigurumi which have sometimes more than 40 rounds. :) The way I do it every visible yarn loop is an even number :D

[@lindseyrosaly3066]

i'm just gonna keep using my stitch markers it works really well for me

[@MaxsFriends]

Absolutely never gonna happen. Whenever I have tried using yarn as a stitch marker, it just falls out, or I accidentally tug it out, or my cat steals it.

[@cloudypark]

ok i was skeptical at first but this is actually a good idea

[@chiarra644]

SAME!!!!!!!

[@leannegibbs1064]

Same. But also it's giving me anxiety because what if I don't use the right length? Like what if I have a piece of scrap yarn as a stitch marker but it's not long enough to finish the project and I don't have anymore with me ?

[@sq5]

​@@leannegibbs1064I use a small piece and reposition it each row. You don't necessarily have to do the same method as shown in this video.

[@Emacha123]

Sometimes I use yarn as stitch markers and sometimes I use earrings

[@-Reagan]

I’ve been doing this for months while meaning to buy stitch markers smh 🤦🏻‍♀️ It’s finally occurred to me how much easier and more effective this is than trying to figure out the stitch placement! Also, MUCH more eco friendly than plastic and you never have to search for one. Btw: you can also pull out the “stitch marker” piece of yarn with your crochet hook one stitch at a time when removing it, so you don’t pull on your work - thanks! Cheers!

[@vibewithgracierose]

this is a good idea but also looks complicated and I think it would bother me having to look at a diff color yarn inside my work the whole time😳

[@1lmp1]

Why does it look complicated? If you can crochet, form the stitches, to add a little piece of yarn should not be complicating, especially when doing projects requiring to know where the new row, round is.

[@forest_maiden]

@@1lmp1Eveyone has what works for them. I like stitch markers personally.

[@picachufan2000]

I do this and its super useful for when im crocheting a detailed project where the stitch count matters and realized i fucked up 3 rows back so i dont lose track of where the row started

[@Ian-zz1td]

Omg this is genius!! I’ve seen people use yarn in other videos but this makes it make so much more sense to me!! Thank you!!!!

[@Luvs.kathyy]

I never understood on how to count stitchs i always just act like I know what im doing the fact that I don't even know what the stitch part is.

[@marymoran1015]

I use this method when crocheting in rounds but when I’m crocheting rows and need to count how many I’ve added I use safety pins from Walmart I got a pack of 50 in assorted sizes for ~ $3

[@amyx231]

But it causes a line of holes that are slightly bigger than all other holes.

[@fennykusumawati9947]

Another save cause i had no stitch mark and i was using paper clips cause it's all i had and the tutorial recomended using a stitch mark

[@itsknotmagic]

not only this...and I may have said this before...but easier to keep track of what round you're on

[@Qichiquiche]

I use this technique! As a micro crocheter the things I usually make are much too small for a standard plastic stitch marker so used scrap yarn of the same size and it works perfectly.

[@AngieGandalf6]

I started using this method because I didn’t have a stitch marker. After buying a bunch, I just came back to the yarn lmao much faster to assemble everyround, and the yarn helps me count rounds

[@sarahblake9340]

I found this so confusing and always messed up where th last stitch in the round was. I use bobbypins cause i dont use them in my hair and they were just laying around 🤣

[@ClubCrochet]

Lol! Fair enough!

[@attilauf]

I like this method! Waste-reducing, readily available. I use a bobby pin, but this is a good backup!

[@kaylahevans8334]

That narwhal is so freaking cute

[@Megan-ds8cc]

never heard of amigurumi but tutorial changed my life thank you

[@daisylepaisy]

Me using paper clips : 👁️👄👁️

[@vinciks1]

I learned crochet by just doing this. Works great.

[@sharonolsen6579]

yarn is by far the best way.... the stitch markers are cute but so cumbersome... and they can snag the yarn ...

[@kendrahotchkiss778]

I was taught to use yarn by my grandma when i started crocheting at 8 years old. I have always used it. It also makes it easier to count your rows if you lose count because someone starts talking to you while your crocheting.

[@ttijana]

Thats neat but I prefer metal bulbpins which are basically metal stitch markers that are thinner and shaped like light bulbs. Bulb pins probably have another more common use but I've always used them as stitch markers.

[@mandytreutens9099]

I use a combination of both... and the yarn method helps keep track of row count too because each visible loop is 2 rows...

[@insertcrochetpunhere]

I love this method because if you make a mistake several rows back you can pull it all out without having to count back since you never actually start a new round it's all one long spiral.

[@m0L3ify]

Yeah, that would work in a pinch since you'd know putting the hook into the hole with the yarn is your first stitch of the new round, but I have a little teacup stitch marker with a thin hinged clasp that I really love using. It's not as bulky as the plastic pins and much easier to open and close. I have a hard time seeing the stitches sometimes, so it's comforting to have that clasp wrapped all the way around that first stitch so I can see it from the top.

[@janedoe0220]

I normally use things in my room (paper clips, safety pins, bobby pins, stitch markers, etc.) basically any thing that can hold my place.

[@ThePieFairy91]

I did this in the beginning but hated how it ALWAYS leaves frayed bits of the contrasting yarn behind. Sometimes it grabs onto the filling material upon removal, or gets caught on other inside bits like safety eyes. I use whatever I have near me; twist ties from the grocery store, paper clips, safety pins (the bulb shaped ones especially), scrap wire for jewelry making, hair pins, needle threaders, and satin floss for teeth. I even used sewing thread once, looping the yarn loosely on each stitch, and that took FOREVER to remove at the end. It gave the finished project an interesting Frankenstein effect though, and I had didn't have anything else to do.

[@June12619]

I like using Bobby pins because you just pull it out and when you need it just stick it in the stitch, unlike safety pins and stitch markers where you have to unclip and reclip it

[@carolvaughn4578]

Bobby pins, plastic stitch markers safety pins yarn confuses me😊

[@laurenbashoura9575]

I use the tail of my work! But I pull it out after each round. It’s so nice because it never gets lost!

[@IdratherbeinHobbiton]

Not sure how much easier it is as the plastic ones are super simple, but I do use yarn to mark the first row in a series of rows of the same amount of stitches while using a plastic marker for the beginning of each row. That way I can make sure I have done the correct number of rounds.

[@Ocean_Maiden]

I have thin metal markers that work perfectly. The plastic ones are too stiff and bulky while my metal ones can be used for my small ir larger words. Plus the color coding help me remember decreasing rows and increasing incase I mess up a row and need to unravel back and track a pattern better

[@fishyb8598]

I often use my og tail to keep track of the first stitch in each round, but I will never actually give up stitch markers. I use them mostly to keep count or signify changes in the pattern. Example, early on I needed to put a marker in every increase so I wouldn't lose track.

[@alexhardinger9430]

Yes! I've always done this with the tail end, never thought to use a different yarn piece

[@fotofanscam]

It does help and it’s much faster than stopping every round to fiddle with stitch markers, but I can say from experience a lot of worsted weight yarns will leave fibers of the contrasting color kinda tangled in on the other colors, so it’s not great for every yarn

[@johncarter4411]

I was never taught about stich markers but I have learned to use them over the years, just bought a whole bunch of them, but this is a great way to for anything in the round. Love it.

[@mojajam]

I used to do this but i could not learn how to count stitches with it without messing up so now i use safety pins and dont mess up at all!

[@mammoneymelon]

i think it's always a good idea to try mmnew materials and techniques to see what works

[@tobbiefrog25]

Lol, i actually do that when i can't find my stitch markers. The only difference is I cut a small piece of yarn to use (usually one of the colors im using) and remove/replace it with each new round. It works great, and you won't have to pull the yarn out at the end.

[@Tofufox]

Thank you for this tip! This will help with my issue of counting my rounds

[@Ilysmk]

Il still use stitchmarkers🥰

[@indigo22284]

I’ve never used plastic or any kind of mass-produced stitch markers in my work. For over twenty years, out of necessity or maybe pure stubbornness or both, I’ve only ever used yarn for stitch markers, when needed, or no markers at all. This month, I bought some stitch markers because they were on sale and I thought they looked like cute short fat safety pins. My daughter took them and now they are nose piercings for her beautiful and amazing animal mask creations.

[@Sylvcookie]

Im starting on amigurumi and I used most of my scrap yarns to improvise stitch markers. Try it

[@CosmicGardener]

I use these for big projects. Im not an amigurimi person. I think it'd stress me out, ngl. But that's just me, theyre usually pretty impressive. I use the stitch markers to make counting easier and hold my open loop when im not working on a project. Like if i have to pause while making a sweater or blanket, I put the placeholder where my hook is so it doesn't unravel. Trial and error to find what works best for you. I hold the working yarn in a way ive not seen in any content online bc it just feels more comfortable/natural to me. We all do stuff a little differently so jsut do what get you the best experience and outcome for you

[@codieireland6542]

Team bobby pins 🤷 I have them absolutely everywhere

[@KnittedtogetherbySara]

I use them to keep my work from coming undone when I have to put it down. The safety pin stitch markers work great for that!

[@sharondomin3693]

I use my colored stitch markers to coordinate to my hook size so that I don’t forget what I started with!

[@paitonyoung6243]

I learned this a few months ago and it changed my life.

[@rraveo]

grew up using those plastic ones 🤭 wHoOps i CanT cHaNge ThaT dUdE

[@kristenfay5083]

I've been using my tail as a stitch marker forever. Works great. I like the contrasting color idea though so thank you

[@ecouturehandmades5166]

Perhaps you are using plastic stitch markers the wrong way?

[@cheryllariccia2332]

I haven’t tried this yet, but I can say I hate those plastic stitch markers. Maybe mine are just crappy quality but it takes me forever to move and position properly. I feel like a metal safety pin would be so much easier to maneuver since I don’t have to pry it open each time! Now I’m curious to try this!

[@mhoffman11]

I used contrasting yarn forever then switched to stitch markers. To each her own.

[@Kinz.Ing2]

I have a ton of paper clips, that’s what I’ve been using lol! Good use of yarn tho, great idea!

[@ClubCrochet]

I like using paper clips to make earrings for my goblins lol 😂

[@kimbennett2415]

It helps with row counting as well.

[@KaiserinReine]

I tried this and like the stitch markers so much better and if I have yarn with me then I have my stitch markers with me. Also I can use them to stick arms, legs and ears in place so i get the placing just right before I stitch them on.

[@jhaneicejohnson2454]

I have never been good at remembering where to put the next stitch marker if I take it out to move it up and if I leave it in there it just becomes too cluttered so I'm going to try this and see if it works and the plastic stitch markers just do something since rewise that I don't like

[@ReggieArts0310]

what i do because i always end up makin the tail of my magic ring so long, i use that as my stitch marker and i usually will pull it through the loop of the last stitch in the wound before continuing.

[@moonflower5553]

Nah i would get it caught on the hook and be annoyed. Also i use the plastic ones to separate the loop more when i crochet tight so i can actually get the hook in lol. It's a good "free" alternative tho ("free" bc you had to buy the yarn but you could use scrap)

[@beanbugi]

Ive just been using safety pins but this seems like a great idea! thank you for sharing

[@anamariagil2898]

I found stitch markers (which I love with thicker yarn) too bulky when crocheting with thread/steel hooks, so I purchased light bulb safety pins. They’re thin, sturdy & you can get hundreds of them really cheaply. 😁

[@Katherine_critters]

I see that it undone the magic ring 😅

[@KayChbt8290]

I like my plastic stitch markers. Thanks.

[@mathi3933]

This is so helpful!! I've been using yarn - but I very awkwardly pulled it through individual stiches and reliably replaced it until the next round 😅

[@Gigi-qm2oy]

Best way of marking stitches, 🙏 thanks

[@Eml_18-t7x]

Nice! But I rather just a safety pin

[@AlexisTwoLastNames]

gonna give this a try cuz i did something similar before getting stitch markers which are a lil annoying ngl, especially with long nails.

[@patriciareyes9701]

Sometimes the yarn will leave fuzz in the holes, though. So if you're using a contrasting yarn, especially if your piece is white, you may still see that when you're done. Of course, do whatever you prefer. But be aware that this may happen so you can make a fully informed decision.

[@mazplants6689]

If you use cotton crochet thread, it doesn’t fuzz. 🙂

[@chikakitagawa5134]

I came here to leave an "OK bro" comment but this turned out to be more helpful than I thought; I'm not going to completely abandon stitch markers but this isn't bad to keep track of each round

[@tani-]

I use a specific type of earrings. Theyre what i had when I started and by now im used to it

[@ClubCrochet]

I love that! Great use of earrings you may not wear much any longer!

[@tsukikosmith6908]

Yep, I did this because I kept losing my lil stitch savers and the funny loop ones. Had some leftover yarn so I poked it through just like that and would regularly poke it through at the start of each stitch.

[@yas0809]

For me, that just seems more work and I know me. I would forget about the other yarn lol

[@leoneliya_nelya]

I only use plastic ones when I take out the hook to pick up the loop, and then remove the one I already have and remember it later.

[@fruitydishofpasta]

Stitch markers usually go into really tight spaces and yarn could slip out easily so I’m good

[@caidalee1994]

I use Bobby pins usually, but this would help with my bad memory because I constantly forget what row I’m on

[@SM-oe1mz]

I’ve been doing this method for several years now and I love it 😍

[@Panda-od9uj]

No. The pins are easier and don't slip out when you put it down or put it away. Also this looks like it will tangle with other yarn using a long piece like that especially when using two or more colours. Heres a tip keep your knitting and crochet assessory and paraphernalia in a pouch/travel pouch and you'll always have it with you as well.

[@LilMissWiccan]

You just gave me the confidence to make amigurumi

[@MissAnnaaaF]

I use the yarntail from the beginning of my project when making amigurumi! Perfect sincce it keeps thr tail out of the way kind of plus it doesnt deform the stitches. Plastic is usually a little thicker and metal can be too heavy! For bigger projects i like plastic since it doesnt tangle plus it doesnt snag the yarn. Some metal vlips have sharper edges/points :)

[@liav4102]

Can confirm! Been doing this for years pulls out so cleanly and makes great use of all those tail ends you clip off

[@lunafox9]

I've tried using plastic stitch markers once that came with my crochet kit my mom got me for Christmas and the first time using I broke 4 and I gave my last one to my mom just to see if it was something I was doing wrong and it broke on her so she got me metal stitch markers(assortment 100 pack for around $3) and I like them better, they're good when I get hair in my projects without messing up the yarn