DIY Crochet Stitch Markers

I’m the type of person who likes pretty, fun and quirky things.

When I crochet something, my aim is always to make it a little bit special. So when I started getting into Amigurumi last year, and realised I needed stitch markers, I found the options in my local craft store utterly uninspiring.

Plastic, cheap and bleh, many shop-bought stitch markers just don’t get my creative juices flowing. Sure they’re functional, but c’mon, can’t we aim higher than just functional?

I needed something NOW, so there was no time to buy some of the lovely options on Etsy (seriously, check them out, they’re adorable). So, I headed along to a DIY store and bought some jewellery making basics: pliers, rings, lobster claw clasps and pretty beads, to make my first set of beaded crochet markers.

Making your own stitch markers is really easy and a fun project to do with a group of fellow crafters. Below I’ve listed some of the different markers I’ve made, and some basic instructions on how to make them.

1. Beaded Stitch Markers

To make these markers, I simply took a jump ring and opened it enough to thread 4 little beads onto the ring. I then added a lobster claw clasp and closed the ring with my trusty pair of long-nosed pliers. For the longer marker, I threaded some cotton through the lobster claw clasp, threaded on the beads and tied the cotton off around a bead to secure it. Very simple and they are lovely markers to use!

2. Emoji Stitch Markers

At the moment they’re giving out free emoji toys in the Coop Supermarkets in Switzerland. The emoji toys are made out of a soft rubber and have a little stem with a suction cup on the end. Why you ask? No one knows! I have no idea what they expect people to do with these emojis. But they’re freaking cute so I have been collecting them. My original idea was to use them as wine glass markers, but they don’t stick so well.

But I thought they could make some pretty sweet crochet stitch markers! The ones with the round heads need a really large jump ring to attach to a lobster claw clasp, so I chose the emojis with a thinner tip to get the jump ring through. I then brutally hacked off the stems. I used a sock darning needle to stab the emojis ruthlessly through the ear/finger/top of the poo, opened up a jump ring and forced it through the hole. I was starting to feel a bit cruel at this stage, but I continued nevertheless. I added a lobster claw, closed with the pliers and ta da! Emoji stitch markers.

3. Metal Charm Stitch Markers

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These are probably the most professional-looking stitch markers of the lot, but they are more expensive to make if you’re buying the charms. I just threaded the charms on a split ring, and added a lobster claw clasp. Voila! Etsy-worthy stitch markers.

These are just a few ideas for making your own crochet stitch markers. I’m sure you will also come up with some awesome ideas. I would love to see what you come up with, so use the Instagram hashtag #diystitchmarkers and tag me @creating_time so I can share.

I look forward to seeing your masterpieces!

Katie

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