How to Make Stitch Markers and Hook Reminders
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Are you in need of a new set of stitch markers? Why not make your own? Whether you’re making new stitch markers, or hook reminders, creating them is easier than you think. Grab your pliers for this fun and easy stitch marker tutorial!
How to make stitch markers
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a fiber artist in possession of good yarn, can never have too many stitch markers. Or was that a single man in possession of a good fortune? Die hard Austen fan here! 😉
Stitch markers can be used to mark your stitches, keep track of rows, remind you to turn at a specific place, or to skip a certain stitch. Hook reminders are intended to remind you of the hook size you’re using on a project – although they double as stitch markers in a pinch! This is my tray of stitch markers. Aren’t they beautimous?!
I recently discovered Beadaholique, an online retailer with a vast selection of charms, beads, and jewelry making supplies. Remarkably inexpensive, I decided to make a new collection of stitch markers in order to create this stitch marker tutorial. A girl can never have too many stitch markers, after all. If you’ve never dabbled in jewelry making – never fear! All you need are charms, jump rings, lobster clasps, and pliers. There are variables to each component that will effect the finished product, so read on my fiber loving friend!
stitch marker Materials
Choosing your materials is the most important part…
Lobster clasps
Technically speaking, when making stitch markers or hook reminders, any size lobster clasp will do. I always go with 15mm (at a minimum) up to 23mm (at a maximum) – because the larger the clasp, the easier to open/use AND they will work with any size yarn – all the way up to super bulky! While you can use the smaller (10mm, 12mm, etc) lobster clasps, I highly encourage you to get at least the 15mm. You’ll be happy you did.
Choosing your charms
Charms are where you really let your personality shine through. I love to travel, so I am using travel themed charms from Beadaholique. Because I’m frugal, I also used a 10-pk of these cute little shell beads to make an entire set. (As of this posting they are on clearance for 20¢ for TEN of them – omg!) The shells are so lightweight – which is great when making stitch markers! You don’t want super heavy charms because they can pull and distort your stitches – especially when crocheting or knitting with a very thin yarn.
Jump rings
Jump rings are used to connect the charm to the lobster clasp. There’s nothing super special about jump rings, but they do come in a variety of sizes. For this stitch marker tutorial I am using 7mm, 18 gauge jump rings.
Pliers
Ideally you’ll want two sets of pliers, one for holding the jump ring while you work and one for opening/closing said jump ring. I like to use flat nose pliers but in a pinch (see what I did there?) other pliers can be used.
Steps for making stitch markers
1. Open the jump ring. Use your pliers to gently open the ring, twisting it open instead of pulling it open which can unnecessarily weaken the metal. Hold the open jump ring with your dominant hand using the pliers.
2. Add charm to jump ring.
3. Add lobster clasp to jump ring.
4. Gently twist the jump ring back to the closed position, trying not to leave a gap. If there is a gap, VERY gently squeeze shut. Don’t squeeze too hard or the jump ring will be ruined and/or will snag on your yarn.
That is it! Can you believe it?! Making stitch markers or hook reminders is inexpensive, quick, and SO EASY! There is no reason to buy expensive pre-made stitch markers when you can make them yourself using inexpensive supplies. Sort charms by category or by price, and make sure you check out the clearance section of Beadaholique.
For example, in order to make TWENTY of the pretty shell stitch markers pictured above, you would need:
(2) Lucite Beads Textured Petal Leaves, 10 pieces – 40¢ total
(1) Open Jump Rings, 50 Pieces – 37¢ total
(1) Lobster Clasp, 15mm, 20 Pieces – $2.75 total
Grand total: $3.52 + shipping ($2.75)
What kind of charms will you use for yours? One can never have too many!
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