“Hi, my name is Tamy, and I have over 100 progress keepers.”
“Hi, Tamy...”
That would be a perfect start to this article! I've mentioned in other articles that we knitters absolutely love notions, project bags, and trinkets to craft our perfect knitting fairy tale.
Today, we're going to talk about one of my most loved notions: stitch markers. There are closed stitch markers, lightbulb pins, progress keepers, and locking stitch markers. Do you need all of them? "Need" is a strong word, but they all have specific functions and are always very handy to have around.
Ring markers
Ring markers are used exclusively while knitting because they mark a spot around your needle or cable without the possibility of moving them until you reach them. They're useful in knitting in the round to mark the beginning of the round and to separate repetitions in a lace pattern or colorwork.
Lightbulb pins
Take a closer look at this article, where I've already expressed my love for lightbulb pins. This kind of stitch marker is light and is my first choice if I could pick only one notion to carry with me.
Locking markers
These little guys are handier in crochet, but they're awesome for knitting cables. I hate cable needles with all of my heart; I think they're sloppy and heavy, and I always drop them. Watch this video to see how I use locking markers to work cables or twisted stitches. Despite this, you can always use them as ring markers and to count rows, too.
Progress keepers
I always, always have an excuse to buy more progress keepers. They're super duper cute and have a motivational effect on me. In my perfect knitting world, you'd have a pendant that matches your knitting and marks how much you were able to knit on any given day.
And what's so nice about stitch markers is that every crafty person is able to make their own. I love to trade markers with my friends and always include a nice one to go along with a gift for a fellow maker.
If you'd like to keep in touch with your knitting friends, read this article about one of the most expected KALs of the year.