Stitch markers are an essential piece of kit for any serious knitter or crocheter! Primarily used for keeping track of your rows or stitches, they can also be handy for marking particular points in your knitting and crochet - for example increases or decreases. There are so many different types of knitting and crochet stitch markers available, but they mainly fall into two categories.
Types of stitch markers
Clip/safety pin style/split ring style stitch markers
These are used for both knitting and crochet, and are attached to your stitches/fabric. The clip style means that you can easily remove or move the stitch markers as your knitting or crochet progresses. Many crocheters use this type of crochet stitch markers to mark the starting stitch of each round when making amigurumi or crocheting in the round.
Solid ring stitch markers
These are used only in knitting and are placed on your needles to mark stitches. They’re useful for marking groups of stitches if you’re working cables or lace, as it’s easy to see where they are and quickly count your stitches. They're also useful for any projects where the stitch count changes, as if you use clip-style knitting stitch markers on a particular stitch it could cause confusion if you then end up increasing/decreasing on that stitch. You do have to be careful that you don't accidentally work these knitting stitch markers into our knitting though - if they end up in your knitted fabric you'll have to undo your knitting to get them out!
We've created a list of our favourite knitting and crochet stitch markers, starting out with the more standard practical ones, and going onto some more fun designs for if you want something special. Many of the handmade stitch markers in our list are available in both solid ring style knitting stitch markers and clip style stitch markers that are suitable for both crafts, so be sure to select the correct option for you when ordering.
If you're looking for more expert advice on the best knitting and crochet kit, check out our list of best knitting needles and best crochet hooks.
Best Stitch Markers
160 Bulb pin stitch markers
Sometimes it can be difficult to insert stitch markers, particularly with certain types of yarn - that's where these 160 Bulb pin stitch markers really stand out! They're very much like standard safety pins with a sharp point, so you can easily insert them straight through the middle of the stitch if you so desire! As they're made from metal they're very strong and durable, so particularly good for if you're using very thick yarn or have very tight stitches, however some people find that these metal style markers can sometimes catch on more delicate yarn.
120 locking stitch markers set
Working on a particularly complex knitting or crochet project? Or just constantly losing your supplies (stitch markers do have a habit of going missing)? Then why not stock up with this 120 locking stitch markers set? The bright colours will make them easy to see against your knitted or crochet fabric - or down the back of the sofa... plus the handy case will keep them all nice and organised.
These colourful stitch markers have also been designed with smooth edges so your work can remain snag free!
Pony safety stitch markers
- Buy now from The Knitting Network (£3.59)
Pony are know for their affordable yet high quality knitting and crochet products, and their Pony safety stitch markers are no exception. These are perhaps one of the easiest style of stitch markers to work with - their plastic point means you can easily insert the marker in pre-made stitches, the simple locking mechanism makes sure your marker is nice and secure, and they come with some larger stitch markers too for if you're working on larger projects.
Clover split ring stitch markers
If you like the solid style of stitch marker that you use on your knitting needles, but find that it's all too easy to accidentally work them into your stitches, then these Clover split ring stitch markers combine both of the best features of the two different styles of stitch marker. You can easily use them on your needles to count your stitches, but they can also easily be removed or inserted into stitches too - making them suitable crochet stitch markers too.
Numbered stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£5.23)
If you're forever forgetting which row you're on, or need to to remember any other numbers in your knitting and crochet projects, then these split ring style numbered stitch markers are great for keeping track!
Customisable stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£2.61)
Numbered stitch markers are a very clever idea, but sometimes numbers just aren't enough - maybe you need a more specific marker? Then that's where these Customisable stitch markers will really help you out. Simply write your notes or numbers directly on your marker with a Sharpie, then once you're done you can clean them off with nail varnish remover or rubbing alcohol and use them all over again - it's a genius idea!
Yarn ball stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£8.00)
If you're as obsessed with yarn as we are, then you'll love these yarn ball stitch markers! They come as a pack of 8 and are available in wood, pastel colours, rainbow colours, flouro or even glittery galaxy colours!
Cactus stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£4.80)
Combine your love for pretty plants and super stitches with these fabulous cactus stitch markers by Joy to the Wool. This cute set of 3 enamel stitch markers also feature vibrant gold details which helps them to really stand out!
Geometric stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£6.00)
We do love a bit of sparkle, so of course we love these sparkly geometric stitch markers from Stitching Me Softly. These laser-cut stitch markers come in a set of 3, with 2 sparkly acrylic markers and one lovely natural birch ply wood marker - gorgeous!
Happy alpaca stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£10.88)
Are you a fan of using Alpaca yarn? Then you should really get yourself these happy alpaca stitch markers! These super-cute laser-cut wooden stitch markers can come as either ring style knitting stitch markers or clip style crochet stitch markers!
Bee hexagon stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£5.10)
Here's another solid ring style stitch marker for you knitters. These bee hexagon stitch markers use simple hexagons to create a really stylish stitch marker, and each set comes with a bonus larger marker complete with a super-cute bee charm!
Harry potter stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£8.50)
If you're a Harry Potter fan as well as a fan of knitting and crochet, then you've got to check out these Harry Potter stitch markers! Perfect for keeping count of your stitches on that Hufflepuff scarf!
Cat stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£8.90)
Here's another incredible simple solid ring knitting stitch marker that we've totally fallen in love with! These stylish cat stitch markers are a great way of combining your love of cats with your knitting... and the best part is they won't unravel your knitting while playing with that ball of yarn!
Custom letter stitch markers
- Buy now from Etsy (£0.75)
Why not treat yourself or a crafty friend to these custom letter stitch markers by Beyond the Square. You purchase each letter marker individually, so you can really customise it to make up your favourite name or word, and they come with either solid ring or clip style markers too!
We hope you've enjoyed this list and found some new knitting stitch markers and crochet stitch markers to try. If you're looking for more inspiration, how about checking out our list of best crochet kits or crochet gift ideas, or our lists of the best British yarn producers or gifts for knitters.
