Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are small rings or clips placed on the knitting needle to mark important positions like round beginnings, pattern repeats, or increases.
Explanation
Stitch markers are small tools that hang on the knitting needle between stitches. They are used to mark important points such as the beginning of a round, increase or decrease points, or the transition between different sections (e.g., between the front and a sleeve). Stitch markers can be open clips you move from stitch to stitch, or closed rings you slide along the needle. They are especially useful for raglan shaping and pattern knitting.
Also known as: Markers
What they are for
Stitch markers slip from the left needle to the right as you reach them, flagging something you need to remember: the beginning of the round, where a decrease falls, or the boundary between pattern sections. They are never knitted into the fabric.
Closed rings sit between stitches. Locking markers clip into the fabric itself and are used to mark the right side or count rows.
Markers that count for you
Placing a marker every 20 or 25 stitches on a long round means you never recount the whole round when something is off — you find the section with the wrong count and fix only that.
Common mistakes
- Knitting the marker into the fabric as though it were a stitch.
- Counting markers as stitches when checking your count.
Keywords
- stitch markers
- marking rings
- place marker
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ring and locking markers?
Ring markers sit on the needle between stitches. Locking markers clip into the fabric and can be moved freely — useful for marking the right side or a specific row.
How many do I need?
A raglan sweater needs at least five: one for the beginning of the round and four for the raglan lines. Patterned knitting can need many more.