Knit & Crochet Stitch Marker Tutorial

I've been wanting some knitting stitch markers for a long time. Since I go from knitting to crocheting frequently I figured why not make one with a clasp at one end and a ring at the other? These handy little markers can be clipped to crochet work or placed on a knitting needle very easily. 

All the items found below can be found at your local Hobby Lobby or craft store of choice. If you can't find them locally, there are many great online shops to order your materials from. Lucky for me, my mom used to be really in to making her own jewelry. Even luckier for me, she didn't do it for long, but she kept the giant tote packed full of her supplies. 

 What you'll need:

Eye pins- I used 2"

Jump rings- the size of this ring depends on the needle you plan to put it on

Beads- be creative, use what speaks to you!

Jewelry pliers- 2 pairs

Lobster clasps

I chose to make a set of 6.

After your supplies are gathered, decide how you want them to look and place the beads on the eye pins.

Carefully, but firmly bend your eye pin over by holding with one pair of pliers to the opposite end of the "eye" of your eye pin and twisting the wire with your other pliers.

Mine looked like this.

After this you take the tail end of your wire and wrap it around the base of the bottom bead. I apologize for not taking a photo of this- but I haven't mastered holding two small pairs of pliers and taking a photo at the same time!

Next you want to open your jump ring by carefully twisting it with your pliers. 

Loop the jump ring through the eye of your eye pin and twist it shut.

Repeat as many times as you want.

If you have any questions of comments please feel free to comment! I hope you enjoy making your very own stitch markers! I would love to see picture of your creations!

Knit Purl Knit Purl

 

So, I'm addicted to anything yarn related these days. I think it's because it is the easiest hobby to take on the go! Portability for a mother is necessary- not only for out of the house, but for in the house too. My toddler loves to help momma with everything so there are times where I have to be able to pick up and move QUICKLY. This weekend I explored an old hobby- knitting. It all started with this.... DeVine Neck Warmer. I would love to someday turn that neck warmer into a table runner- only doubled in width. I tried about twenty times before I finally gave up, but I still regained an intense love for knitting. I decided since I'm a bit rusty- again another hobby I was never formally taught how to do- I'd better start with a simple stitch. The one pictured above is called the:

Seed Stitch II

Cast on an odd number of stitches.

Row 1: K1, *pl 1, k1, rep from * across row.

Row 2: P1, *k1, p1, rep from * across row.

Row 3: P1, *k1, p1, rep from * across row.

Row 4: K1, *pl, k1, rep from * across row.

Rep Rows 1-4 for pattern.

   -This pattern can be found in the Complete Photo Guide to Knitting

I plan on using that pattern to make a table runner. Once I get the base done I will add on a bunch of crocheted flowers and embroider on some vine-looking design. I'll definitely share pictures when I get it completed. This project is for my husband's aunt Julie for a nice Easter table runner. Super fun!

On another note, crocheting isn't to be forgotten. I am still working on a few things. The granny square blanket is still in progress and I stumbled across this neat pattern for a Trellis style number. I haven't broker down and bought the pattern yet, but when I run out of fun projects to do, you better believe I'll go there first! If any of you happen to buy it and complete it, POST SOME PICTURES! I'd love to see!

There seems to be a lot of debate as to whether crocheting is harder than knitting. I can do both, though I'm no expert. I started with crocheting and at first knitting took a little work. Had I started with knitting, I think crocheting would have seemed hard. There are advantages to each and knowing how to do both makes the possibilities and options unlimited. I love to crochet, but knitting is more peaceful and relaxing for me. Crocheting is faster for me, but sometimes when I do it I get so focused on going fast that I tense up. Haha maybe that is just me, but I don't tense up with knitting. BUUUUUUT I love both crocheting and knitting both!