D.I.Y. Metal Stitch Markers
I have been wanting metal stitch markers for what feels like forever. I currently have just cheap plastic stitch markers, and I sure have gotten what I payed for. These plastic markers have little seams from where they were pressed in the mold and the seam catches on all of my yarn and snags. This makes them very difficult to use, and unfortunately these are all I can find in my local craft stores. Or if they are metal they are closed hoop meant for knitting and I crochet.
A couple of months back when I was working on the sweater for my sister-in-law, I was actually using one of my earrings as a stitch marker. I was trying to prevent snagging in the very nice yarn and found it worked really well for me. The negative was it was an open backed earring so it could fall out easily if I did a lot of movement with the piece.
I expressed my interest in metal stitch markers to my husband and as we were looking online we noticed that a lot of them really were just charms attached to tiny clasps. Unfortunately I do a lot of work with bulky yarns, so a little clasp would not be sufficient. I didn’t love any of the designs and they were always relatively expensive for just one or two stitch markers when I knew that I would be needing several. I didn’t feel justified in spending the money on something I didn’t love.
Now to the good part! So, today I was walking around Hobby Lobby (getting my “cardio” in during these last few weeks of pregnancy) when I noticed the metal charms and jewelry pieces were 50% off. I wanted a break from walking, and it didn’t hurt to look and see if anything could work as a stitch marker. I found something even better! I figured out a way to make stitch markers I would like without breaking the bank!
I fell in love with this pack of super cute boho flower charms as well as a set of earring clasps that have a large opening (great for chunkier yarns) and close on the back. Originally the set of 8 charms was $9.99, but because of the 50% off I was able to get them for $5 and the package of 18 earring clasps was $2.99 so I was able to get them for $1.50. Plus I have extra earring clasps for making more stitch markers in the future.
DISCLAIMER: Now I realize these items are not always 50% off, but Hobby Lobby always has a 40% off coupon on their website and in their app so you can get these items for cheap at any time. They rotate their sales pretty regularly as well, so if you aren’t on a time crunch, just wait a few weeks. I also picked a more expensive collection of charms. There were sets of ten and twelve charms for $9.99 or smaller sets of charms for cheaper, just depends on your style and what you need. I am also sure Michael’s has great sets and they have a regular 40% off coupon as well.
So I took a leap of faith and bought the few items I needed. When I got home it took less than 10 minutes to assemble the stitch markers and I love how they turned out!
To create unique to you stitch markers, you need
Charms – When picking out charms, try to find ones that have a little openable circle, officially called a split ring. If your charm does not have these already attached you will want to buy a small package of them.
Lever Back Earring – Make sure to choose the same finish as the metal in your charm. I almost walked away with silver and brushed bronze.
Needle Nose Pliers – I used two sets because some of my split rings were a little harder to open. Maybe you will luck out and only need one set!
To assemble
Open split ring using needle nose pliers and insert earring into the ring. Close up the ring and make sure there is no gap. Easy as that!
Leave comments below if I was unclear with my directions, or if you made your very own and love them! You can also tag me in pictures on Facebook or Instagram using @thecrochetqueendesigns 🙂
Jaclyn
I love crocheting, Jesus, and all things Disney! Follow me on Instagram @thecrochetqueendesigns
