Needlepointers.com Logo

How to Prevent Crochet Stitches From Unraveling

How to Put Down Your Crochet Project

As you crochet, the telephone rings, something needs your attention or you are just ready to stop crocheting.  You toss the project into the bag and later pull it out to discover that some of the crochet stitches have unraveled.  So frustrating!  Right? It use to happen to me.

But not anymore!!!!

Crochet Tip Keep Project from Unraveling - fb

How do I prevent it? Here's my crochet tip.  A quick and easy way to keep my work from unraveling when I put it down or stick it in my basket is a simple crochet stitch marker.

It's simple!  It's easy!  And definitely ensures that the completed crochet stitch and/or stitches won't unravel. 

What is a crochet stitch marker?

Crochet stitch markers are small useful tools used to mark someplace or something of importance when crocheting.   

Unlike knitting stitch markers, which are closed bands, crochet markers are small plastic or metal rings or clips with open slots so that they can be attached, removed and repositioned at a new location as one crochets.

Keep reading this post or watch our video to learn how to use a crochet stitch marker to prevent crochet stitches from coming undone.

Plus you'll discover in this article how to use crochet stitch markers in other ways.  And, also, alternatives to store-purchased crochet markers.



Watch our video tutorial below or click the link if you prefer to watch How to Prevent Crochet Stitches From Unraveling in Youtube.


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

To Demonstrate this stitch unraveling prevention technique, I am using:

Before putting the crochet project away, use this technique to prevent the last stitch/stitches from unraveling. Crochet Unraveling Tip Store When traveling, this is definitely important as a safe way to put the project on pause.

Ordinary crochet stitch markers are available online and in brick-and-mortar craft and hobby stores but you can find beautiful stitch markers on Etsy.

how to use the crochet stitch marker as a stitch unraveling preventer

You're ready to end the crochet session and put the project aside.  Remove the crochet hook from the last crochet stitch crocheted. Crochet Unraveling Tip Last Stitch

Pick up the handy dandy crochet stitch marker and slip it through the working loop of the last stitch made. Crochet Unraveling Tip Add MarkerThen, secure this single loop that is left on your unfinished project by pulling the working yarn to draw the working loop down around the stitch marker. Crochet Unraveling Tip Plastic Stitch Marker

This allows you to set the project aside without worrying that when you're ready to start crocheting Crochet Unraveling Tip Project In Basket you'll have to re-crochet stitches that have unraveled.

When you're ready to resume crocheting, remove the marker, reinsert your hook into the loop and crochet.

What if you don't have a stitch marker handy?

Here are a few alternatives: Crochet Unraveling Tip Stitch Markers

Paper Clip Crochet Unraveling Tip Stitch Marker Paper Clip

Safety Pin Crochet Unraveling Tip Stitch Marker Safety Pin

Twist Tie Crochet Unraveling Tip Stitch Marker Twist Tie

Bobby Pin Crochet Unraveling Tip Stitch Marker Bobby Pin

Long-Loop Method Crochet Unraveling Tip Long Loop Some people don't use a marker and just pull the last working loop out really long.

What do you do?  Do you use stitch markers to prevent your project from unraveling?  

How to Use Crochet Stitch Markers?

Crochet stitch markers can be used for so many purposes.  They are really, really a must-have tool in your crochet arsenal.  The following are some ways crochet stitch markers will help you when crocheting.

  • Help to Count Chains - The project calls for a long foundation chain.  Pop a crochet stitch marker in every 30 chains. This saves you from having to count the chains all over again when you lose count.
  • Mark Continuous Rounds - When you are working in continuous rounds, it is important to use a crochet stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
  • Counting Stitches or Rows - Use as a way to count stitches or mark the first row in a set of row repeats.
  • Color Changes - Use the marker to indicate when or where a color change will happen.
  • Identify Turning Chain - Place a stitch marker into the top of the turning chain to identify it.
  • Mark Increase and Decrease Points - Use a stitch marker to indicate where you want to increase or decrease stitches.
  • Pinning for Joining - When joining two crochet pieces together use crochet stitch markers as pins.
  • Indicate Placement of Crochet Elements - To mark and position the correct locations for attaching pieces to a project such as amigurumi pieces, appliques, buttons and buttonholes.
  • Mark the right and wrong sides of work - If you have trouble distinguishing the right and wrong sides of the crochet fabric piece, use a stitch marker to designate which side is which.

We hope you enjoyed this quick crochet tip. Do you have any crochet tips you would like to share?  Contact us with them.

We look forwards to seeing you here again soon and in the meantime, we would love for you to sign up for our newsletter, that way you will be notified each time we release a new tutorial! You'll get access to all of our new FREE patterns, FREE project tutorials and lots more!


QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.

here are some useful crochet tips

Supporting Products and links: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

Amazon - Labels for Crochet and Knit Items #ad

Faux leather labels for handmade items, vegan leather tags, personalized crochet labels, custom knitting labels, sewing labels, crochet tags, and more. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Amour Crochet Hook Set

Amour Crochet Hook Set #ad

This crochet hook set features a soft easy grip that is warm to the touch and gives the user the most comfortable finger placement. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Ball Winder

Ball Winder #ad

Hand-dyed yarn comes in hanks which need to be wound into a ball to use. A ball winder will come in handy. See Amazon's selection here.

Blocking Mats

Blocking Mats #ad

Some crochet or knit projects need to be blocked. Blocking mats will make the process much easier. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Crochet Hook Cases

Crochet Hook Cases #ad

Store crochet hooks in a case to keep them safe and keep them from getting lost. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Etsy Crochet and Knit Labels #ad

Check out the crochet and knit labels selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Affiliate Link to Etsy

Scissors - Best Titanium Scissors

Scissors - Best Titanium Scissors #ad

3 scissors in package - ideal for cutting paper, fabric and embroidery. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Swatch Ruler & Needle Gauge Tool

Swatch Ruler & Needle Gauge Tool #ad

A multi-purpose tool for knitting and crocheting. Get an accurate stitch gauge measurement with the 4" gauge ruler. Needle and hook sizing listed in US and Metric. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Tape Measure

Tape Measure #ad

Small and handy lightweight, easy to carry, dual sided tape measure with inches on one side and meters on the other. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Yarn Bowls

Yarn Bowls #ad

Yarn bowls keep your yarn balls from rolling around and getting tangled. Amazon has a wide variety of yarn bowls.

Yarn Needles

Yarn Needles #ad

These durable, lightweight needles are perfect for putting the finishing touches on your crochet and knitting projects. In addition to working with plastic canvas projects. Affiliate Link to Michaels






Crochet Tip - Keep Project from Unraveling - pin


Profile Photo

Annette & Chris are a mother/daughter team. We've brought you craft projects and tutorials through this web site for over 20 years.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Crochet Shopping

Crochet Topics


Profile Photo

Annette & Chris are a mother/daughter team. We've brought you craft projects and tutorials through this web site for over 20 years.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sertify Women Owned Business Sertify Small Business

Looking for something you cannot find on our site? Click here to Contact Us.

Copyright ©2003 - 2024 Needlepointers.com. All Rights Reserved. | Powered by w3.css

Secured by RapidSSL