I love crocheting continuous rounds when I crochet amigurumi so that there is no visible seam. However, because there's no seam, it's hard to know where the start of the round is. This is where the running stitch marker comes in handy.
You can use regular stitch markers when crocheting in spiraled rounds and move them each time you start a new round, but you would only be keeping track of the beginning of the current round. If you notice a mistake a few rounds back and need to take it apart, you could easily lose your place.
What is a Running Stitch Marker?
Running stitch markers are small pieces of yarn or thread that you can use to mark specific points in your crochet work. They are particularly useful for marking the beginning of each round and keeping track of the round/row count when crocheting in a spiral.
Running stitch markers can be made from any yarn or thread that contrasts with your project's color. As a recommendation, it's best to use a thinner or lighter weight yarn as your running stitch marker yarn than what you are using for your project. This way, when you remove it in the end, it won't leave any gaps in your work.
How to Use Running Stitch Markers
In the following example, I will show you how to use a running stitch marker while making a circle in single crochets stitches in a continuous round. This method will also work if you are using a different stitch.
1. Make a magic circle. Before you make your first single crochet stitch into the magic circle, place your running stitch marker next to the chain on your hook.
2. Crochet over your stitch marker so that the running stitch marker is now embedded in your stitch.
3. Continue making the base stitches in your magic circle.
4. Before you start your next round, bring your running stitch marker to the front next to your last stitch.
5. Crochet over the running stitch marker into the first stitch of the last round. Your running stitch marker should now be embedded in your stitch. This marks the first stitch of the current round.
6. Continue crocheting until you finish your round.
7. When you reach the end of the round, move the end of the running stitch marker to the back.
8. Crochet over the running stitch marker and into the first stitch of the last round.
9. Continue crocheting until you finish your round.
10. When you reach the end of the round, move your stitch marker to the front.
Keep repeating these steps by moving your running stitch marker to the front and to the back to keep track of the first stitch of each row.
How to Count Your Rounds Using a Running Stitch Marker
When you use your running stitch marker consistently, it will become easier and easier to count. Each time the thread goes through the stitches, it counts as a row.
A running stitch marker is my favorite way to keep track of my rounds when I crochet in a spiral. They are easy to use, cheap, and accessible. Best of all, I don't have to be afraid of losing them. 😜
This is an original crochet tutorial written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this crochet tutorial as your own. If you wish to share this crochet tutorial, you may link to this blog post, but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for personal use, but please DO NOT sell or distribute the crochet pattern.
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