Sandra's Designing Blog

Category: Knitting Tips

Why do we use stitch markers?

Posted on 9:05am Monday 13th May 2024

For people new to knitting, maybe you've looked at pretty charms like these ones below and thought why do we use them in our knitting?

Woop! New products just landed in my web site. Pretty charming handmade stitch markers. Just so happy to see these in my store. I’ll be adding them as extra options with kits etc but in the meantime you can browse and buy now.

Stitch markers are essential tools in knitting and crochet projects used to mark a specific point in your work, helping you keep track of pattern repeats, increases, decreases, or any other significant points. The markers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different preferences and project needs.

Here's a breakdown of the two main types of stitch markers:

Ring Stitch Markers:
- These are circular markers that can be slipped onto the needle.
- Ring markers are typically made of plastic, metal, or rubber and come in various sizes to accommodate different needle sizes and yarn weights.
- They're easy to move along the needle and can be used repeatedly across different projects.
Lobster Claw Clasps (or Clip-On Stitch Markers):
- These markers have a lobster claw clasp attached to them, allowing you to clip them directly onto the stitches in your work.
- Lobster clasps come in different shapes and sizes, but they typically have a small, spring-loaded mechanism that opens and closes the clasp.
- They are handy for marking specific points in your project, especially when you need to move the marker frequently or when working with delicate stitches.
- Lobster clasps are also versatile and can be used as progress keepers or to mark the beginning of a round or row or to make the right side of the work.

The choice between ring stitch markers and lobster claw clasps often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project. Ring markers are great for general use and can easily slide along your needles, while lobster clasps provide a more secure attachment and are ideal for marking specific stitches or points in your work. Ultimately, both types serve the same purpose of helping you keep track of your stitches and pattern repeats as you knit or crochet.

Browse the new stitch markers

Knitting Needle Conversion Chart

Posted on 12:00pm Monday 6th Nov 2023

Needle conversion chart and an explanation

This comparison table should help you find the right size needles for your knitting projects, regardless of the sizing system used in your patterns or country.

UK Old Size	Metric (mm)	US Size
14	2	0
13	2.25	1
12	2.75	2
11	3	-
10	3.25	3
-	3.5	4
9	3.75	5
8	4	6
7	4.5	7
6	5	8
5	5.5	9
4	6	10
3	6.5	10.5
2	7	-
1	7.5	-
0	8	11
00	9	13
000	10	15

Why are there different sizes?

The UK and US knitting needle sizing systems evolved separately over time, leading to some differences in how sizes are designated.

UK Knitting Needle Sizes:

The UK knitting needle sizing system traditionally used a numbering system based on the Standard Wire Gauge (SWG). This system was originally developed for industrial wire and sheet metal, but it was adapted for knitting needles. The higher the number, the smaller the needle size. This system is commonly referred to as the "old UK sizes."and was somewhat arbitrary and lacked a consistent correlation to actual needle diameters.

US Knitting Needle Sizes:

The US knitting needle sizing system is based on a different standard called the American Wire Gauge (AWG), which is used for electrical wiring. Different to the UK system, the higher the number, the larger the needle size. The US system provides a more consistent correlation between the gauge number and the actual needle diameter.

This system was formalized later than the UK system, and it was standardized by various knitting needle manufacturers in the United States. The US sizes are more consistent and easier to understand, especially for beginners.

Modernisation and Standardisation:

As knitting became more widespread globally and with the rise of international knitting patterns, there was a need for standard needle sizes. In more recent years, efforts have been made to harmonize knitting needle sizes across different countries and regions.

The Metric system (millimeters) has emerged as a universal standard for knitting needle sizing due to its simplicity and consistency. Many modern knitting patterns now include needle size recommendations in both Metric and US/UK sizes to accommodate knitters from different backgrounds.

While the traditional UK and US sizing systems are still used, especially by older patterns and in certain regions, the Metric system has become increasingly prevalent in modern knitting literature and needle manufacturing.