12 Cute Stitch Markers You Didn't Know You Needed

What are stitch markers in knitting?

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Stitch marker are small rings or clasps that sit on your knitting needles to mark something important.

I like to think of stitch markers as the Post-It flags of knitting; reminders that when you come upon one, you need to do something.

They might be used to remind you to make an increase, note the beginning of a round, begin working a lace section, or mark cabled sections.

They are also used to remind you to when to turn while knitting short rows, when to make a bauble, or where to do a yarn over.

If you are knitting in the round, they are placed at the beginning of a round.

That way, you don’t need to pay particular attention to your knitting until you hit the marker.

When you reach the marker, slide it from one needle to the other to complete the round. Then, continue knitting.

If you’re knitting a top-down sweater, markers are necessary for dividing the sleeves from the back and front.

What does SL M mean in knitting?

If you are new to knitting, abbreviations may seem cryptic. They are simply shortcuts in patterns so that it makes creating and reading patterns much easier.

Once you become familiar with them, you’ll be reading patterns effortlessly. I created a FREE downloadable Knitting Abbreviations Guide for you to keep with your knitting and have as easy reference.

When working with stitch markers, you will see the abbreviation “SL M” or “SM”. Either way, it means slip marker. You will simply slip the marker from one needle to the other.

12 Cute Stitch Markers for Knitting

#1. Marvelous Monkeys

These stitch markers are more fun than a barrel full of…oh wait…they are monkeys! Knitters love knitting sock monkeys and now you can have them adorn your knitting with these Sock Monkey Stitch Markers.

This set of 5 handmade markers fits up to size US 8 needles.

#2. Swanky Sweaters

Just right for marking your rounds, these Sweater Stitch Markers come in a set of 5 (as shown in photo below). The handcrafted markers feature colorful Fair Isle sweaters topped with a coordinating bead. They glide beautifully on needles up to size US 10.5.

In addition, there are coordinating gift wrap options available for this set.

#3. You Knead These

Add a little twist to your next knitting project with these cute mini Pretzel Stitch Markers. The set includes 6 handmade markers.

#4. Cool Cats

These cute Cat Stitch Markers make me chuckle every time I look at them. They have a “hooman, don’t drop a stitch and hand over the yarn” expression that only cats can give.

This set of 5 markers has 4 of the same cats and one contrasting. Fits up to Size US 11 knitting needles.

#5. Picked Fresh

Stock up on always-fresh stitch markers. This Garden Gnome and Veggies Stitch Markers set is handmade and features a tomato, carrot, peas, gnome, eggplant, pumpkin, and mushroom.

They fit up to size US 10 needles and make a great gift for your favorite knitting friend.

#6. What’s the Forecast

Whether you’re knitting a Temperature Scarf or not, these Weather Stitch Markers are sure to perk up your latest project. Set includes raindrops, snowflake, storm cloud, rainbow, happy cloud, and sun.

Fits up to size US 9 knitting needles.

#7. Darling Dolls

Add something fun to your stitches! These Russian Stacking Dolls Stitch Markers are vibrantly colored and a fabulous little treat for a knitting friend. Also known as Matryoshka dolls, you’ll receive a set of stitch markers as shown below. Markers fit up to US 13 knitting needles.

#8. Sweet Treat

Here’s a calorie free treat you can enjoy all day! This Rainbow Cookie Stitch Markers set is handcrafted and fits up to size US 10 knitting needles. Set of 6 markers.

#9. Helping Ewe

Keep a little friend nearby when you’re knitting. This sweet Sheep Stitch Marker is ideal for marking the beginning of rounds, the middle of a row, or short rows.

#10. Bee-utiful

So sweet! These vintage-inspired Honey Bee Stitch Markers feature busy bees. You can choose a set of 6 or 8 snag free stitch markers in sizes to fit up to US 7, 10, 11, or 15 knitting needles or choose a claw clasp for crochet.

#11. Colorful Coated Sheep

Sheep in coats? It’s true! These Sheep in Coats Stitch Markers are sure to be your best knitting friends. Set includes a set of six white and black sheep, each wearing a different coat as shown in photo below.

Fits up to size US 8 needles and coordinating gift wrap options are available.

#12. Tea Time!

I used to play with a little tea set like this! Bring back warm childhood memories with this sweet little blue and white China Tea Set Stitch Markers. The set includes six cups and saucers, creamer, sugar bowl, and teapot.

You’ll be able to choose small, medium, or large no-snag rings that fit up to size US 8, 11, or 15 needles.