Which Stitch Markers Are Best

When I first took up crochet I didn't have any stitch markers, I didn't even know stitch markers existed. It wasn't long before I knew about them and I learnt the value of using stitch markers, aka stitch savers. That first frustrating experience of when a project accidentally unravels because there's nothing holding onto the stitch to stop it coming undone or your crochet circle grows in ways it isn't supposed to and the worth of this tiny tool became obvious very quickly. But there are so many styles of stitch marker to choose from, locking, circle, coil-less, plastic, safety pins, thread, 3D printed... does it really make a difference which one you use? Is it just how pretty they are? I walk you through a dozen different stitch markers from items you have lying around your home to the fancy artisan styles. I share with you what features to look for and those that don't really hold up to the task.
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Blunt, Sharp and to the Point

A blunt sewing machine needle can cause all sorts of problems with your sewing such as missed stitches and thread breakages. I am guilty of not changing my sewing machine needle as often as I probably should, but how often should it be changed?

sewing machine needles

I've seen recommendations to change your needle as regularly as
every 4 hours of sewing, however if I am stitching light gauzy cotton fabric I won't change my needle as often as if I am stitching a heavy denim which will blunt my needle faster then guaze will. I might use an already used needle on the denim but a brand new super sharp one for the gauze. Does that make sense?

You should change your sewing machine needle:
  • when it has been damaged by hitting a pin, zipper or anything hard (even if you can't see any damage)
  • regularly - when you think it's not sharp any more or when you start a new project
  • it's all gummed up with sticky stuff from iron on interfacing and you can't get it clean with an alcohol based cleaner 
  • you can't remember the last time you changed your needle
When was the last time you changed your needle?

Comments

  1. Unknown19 November 2014 at 12:05

    Good tips. I must remember the one about changing after I hit a pin or a zipper.
    It seems like recently every time I remove the table (shelf?) on my sewing machine, I accidentally hit my needle and it breaks. I can tell you I changed it twice on my last project, a Princess Leia dress. Yes, that was Halloween.

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle19 November 2014 at 12:09

      I forget to change them too! That shelf thing does have a name - I can't remember what it is off the top of my head, arm extension maybe? You're doing well if your last project was for Halloween, lets not discuss when mine was ok? Thanks for visiting :o)

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