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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Caul v1.1 - Finished!

bobbin lace caul hairnet juliette cap

Yes, the bobbin lace Caul is really
truly finished.

bobbin lace pearl beaded caul hairnet

When I wrote about my incomplete projects I was re-motivated to finish my bobbin lace caul project version 1.1.

bobbin lace caul knotted ends

At first I tried tying the ends off with a knot which is a common method used for finishing lace, an acceptable finishing technique when using the fine threads that lace is usually made with, however this project used a heavier crochet pearl thread and the knots were awful.

I tried 'sewings' to finish the ends but I could tell they wouldn't hold the ends fast and could easily be pulled out with a bit of a stretch or tug of the caul.

bobbin lace caul ends sewn in

I ended up working all the ends in using a needle, and I think it might be enough to hold under strain. Only time will tell. That meant I handled each thread at least twice and with over 100 bobbins that's a lot of handling.

bobbin lace caul ties

The new pattern I have planned for my next caul version should reduce that considerably. I don't think I will add beads until I have the pattern figured out as adding beads slows things down enormously. It should also prove to be more economical with thread and be faster to work as there will less bobbins added midway.

My mannequin head is in storage so next time she comes out I'll get some photos of what the caul looks like being worn.

bobbin lace caul hairnet juliette cap

Have you finished any projects in the last week?

Comments

  1. Gina's Craft Corner24 September 2014 at 20:59

    This looks amazing! Can't wait to see what it looks like on. So, this would be used in an old movie or a play?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle24 September 2014 at 21:03

      It sure could be used for theatre arts, however they would probably be just as happy with a crochet copy, it's the historical re-enactorments at events, museums, and hobby groups who would probably be most interested in an 'accurately created' version.

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