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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Upcycle Dog Toy

Geri playing tug of war with her rope toy

Tug-of-war is Geri The Wonder Dog's favourite game. When I saw the Dog Rope Toy tutorial  I just had to make it for Geri The Wonder Dog. Tug-of-war is her favourite game. 

Geri the wonder dog with her rope toy

I used sleeves left over from some rag rug upcycle projects.

tug of war is the best game ever

The rope toy was an instant hit.

Geri tugging on her rope toy

Freki however prefers playing ball.

Freki waiting for the ball to be thrown

Of course, I consider all fabric scrap upcycle projects as decluttering. Don't you? 

note: 17 Feb 2015 - This is still Geri The Wonder Dog's favourite toy

over a year later this upcycle dog toy has outlasted all the commercial toys

note: 21 April 2016 - Geri still loves her toy, although I really should throw it out. I've had to make her several more and they have been the only toy that has lasted her more then a few weeks. I make them a little differently now and I promise to bring you a tutorial soon.

note: 5 August 2016 - I had to make her more new tug-of-war toys.

over a year later this upcycle dog toy has outlasted all the commercial toys

Comments

  1. Unknown18 February 2015 at 06:31

    I must remember this as we do plan to have a pup join our family in the future! Actually great for puppies teething too.

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    1. Purfylle18 February 2015 at 19:10

      It's certainly been less of a worry for us with Geri's teeth and it's lasted a lot longer then other toys too. I hate to think how much I've spent on toys only to have them break and this one was free!

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  2. A Green and Rosie Life18 February 2015 at 18:29

    That's a great idea and one I think even my basic sewing skills could master. Harry would love one.
    Many thanks for joining in with #AnimalTales - I love your different slant on your posts.

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    1. Purfylle18 February 2015 at 19:15

      I must admit I've been digging through the archives a bit and hoped they just fit in. I'm glad you've been enjoying them. I will certainly have to come up with some posts soon.
      I did absolutely zero sewing on this, I just tied knots in ends. I eventually had to retie the knots though, Geri is super rough on her toys.

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  3. kidGLloves19 February 2015 at 14:12

    Ash the Dog says - What a great idea for a doggie toy. Mum's got another day left off her holiday from work so I think I'm gonna keep her busy. Geri is definitely a wonder dog! #animaltales

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  4. Plutonium Sox19 February 2015 at 19:15

    Oh brilliant, I love this idea! My Pluto doesn't play with things like this but if we get another staffie in the future in definitely making one of these, our old staffie loved rag ropes.xx

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    1. Purfylle20 February 2015 at 13:26

      Our other dog prefers to play ball, tug of war is certainly a staffie fav!

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  5. Lisa197020 February 2015 at 05:10

    A great idea, Stella's always loved a game of tug too :)

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    1. Purfylle20 February 2015 at 13:42

      Dog toys can be so expensive, and we go through them so fast. It's great to find one that is loved so much and costs so little. Have a game of tug with Stella for me.

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  6. Unknown31 March 2015 at 21:44

    what adorable fur babies you have! My Macy loves playing tug of war and chew chew chewing, so I am always making her toys from scraps. Great way to use them up and declutter!

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    1. Purfylle2 April 2015 at 10:24

      It's lasted longer then any toy we've ever bought. I can't believe I didn't think to make them earlier!

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