How to use a scrap of yarn as a running stitch marker. 3 different ways.
In this tutorial, I'll guide you through the process of using a running stitch marker in a crochet project. You can also find a detailed demonstration of this technique in my YouTube video, where I show you how to use the marker in a few different ways.
Method 1. Carry the scrap yarn inside the stitch
Let’s start with the first method, a practical technique that can save you time and effort. First, gather some scrap yarn in a color lighter than the main yarn. I recommend using about three times the length of the finished piece, but an estimate is also fine. This will be our running stitch marker. Now, let's move on to the next step.
Now that you have your running stitch marker ready, let's start crocheting your first round.
When you finish the last stitch, take the piece of contrasting yarn, yarn over it, and pull it through the last stitch. It's that simple!
Now, the contrasting marker is inside the last stitch.
Continue crocheting the next round.
Once you finish the last stitch, pull the contrasting scrap of yarn through the last stitch again.
The stitch with the marker is the next round's first stitch.
Continue crocheting your rounds and pulling the marker through the last stitch.
The last stitch of the round is the stitch right before the stitch with the marker in it.
Here is how your running stitch marker looks after a few finished rounds.
Method 2. Flip the scrap yarn forth and back after finishing the last stitch of the round
I usually work the first two rounds before placing my marker ready for the third round.
You place your scrap yarn just after the last stitch worked. The use of a lighter yarn is crucial here. If it's too thick, it can obscure your next stitch, making it difficult to work and distorting the shape of your work. With a lighter yarn, you can clearly see your next stitch, giving you confidence in your work.
Then you work the next round as normal. When you finish the last stitch and are ready for the first stitch of the next round, drape your waste yarn back to the front and work the next round.
When you reach the end of the next round, it's as straightforward as simply drape it back and continue. It will start to look something like this.
By the time you’re finished, your piece will have a running marker, and you will be able to see where your start of round is and if it is shifting to the left or right. It is very important to keep track of your marker and make the shift stitches to keep the piece symmetrical.
The Difference between Method 1 and Method 2
When you flip the marker front and back, a bigger piece of yarn is visible between the stitches.
The visible piece is smaller when you carry the yarn inside the stitch
When you turn the piece on the wrong side, the marker will be almost invisible if you carry the yarn inside the stitch.
The marker is visible on both sides when you flip it forth and back.
Methos 3. Use the end of the yarn left from starting the round.
This method is good if you want to hide the end of the yarn inside the crochet piece.
The method is the same as the first one, but instead of contrasting yarn, you use the end of the yarn to pull through the last stitch of the round.
Start crocheting the first round.
When you finish the last stitch, yarn over the end of the yarn and pull it through the stitch.
Continue crocheting, pulling the yarn end through the last stitch at the end of each round.
This way, the end of the yarn will be hidden inside the piece, but you will still be able to see where it goes.
If you need to pull the yarn out, pull a little piece of it somewhere between the stitches and cut it using scissors.
Now, you can pull the yarn out.
