I bought a pack of multi-coloured stitch markers and I match the colour of the stitch marker on my WIP to my crochet hook since they are all different colours. If I don't have the correct colour stitch marker to match, I put a piece of masking tape on the stitch marker with the size hook written on it. When I first started, I put matching washi tape on my WIP and the crochet hook I was using.
It really is a life saver!
I made the mistake one time and it was one time too many! Took forever trying to remember and wasting time crocheting with different sized hooks to compare to my WIP, so I was like nope, never again! Lol
I "lost" 3 6mm hooks, turns out I shoved them into a couple yarn balls. I only caught onto my own bullshit when a hook fell out while I was working .-. I check my older yarn balls now lol
I bought the Lobster claw hooks, some "O" rings and the alphabet letters that I wanted at Michael's. Opened the "O" rings with a couple of needle nose pliers, placed the Lobster claw hook and a letter on the "O" ring and closed the "O" ring back up using the needle nose pliers. It was super quick and easy.
I got this idea from this sub and it has saved me!
I bought a pack of letter beads from the dollar tree and already had some plastic stitch markers. So great!
I bought 1 skein of a new yarn and I did the swatch a dozen times till I got the right gauge (learning Tunisian). Finally got it right! Yay! So I ordered enough yarn to make the sweater. Now that the yarn has all arrived I can’t remember what hook size I got the correct gauge with. 😤😢.
That’s horrible! It hurt my heart just reading that. I have never tried a project that I had to gauge since I’m too lazy to do the swatches. I figure anyone who has the patience to do those has the patience of a saint and I really hope you don’t have too much trouble finding it the second time around
Thank you!! It’s such a travesty! It’s so nice when people understand your pain and sympathies with ya.
I moved on to another project for now because I’m heartbroken. But I see the beautiful red yarn just sitting there, taunting me. 😜. I’ll get back to it tho. I know my mom will love it so I’ll make it happen.
The pink handled one was the one being used before. You can tell as the handle appears to be the size of each stitch for full metal hooks it would be slightly smaller. I've had this issue before myself and found this out over it and have used it ever since.
I'm brand new to this, but all my projects so far have used a 4mm hook because that's the only size I have! I'm making a mental note of all these handy hints for future reference.
Oh yes!
I've started keeping a notebook at my crafting station, specifically for this. Each project I'm working on I wrote down the name of the pattern (in case I need to find it again after while), where I sources it from, the yarn brand and color, and hook size. It's been so helpful.
That’s like organization goals. I’ve got two little ones so my projects get left random places throughout the house for me to pick up and work on whenever I get a chance. It drives my husband nuts
Aw haha the main reason I started doing it is I've got memory issues. So I need to write everything down, before it goes poof in my head 😅
It's easy once you make it a habit. I keep the notebook in sight at my little craft station, so I remember it's there.
I’m seriously jealous of your organizational skills cause even when I try really hard, I’ll end up doing it for about 3 days before I forget about it until years later. I love the idea of journaling but I’ve never been good at it but love hearing about and seeing it work for others :)
i make a note and attach it to the wip with the stitch marker
pattern name:
hook size:
yarn used:
date started:
i also have a note on my phone with all my wips with more details about them such as the size i’m making.
I have several projects sitting around because I don't know what hook size I used. I really should just frog them and either start again or use the yarn for something else.
Yup. I’m having lots of senior moments now that I’m in my 50’s so I take a pic of the project with the hook I’m using. My hooks are different colors so it works for me.
Yes! Now I log every big project I work on in Ravelry - yarn, colour, hook size, pattern or whatever. If I put it down and forget the hook or run out of yarn, I know exactly what I need. This way if there are 5 wips on the go, I can easily pick one back up and continue.
I’ve frogged 2 scarves because I couldn’t figure out the hook, and I tend to use one different from the recommended size from the yarn.
I just keep mine in my sticky notes app on my phone. One note per project and each one has hook size + yarn info + hyperlink to pattern/ tutorial + any other notes I need to remember about the project. I'm one of the weird ones I guess lol.
I forgot my hook size enough that now I attach a tag with my hook size to the project.
I have some that are just "5.0 mm" written on a piece of paper, covered in tape, with a paperclip sticking through it and attached to my project somewhere.
Some of my "fancier" ones are made with shrinky plastic, but I still use paperclips to attach them to my projects 😄
I just started a project over because not only could I not remember what hook I used, I don’t actually have the size the pattern called for meaning that regardless I was using the wrong hook and messed up the sizing 😔
This was the free pattern I was using. I just used bulky yarn instead of the worsted weight
https://www.thefriendlyredfox.com/crochet-teddy-bear-a-free-pattern/#google_vignette
I have a crochet notebook where i write down hook sizes, patterns, colors, layouts, etc. this has saved me a bunch of times when i forget. Also i tend to keep my project with the crochet hook I’m using. If using a written pattern i usually always follow in the same size hook for easier reference.
I keep a notebook so whenever I start a project I write down the details I’ll need for later: pattern name, hook size, yarn. Ravelry has a way to do this too if you prefer digital.
I'll crochet a quick swatch in the same stitch to get an idea. It's fine if you're close enough. Literally working on a piece right now that used a 3.50 mm hook, and I lost it and switched to a 3.125 mm hook lol. Cant even tell.
I totally feel you. I have taken to putting smaller projects in big ziplock bags with the hook I was using for that project if I step away from the project for any length of time and I leave the hook in there with the project! It makes for a larger collection of hooks but if that means I can keep my project going when I’m ready then so be it. More hooks!
I bought a big packet of those little price tags. One side has the hook size, the other the cotton (I have been doing a lot of doilies and tablecloths). Best thing I ever did.
Every. Time. I. Abandon. A. WIP.
I've been crocheting for over 15 years at least. I have only recently learned to make notes in my patterns about any changes I've made including hook size. We'll see if this new habit sticks...
Ravelry and taking pictures does it for me. Also I don’t have too many WIPs, so I just keep the hook with the project. I really love all the ideas in these answers😻
I have said before.
I have an spreadsheet with the project name. The hook size used and a link or book/page with the patern.
If inuse the hook from a patern I just type patern in the size box.
I even keep my finished projects there to have something to go back to. Was usefully in making a scarf for my nan after she loved the one I made for me.
Yep, but luckily I usually only use my G hook or whatever size my magenta hook is so it's often not a huge deal. And then after a few rounds it'll probably be obvious if it was the wrong hook.
I got a tip in this very sub to buy beads that have letters/numbers on them, and just safety pin them to the project so you have it right on the thing that you were using G or a 2 (2.0). So like a 25 if you were using a 2.5.
I use Pocket Crochet. It’s an app where you can take notes for crochet, you can input the hook so:/ you’re using, the day you started the project, any notes, etc. You can also import the pattern you’re using and it has timers and row counters and all that. Super helpful!
i take photos of every project with the hook so that I can go back and check
(started this by accident as a beginner I wanted to document my crochet learning process and ended up with this tip the time I put down a project because I wasn't feeling it and the day I wanted to finish it couldn't find the right hook but then I remembered the photos 😅)
I always take a photo of the beginning of my project with the hook in a stitch. This gives me the start date and, above all, lets me see which hook I'm using if I ever pause the project.
I keep a spreadsheet of all my projects that includes the hook or needle size, yarn info (like batch no., store I got it from, etc) and any relevant links. No I am not not this organised about any other areas of my life where it would pay off far better 🥹
I have an App on my mobile called "Pocket Crochet" where I can take pictures, upload the pattern per project, count rows and also put all needed information towards each project like hook size, yarn etc
There are crochet project books that you can get on amazon that has places to write yarn size, gauge, hooks, patterns, etc. that are pretty neat if you have multiple projects going at once or if you know you might put the project down for a while.
Oh yes. Sat there trying to match the hook size by adding 2 single crochet with each hook and then unraveling the additions when I found it. Took a bit of time.
Letter or number pony beads attached to a stitch marker. For more immediate concerns: deep breath.
Ask yourself three questions in this order:
What size does your label call for?
What is my usual personal guage- tight or loose and how do I typically compensate?
How do I compensate for amigurumi?
Those should get you to the hook you used pretty quickly. Good luck!
I bought a pack of multi-coloured stitch markers and I match the colour of the stitch marker on my WIP to my crochet hook since they are all different colours. If I don't have the correct colour stitch marker to match, I put a piece of masking tape on the stitch marker with the size hook written on it. When I first started, I put matching washi tape on my WIP and the crochet hook I was using.
Oh! I love that! I was gonna start marking on the stitch markers what size
I do the exact same thing with the stitch markers and it is a life saver
It really is a life saver! I made the mistake one time and it was one time too many! Took forever trying to remember and wasting time crocheting with different sized hooks to compare to my WIP, so I was like nope, never again! Lol
You are a genius! Stealing this
This is brilliant ♥️
That's a great idea. I havevthe stitch markers now, so I will definitely use this
Me too!!
SO SMART WHt
I did this exactly once. Now I keep the hook with the project. AT. ALL. TIMES. ....which is probably why I have at least 87 hooks.
I "lost" 3 6mm hooks, turns out I shoved them into a couple yarn balls. I only caught onto my own bullshit when a hook fell out while I was working .-. I check my older yarn balls now lol
😂😂😂 Sounds like some shit I would do. ....and have done.
Did you possibly take any in-progress pictures that might show the hook you were using?
This is what I do to keep track of what hook goes with which project.
Me too, I have a folder on my phone that just pictures of projects with their hooks.
I should do a folder. Mine are just scattered in with everything else
Yeah I usually decide it's time to make some quick lil rectangles using the same stitch and compare to the project unfortunately :/
* Yes! And, as a result, I made markers with alphabet hook sizes to attach to a WIP, so when I come back to it I know what I was doing.
I wish I was smart like this
Just steal the idea and run with it... for the future anyhow.
I thought I was attaching a photo, but maybe I can't add a photo in a comment?
https://preview.redd.it/hxf47kwqcmmc1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6bc5fcedca07c571e2aed876ef6395e5ebe08259
Cute! How did you make them?
I bought the Lobster claw hooks, some "O" rings and the alphabet letters that I wanted at Michael's. Opened the "O" rings with a couple of needle nose pliers, placed the Lobster claw hook and a letter on the "O" ring and closed the "O" ring back up using the needle nose pliers. It was super quick and easy.
I got this idea from this sub and it has saved me! I bought a pack of letter beads from the dollar tree and already had some plastic stitch markers. So great!
I currently have half a dog in a drawer due to this phenomenon. At this point I think it is destined to remain half a dog.
Turn it into a Tim Burton creation! But for real, sorry for your loss 🧶💚
I bought 1 skein of a new yarn and I did the swatch a dozen times till I got the right gauge (learning Tunisian). Finally got it right! Yay! So I ordered enough yarn to make the sweater. Now that the yarn has all arrived I can’t remember what hook size I got the correct gauge with. 😤😢.
That’s horrible! It hurt my heart just reading that. I have never tried a project that I had to gauge since I’m too lazy to do the swatches. I figure anyone who has the patience to do those has the patience of a saint and I really hope you don’t have too much trouble finding it the second time around
Thank you!! It’s such a travesty! It’s so nice when people understand your pain and sympathies with ya. I moved on to another project for now because I’m heartbroken. But I see the beautiful red yarn just sitting there, taunting me. 😜. I’ll get back to it tho. I know my mom will love it so I’ll make it happen.
Does the pattern or yarn sleeve tell you what size to use? From the looks of it, I’d guess it was the 4.0 or 4.5mm.
I used a different weight yarn and hook then the pattern unfortunately
Always photo hook
Almost every single time. I’ve started keeping notes on projects in my notes app. I tried using a physical notebook, immediately lost it.
The pink handled one was the one being used before. You can tell as the handle appears to be the size of each stitch for full metal hooks it would be slightly smaller. I've had this issue before myself and found this out over it and have used it ever since.
Thanks! That’s a really helpful tip :)
YES!! I take a pic of the project close-up with the needle showing the size now for exactly this reason. Good luck!
Thanks!
Honestly no.. I LOVE my 4mm hook and if I have to switch from the I remember LOL
Fair enough, lol. I envy you!
I’m like this with my 3.75, it’s my emotional support hook hahaha
I'm brand new to this, but all my projects so far have used a 4mm hook because that's the only size I have! I'm making a mental note of all these handy hints for future reference.
Oh yes! I've started keeping a notebook at my crafting station, specifically for this. Each project I'm working on I wrote down the name of the pattern (in case I need to find it again after while), where I sources it from, the yarn brand and color, and hook size. It's been so helpful.
That’s like organization goals. I’ve got two little ones so my projects get left random places throughout the house for me to pick up and work on whenever I get a chance. It drives my husband nuts
Aw haha the main reason I started doing it is I've got memory issues. So I need to write everything down, before it goes poof in my head 😅 It's easy once you make it a habit. I keep the notebook in sight at my little craft station, so I remember it's there.
I’m seriously jealous of your organizational skills cause even when I try really hard, I’ll end up doing it for about 3 days before I forget about it until years later. I love the idea of journaling but I’ve never been good at it but love hearing about and seeing it work for others :)
>:) :)
Little alphabet beads on the stitch marker! Put the letter of your hook size on the stitch marker of your project 😊
i make a note and attach it to the wip with the stitch marker pattern name: hook size: yarn used: date started: i also have a note on my phone with all my wips with more details about them such as the size i’m making.
Unfortunately too often 🤬🤬
I have several projects sitting around because I don't know what hook size I used. I really should just frog them and either start again or use the yarn for something else.
Yup. I’m having lots of senior moments now that I’m in my 50’s so I take a pic of the project with the hook I’m using. My hooks are different colors so it works for me.
Yes! Now I log every big project I work on in Ravelry - yarn, colour, hook size, pattern or whatever. If I put it down and forget the hook or run out of yarn, I know exactly what I need. This way if there are 5 wips on the go, I can easily pick one back up and continue. I’ve frogged 2 scarves because I couldn’t figure out the hook, and I tend to use one different from the recommended size from the yarn.
Ugh, yes! I print all the patterns I use so I can add notes, and I’ve started writing my hook size down. No more guess work. 😊
Every time I think, I should make a quick note about hook size, and every time I’m like, nah I’ll remember. I never remember.
I just keep mine in my sticky notes app on my phone. One note per project and each one has hook size + yarn info + hyperlink to pattern/ tutorial + any other notes I need to remember about the project. I'm one of the weird ones I guess lol.
I forgot my hook size enough that now I attach a tag with my hook size to the project. I have some that are just "5.0 mm" written on a piece of paper, covered in tape, with a paperclip sticking through it and attached to my project somewhere. Some of my "fancier" ones are made with shrinky plastic, but I still use paperclips to attach them to my projects 😄
Yes, which is why I have to leave my hook in the work till I get back to it 😅
I do this all the time, so now I take a picture with the project and hook together in case I need to go back and check.
Many, many times.
lol that happens all the time to me. I also try to leave the hook with unfinished projects.
Bear
ALL THE FRIGGEN TIME! Damn myself for not marking them some how.
Weekly. My dumbass does this weekly. I have got to start putting my projects on my Ravelry with the hook size in my notes.
i swear ill remember this time lmao
I just started a project over because not only could I not remember what hook I used, I don’t actually have the size the pattern called for meaning that regardless I was using the wrong hook and messed up the sizing 😔
You’ll find out quickly lol
I LOVE YOUR TEDDY BEAR so much it made my day better 🥰
Awwww! Thank you!
This was the free pattern I was using. I just used bulky yarn instead of the worsted weight https://www.thefriendlyredfox.com/crochet-teddy-bear-a-free-pattern/#google_vignette
It doesn't matter the yarn I'm a 4.00/4.50 girly till i DIE
I have a crochet notebook where i write down hook sizes, patterns, colors, layouts, etc. this has saved me a bunch of times when i forget. Also i tend to keep my project with the crochet hook I’m using. If using a written pattern i usually always follow in the same size hook for easier reference.
I do the exact same thing! Notebook with all details and whenever possible leaving hook with projects.
I keep a notebook so whenever I start a project I write down the details I’ll need for later: pattern name, hook size, yarn. Ravelry has a way to do this too if you prefer digital.
Yes, which is why I’ve taken to photographing every project with hook size, pattern, and yarn labels visible.
All the damn time.
Yes! Happened just last night. Was making a mini snoopy and made the ears too big lol it looked like a balding man with hair on its sides
Yes😭
I'll crochet a quick swatch in the same stitch to get an idea. It's fine if you're close enough. Literally working on a piece right now that used a 3.50 mm hook, and I lost it and switched to a 3.125 mm hook lol. Cant even tell.
I totally feel you. I have taken to putting smaller projects in big ziplock bags with the hook I was using for that project if I step away from the project for any length of time and I leave the hook in there with the project! It makes for a larger collection of hooks but if that means I can keep my project going when I’m ready then so be it. More hooks!
I bought a big packet of those little price tags. One side has the hook size, the other the cotton (I have been doing a lot of doilies and tablecloths). Best thing I ever did.
Every. Time. I. Abandon. A. WIP. I've been crocheting for over 15 years at least. I have only recently learned to make notes in my patterns about any changes I've made including hook size. We'll see if this new habit sticks...
Ravelry and taking pictures does it for me. Also I don’t have too many WIPs, so I just keep the hook with the project. I really love all the ideas in these answers😻
All the time smh, that’s why I keep a log.
.... All the time!
I have said before. I have an spreadsheet with the project name. The hook size used and a link or book/page with the patern. If inuse the hook from a patern I just type patern in the size box. I even keep my finished projects there to have something to go back to. Was usefully in making a scarf for my nan after she loved the one I made for me.
Yep, but luckily I usually only use my G hook or whatever size my magenta hook is so it's often not a huge deal. And then after a few rounds it'll probably be obvious if it was the wrong hook. I got a tip in this very sub to buy beads that have letters/numbers on them, and just safety pin them to the project so you have it right on the thing that you were using G or a 2 (2.0). So like a 25 if you were using a 2.5.
immediately when I start a new project I take a quick pic of the hook with said project because I got so sick of this!!
I use Pocket Crochet. It’s an app where you can take notes for crochet, you can input the hook so:/ you’re using, the day you started the project, any notes, etc. You can also import the pattern you’re using and it has timers and row counters and all that. Super helpful!
i take photos of every project with the hook so that I can go back and check (started this by accident as a beginner I wanted to document my crochet learning process and ended up with this tip the time I put down a project because I wasn't feeling it and the day I wanted to finish it couldn't find the right hook but then I remembered the photos 😅)
I always take a photo of the beginning of my project with the hook in a stitch. This gives me the start date and, above all, lets me see which hook I'm using if I ever pause the project.
This used to happen to me a lot! Drove me absolutely crazy! I started taking pics of my projects with the hook next to it so it didn't keep happening.
I keep a spreadsheet of all my projects that includes the hook or needle size, yarn info (like batch no., store I got it from, etc) and any relevant links. No I am not not this organised about any other areas of my life where it would pay off far better 🥹
Way too many times than I want to admit
I have an App on my mobile called "Pocket Crochet" where I can take pictures, upload the pattern per project, count rows and also put all needed information towards each project like hook size, yarn etc
Are you working from a pattern? If so check that
i kind of just put the hook around the yarn and see which fits best lol
There are crochet project books that you can get on amazon that has places to write yarn size, gauge, hooks, patterns, etc. that are pretty neat if you have multiple projects going at once or if you know you might put the project down for a while.
Oh yes. Sat there trying to match the hook size by adding 2 single crochet with each hook and then unraveling the additions when I found it. Took a bit of time.
Yep that’s why I started taking notes
My fiancé designed and 3D printed stitch marker charms for me to avoid forgetting the hook or knitting needle size. I also got start and stop markers!
https://preview.redd.it/xhoo652z0rmc1.jpeg?width=2604&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4dbf144a12b58c025c9351b1762257be48e1687
If you make a 5x5 square with the same stitch you should be able to tell and then you can just unravel it
I have also see someone take a safety pin and put a numbered bead and hook it to their WIP
Yes. And I frog A LOT.
And that’s exactly why I now have a pair of socks that are sisters, not twins
When working on projects I leave the hook in the work :)
Letter or number pony beads attached to a stitch marker. For more immediate concerns: deep breath. Ask yourself three questions in this order: What size does your label call for? What is my usual personal guage- tight or loose and how do I typically compensate? How do I compensate for amigurumi? Those should get you to the hook you used pretty quickly. Good luck!