A crochet yarn guide ring, also called a crochet tension ring, is a tool worn on your finger to help control yarn flow and improve stitch consistency. Many crocheters use yarn guide rings to maintain even tension, reduce hand fatigue, and make crocheting more comfortable. In this guide, you’ll learn how crochet yarn guide rings work, their pros and cons, and whether they are worth using.
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Not this girl here. Anything yarn-related gives me the tingles. So when I started receiving requests to review a Crochet Tension Ring, I had to look into it.
Are crochet rings really all they’re cracked up to be, or are they just a fad? I’m sure that you have had similar thoughts before! I was very curious going into it, and I wanted to find the answer to several questions.
- Do crochet rings work?
- How to use a crochet ring?
- What is the best crochet tension ring?
I found the answers to all of these questions and more! (and I found out what to look out for when shopping for a yarn ring)
What is a Crochet Tension Ring?
First things first, let’s talk about what a crochet tension ring even is. Sometimes also called a yarn guide or crochet yarn guide ring, it is a literal ring that you wear on your finger to help control the flow of yarn while crocheting. Usually there is some kind of hook or curved section sticking out from the ring for you to slide your working yarn into.
These handy little devices boast the ability to help keep your yarn untangled and help you maintain even tension while working, especially on multistrand projects or when using slippery yarn. Many crocheters use a yarn guide ring for crochet to improve consistency and reduce strain on their hands. (And if you want to find out more about keeping consistent tension in crochet, I have an entire guide about it!)
How to Use a Crochet Ring
Watch the video below to learn how to use a crochet ring. If you are left-handed, place the ring on your right hand & turn the ring to the right. The beak of the peacock will be facing your inside fingers.
Do Crochet Yarn Guide Rings Work? How They Help With Tension
Yes, in my experience, crochet tension rings work & they can also be a beautiful piece of jewelry! It took a bit of getting used to, but my crochet tension ring helped me maintain even yarn tension while crocheting. The ring fit comfortably on my finger and while guiding the yarn.
It helped reduce hand fatigue, yarn burn & ensured even stitches. I would recommend a crochet tension ring for anyone really – beginners and experienced crocheters. Tension rings help achieve a professional finish on crochet projects.
Check out the video below where I explore the crochet tension ring fad and decide if they are hot or not!
Are Crochet Rings Worth It? Do Beginners Need a Yarn Guide Ring
Using a crochet tension ring can help you out a ton while you are crocheting a project and can even make the finished product turn out looking more even and professional, so I’d definitely say that they are worth it!
Color changing in crochet can add contrast to your project, but at times it can be tricky to work with. Some people have the gift to hold multiple strands of yarn in their fingers while crocheting, but I can’t.
The yarn gets tangled, and you waste precious time adjusting your yarn.
That’s where a crochet tension ring can come in handy, particularly one that is capable of holding more than one strand of yarn at a time!
The other big benefit of a yarn ring is even tension. Typically, you will control your tensions with your fingers. I do so with my ring & pinky finger.
After prolonged crocheting, it can lead to uncomfortable crafting.
So you can see how a crochet tension ring can be very beneficial if you notice that the fingers you use to hold your tension are beginning to tire quickly.
Finding the Best Crochet Tension Ring
There are various sorts of crochet tension rings. Sometimes you will also see them referred to as yarn guides. Some hold one strand of yarn and others can hold 2 or more strands of yarn at once.
They are either made of plastic or some type of metal. Some are truly moderate and some can get costly. Today, we’re going to look at two very popular yarn guide rings on the market right now.
Now I want to help our find the best crochet ring for you. They all basically work the same, but be on the lookout for junk sellers who steal images from other websites.
1. Peacock Yarn Guide
The first yarn tension ring we’re going to look at is the two-piece adjustable Peacock metal yarn guide ring. Out of my two purchases, this is the ring I actually wanted to purchase. I guess the second purchase is a charm, lol.
I love the look of this finger yarn guide, and it actually functions.
This Peacock finger yarn ring can be used for knitting or crocheting. You can also wear it on your finger as your everyday jewelry! It is absolutely beautiful enough to want to wear just because you want to.
Final Review
I absolutely love that this ring is both cute and functional. In my experience, this crochet tension ring works well, is comfortable for long-term use, and stays in place.
Unfortunately, you can’t use this tension ring when working with multiple strands of yarn.
This would be a great addition to anyone’s craft bag. I give this ring 4 out of 5 balls of yarn. You can purchase a pack of 3 from Amazon for only $6.99. That is one of the best prices that I have seen so far.
2. OceansEdge Carp Finger Yarn Guide
The other ring that I purchased is called the Value Vinyl Art adjustable yarn tension ring. This finger yarn guide was purchased from Amazon for $7.99 plus shipping.
I accidentally purchased this ring, believing it was the more popular peacock ring guide that has been all over the internet.
The ring is adorable!
It is shaped like a fish that is wrapped around your finger. According to the designer, this ring is supposed to be adjustable, but when I tried to adjust it, the dang ring would not budge.
The company’s product pictures should have been my first glaring warning sign. While I was trying to figure out the proper way to wear & use this ring, I noticed that I recognized the photo!
This image was STOLEN and photoshopped. I’m going to leave the comparison image down below.
According to the picture, the yarn should pass through the ring separation and attach near the mouth, but it doesn’t.
The yarn settles at the bottom of the ring, defeating the whole purpose of it. It can still sort of function as a tension yarn guide, but it does not work as pictured.
Final Review
I’m ready to give you the final review of this ring. What I don’t like about this yarn guide is that it does not function as the company claims. Also, they stole and photoshopped their product picture from another seller.
The ring is very difficult to adjust. If you put a lot of pressure on it, you are able to adjust the ring.
I don’t like that it doesn’t function as in the picture and has no place that holds the yarn. In name alone, it is a yarn gadget.
I’ll probably still wear it because it’s cute, but that’s the only point I can concede. I give this ring 1 out of 5 balls of yarn.
Pros and Cons of Yarn Guide Rings
Like any crochet tool, a crochet yarn guide ring has both advantages and disadvantages. While many crocheters find them helpful, they are not necessary for everyone.
Helps maintain consistent tension
One of the biggest benefits of using a crochet yarn guide ring is improved tension control. The ring helps regulate the flow of yarn, which can result in more even stitches and a more polished finished project.
Reduces hand and finger fatigue
Holding yarn tightly for long periods can cause hand strain. A yarn guide ring helps support the yarn so your fingers do not have to work as hard, which can make crocheting more comfortable during longer sessions.
Useful for multistrand and colorwork projects
A yarn guide ring can help keep multiple strands separated and organized. This is especially helpful when working on colorwork, tapestry crochet, or projects that use more than one yarn at a time.
Helpful for beginners learning tension control
Many beginners struggle with uneven stitches because of inconsistent tension. Using a yarn guide ring for crochet can make it easier to maintain a steady yarn flow while learning proper technique.
Can improve crochet speed for some users
Once you get used to wearing it, a crochet tension ring can help yarn move more smoothly, allowing for more efficient stitching.
DIY Crochet Tension Ring, How to Use a Crochet Yarn Guide Ring
If you are worried about getting burned by a faulty product, as I did, or if you just don’t have the money to buy a yarn ring right now, then why not make one yourself? Learn how to make it yourself
No worries, you can make your own multi-strand DIY yarn guide for super cheap. Check out my quick YouTube video tutorial for how I made myself a crochet tension ring using floral wire from Dollar Tree!
FAQ About Crochet Yarn Guide Rings
FAQ About Crochet Tension Rings
What is a crochet tension ring?
A crochet tension ring, sometimes called a yarn guide ring, is a small ring worn on your finger that helps guide yarn while crocheting. It can help maintain consistent yarn tension and reduce strain on your hands.
Do crochet tension rings really work?
Many crocheters find that yarn guide rings help maintain even yarn tension and prevent yarn from slipping while working. However, some crocheters prefer traditional tension methods using their fingers.
Are crochet tension rings good for beginners?
Yes, crochet tension rings can be helpful for beginners who struggle with maintaining consistent yarn tension. The ring helps guide the yarn smoothly while you focus on learning crochet stitches.
What is another name for a yarn guide ring?
Yarn guide rings are also called crochet tension rings, yarn tension rings, or crochet yarn guide rings. All of these tools help control yarn flow while crocheting.
More Crochet Gadget Reviews
If you enjoyed this crochet tool review, then you will definitely want to check out my other articles where I try out crochet gadgets and see what all the fuss is about!
