Keeping in Your Place
Monday July 7, 2008
One of the biggest problems knitters of all experience levels have when it comes to knitting lace and other complex stitch patterns or working from a chart is knowing where they are in the pattern. The good news is that this is an easy problem to solve just by covering up the rows you aren't working on or using something to physically "underline" the row you're working on.
My favorite method for keeping track of where I am in a pattern is using a Post-It note to underline the row I'm working on. This makes it easy to stay on the right line in a long block of pattern instructions and to let me know which row I last worked the last time I was knitting.
This method can be used for any kind of knitting instructions. If you have trouble remembering where you are in a sweater or sock pattern, just use a sticky note to mark the instructions you're currently using. It can save a lot of stress and time spent reading through instructions you've already completed.
My favorite method for keeping track of where I am in a pattern is using a Post-It note to underline the row I'm working on. This makes it easy to stay on the right line in a long block of pattern instructions and to let me know which row I last worked the last time I was knitting.
This method can be used for any kind of knitting instructions. If you have trouble remembering where you are in a sweater or sock pattern, just use a sticky note to mark the instructions you're currently using. It can save a lot of stress and time spent reading through instructions you've already completed.
Comments
What a simple and really helpful idea. I’ve had to reread instructions so many times and this is going to make a big difference to my knitting. It seems obvious now that you mention it but it had never occurred to me.
What works best for me is to make a copy of the pattern, then mark on it as I like. I’ll either cross through or highlight rows I’ve worked; this is perfect for keeping my place. Using a copy makes the pattern more portable, and also means that the pattern itself or book/magazine it comes from won’t get soiled or worn.
I use a post-it for patterns where every row is different, but for short repeats I use 3×5 notecards. I write the instructions for each row in dark ink on separate cards and hole punch the corner. Then I tie a loose length of yarn through, and flip the cards as I go. I am currently making a feather and fan shawl which has just a four row repeat. Works great for me! (I wish I would have seen your waterfall stitch before starting this shawl. I’m already 15 inches in so I don’t want to start over, but I like your reversible pattern better.)
oh ladies, thank you! i am just starting to knit lace and i’m struggling. (i’ve ripped a scarf back five times now.) the post-its and/or the index card tricks will help, i think.
I use 2 magnet strips – 1 on each side of the page. A problem I had with post-it notes is the glue will dry up or it gets knocked off accidentally. Rolls come in either 1/2 or 1 inch widths. You can either keep the paper back or stick on some ribbon to dress them up.