Keeping Track of Rows
Thursday July 9, 2009
A variety of row counters, (c) Sarah E. White.Whichever type you prefer, they're a handy way to keep track of where you are in a pattern that has regular row repeats, or to ensure that two socks are going to come out the same length if you count the number of rows in the leg and foot, for instance.
While it's certainly possible to keep track of what row you are on simply on a piece of paper or the back of an envelope, sometimes it's nicer to use a tool made for the job.
Do you use row counters? Do you have a favorite device? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Comments
I use the low tech paper method. I have a barrell one but it is harder to use on circular needles.
I use paper for some, and own all three styles of actual counters, but the one I reach for over and over is the Kacha Kacha style. The electronic one is okay, but I only bought it because it was on sale and they were out of the other styles. I really only use the barrel one if I’m switching projects. I set it to the number for the project I’m stopping work on, and reset one of the others to keep going.
I use the barrel kind, but I have to admit I forget to count on it quite a lot. Usually once I establish the pattern, I can tell what row I am on just by looking at my knitting
I’ve unvented a stitch-marker style row counter. It’s a chain of jewellery jumper rings. Each link in the chain has a numbered bead attached. I use it for lace patterns that have a (smallish) number of repeating rows. When I start row 1 of the pattern I put the needle through the ring with bead 1 on it; for row 2 I put the needle through ring 2, and so on. I find it very useful.
For things like making sure I have the same number of rows in each sock, I just count. I can never remember to increment stitch counters!
I use a barrel counter because I can’t lose it when it is on my needle
I usually do simple projects but I am using it right now for a lace pattern.
I have found that the barrel counter is a very versatile tool. I love mine!
To keep a barrel counter on a circular-needle project, I just leave an extra-long tail on my cast-on and use a crochet needle to pull the tail through the hole on the counter, then tie off (loosely enough that the ends will still turn). I’ve never tried the other types because my barrel counter is low-tech and not prone to getting bumped and advanced in my traveling knitting bag. Works for me!
I use the little barrel type — I put it on a gold chain I no longer wear, keep it around my neck while I’m knitting. This keeps it off my needles (yuck), I never drop it, and it stays close to my heart.
I put a safety pin every twenty rows because I make a lot of afghans and scarves over 200 rows long.
I use the barrel type and keep it around my neck on a pice of yarn.
I designed the Row Keeper Bracelet for Knitting more than 12 years ago. It is on my website. I use one for every project. It comes with complete directions but basically, you just move a bead when you finish each row and you can see your row count by counting the beads.
The thought never crossed my mind to purchase a row counter. Just one more thing to lose or misplace. I use large size sticky notes attached to my pattern and a plain old pencil to make tally marks. Very low tech but it works every time. And when the “sticky” wears off…time for a new note!