How to Count Rows in Knitting for Beginners

 

Embarking on a knitting project with your trusty set of knitting needles is a thrilling journey, but the excitement can turn into nervousness when you lose track of rows or stitches, especially as a beginner. However, even pro knitters may occasionally need help to maintain accurate counts. After all, we're only human, prone to forgetfulness and mistakes. The beauty of this craft lies in our ability to learn from these experiences and avoid repeating them. Much like in life, in knitting, there are numerous strategies to ensure you always stay on track with your rows. This blog is dedicated to exploring and sharing insights into the various techniques to keep your knitting journey smooth and enjoyable.

Understanding Knit and Purl Stitches (Basic Stitches)

Let's lay the foundation by familiarizing ourselves with the fundamental stitches in knitting before moving ahead– the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Just like identifying sheep on a farm, recognizing the characteristics of these stitches is essential for accurate row counting. The knit stitch forms a V shape, while the purl stitch creates charming bumps on your fabric. Remember that these stitches exhibit a mirror-inverted pattern, serving as the crucial guide for accurate row counting. Whether you prefer single-pointed, double-pointed, or circular needles, any of these options can be effectively employed for this purpose.

How to Count Rows as You Go

Counting rows in real-time is the ideal scenario, and we'll explore practical strategies to make this process seamless. Consider incorporating these techniques into your knitting routine:

 

Use a Click Counter: A handy tool for clicking your progress with each completed row.

Try a Ring Counter: Wearable on your thumb, this nifty accessory ensures convenient tracking.

Cross off Row Numbers on Your Pattern: A simple yet effective method to visually track your progress.

Jot Down Row Numbers on Paper: Establish a habit of noting row numbers before setting your work down.

Keep a Paper Tally with Hashmarks: Create a tangible record, marking each completed row with hash marks.

Strategically Place Stitch Markers: Mark specific rows with stitch markers, aiding in easy identification.

Counting Rows in Different Patterns

Having a reliable approach for counting rows based on different stitch patterns is crucial. Whether you're working on a garter stitch, stockinette stitch, cables, or any other pattern on your single pointed knitting needles or any needle, mastering the art of counting rows is a crucial skill.

Stockinette Stitch:

●     Focus on the V-shapes created by knit stitches.

●     Count the number of V's in a vertical column.

●     Exclude the cast-on and bind-off rows from your count.

Garter Stitch:

●     Recognize that each visible ridge corresponds to two rows.

●     Count one ridge row and the space between ridge rows.

●     Disregard the cast-on and bind-off rows.

Ribbing:

●     Choose a single column and count the V's.

●     Avoid counting the cast-on and bind-off stitches.

Seed Stitch:

●     Count the purl stitches, then multiply the count by 2.

●     Start counting from the second row for accuracy.

●     Factor in an additional row if the top has a knit stitch.

Cable Stitch:

●     Identify cable twists and their segments.

●     Count rows within each segment, focusing on knit stitch columns.

●     Use a systematic approach for consistency.

●     Document the cable pattern sequence for reference.

●     Be mindful of repeating sections to ensure accurate row counting.

 

Worrying about counting rows in knitting was a thing of the past. To boost your crafting experience, investing in a comprehensive knitting needles set is key, along with a strong grasp of basic stitches and practical counting techniques. Its adaptability equips you with diverse knitting challenges, offering a range of needle sizes and essential tools. Whether you're working on intricate patterns or mastering the art of transitions.