Jacklien Fernendus
Author for handknitty.com
I have worked in the knitting industry for the past 15 years. When I was a child, my grandma used to knit and enjoy spending time with them on an easy chair in the winter to keep them warm and occupied. Now that I work in the modern knitting & Fashion industry, I see the same fascination in my 4-year-old daughter’s eyes when seeing me working.
How to Count Your Knitting Rows
Counting rows in knitting is essential to ensure that you’re following the pattern correctly and achieving the desired shape and size. Here’s how you can count your knitting rows:
Identify the first row: The first row is usually the cast-on row, which is the foundation row that creates the initial stitches. Find this row by looking for the first loop on your needle.
Count from the first row: Starting from the first row, count each subsequent row that you have knitted. You can do this by running your finger along each row and keeping a tally in your head or on a piece of paper.
Use stitch markers: If you’re knitting a pattern with a lot of rows, it can be helpful to use stitch markers to keep track of where each row starts and ends. You can place a marker at the beginning of each row and move it up as you go.
Measure your work: Another way to count your rows is by measuring your work. Measure the length of your knitting and divide it by the number of rows per inch to determine the number of rows you have knitted.
By keeping track of your rows, you can ensure that you’re following the pattern correctly and achieve a consistent look throughout your knitting project.
Do Not Count the Stitches In Your Cast-On Row
When counting your knitting rows, it’s important to note that you should not count the stitches in your cast-on row. The reason for this is that the cast-on row is considered the foundation row and is not technically considered a knitting row.
To avoid confusion, start counting your rows from the first row that you knit after the cast-on row. For example, if your pattern calls for 20 rows of knitting, you would count the first row you knit after the cast-on row as row 1, and continue counting up to row 20.
By not counting the stitches in the cast-on row, you’ll have an accurate count of the number of knitting rows you have completed and ensure that your project turns out as intended.
Identify the Right Side of Your Work
Identifying the right side of your work is an important part of knitting, especially if you’re working on a pattern that has a specific design or texture on one side. Here are some ways to identify the right side of your work:
Look at your pattern: Most knitting patterns will indicate which side is the right side. Typically, the right side is the side of the fabric that is meant to be seen, while the wrong side is the side that faces inward or is hidden.
Check for stockinette stitch: In stockinette stitch, the right side is the smooth side, while the wrong side has a bumpy texture. If your pattern is in stockinette stitch, you can identify the right side by looking for the smooth side.
Check for texture: If your pattern has a texture, such as cables or lace, the right side will usually show the design more clearly than the wrong side.
Check for color changes: If you’re working with multiple colors, the right side will usually have more distinct color changes than the wrong side.
Use a safety pin or stitch marker: If you’re still unsure which side is the right side, you can place a safety pin or stitch marker on the right side of your work to help you keep track.
By identifying the right side of your work, you can ensure that your knitting project turns out as intended and that any specific design or texture is visible on the correct side.
Use Your Needles to Help You Count
Your knitting needles can be a helpful tool for counting your stitches and rows. Here are some ways you can use your needles to help you count:
Counting stitches:
To count your stitches, insert the tip of one needle into each stitch as you count. Move each stitch along the needle as you count to keep track. When you reach the end of the row, you should have counted all of your stitches.
Counting rows:
To count your rows, use the tip of one needle to trace along each row, counting as you go. Alternatively, you can use your needle to mark the first row of each section or pattern repeat as you knit. This will make it easier to count your rows later on.
Keeping track of pattern repeats:
If your pattern has a repeat that is several rows long, you can use your needles to keep track of where you are in the pattern. Place one needle at the beginning of the repeat and another at the end. Move the needles up as you complete each repeat.
Checking gauge:
Your knitting needles can also help you check your gauge. Use the size of your needle to measure the width of your swatch, and the length of your needle to measure the height. This will give you an accurate measurement of your stitches per inch.
By using your needles to help you count, you can ensure that you’re following your pattern correctly and achieving the correct size and shape for your knitting project.
How to Count Your Knitting Rows With Tools
There are several tools available that can help you count your knitting rows, including row counters, stitch markers, and tape measures. Here’s how to use each of these tools to count your knitting rows:
Row counters:
A row counter is a small tool that helps you keep track of your rows. It typically has a dial or buttons that you can click to increase the count each time you complete a row. To use a row counter, simply set it to zero at the beginning of your project and click it up by one each time you complete a row.
Stitch markers:
Stitch markers are small rings that you can place on your needle to mark a specific stitch or row. To count your rows with stitch markers, place a marker at the beginning of each row and move it up as you go. This will help you keep track of your rows and ensure that you’re following your pattern correctly.
Tape measures:
A tape measure can help you measure the length of your knitting and determine how many rows you have completed. Measure the length of your knitting and divide it by the number of rows per inch to determine the number of rows you have knitted.
Using these tools to count your knitting rows can help you keep track of your progress and ensure that you’re following your pattern correctly. By maintaining an accurate count of your rows, you can achieve the desired shape and size for your knitting project
