Row Counting: Your Complete Guide to Row Counters

Keeping track of rows sounds simple, until you put your knitting down, get distracted, and suddenly have no idea whether you’ve knitted 27 or 28 rows.

That’s where a row counter comes in.

Whether you prefer a traditional click counter, a twist barrel counter, a clever row counter chain or a simple way of marking each completed row, the right system can make knitting and crochet much easier. Here’s everything you need to know about row counting, from choosing a counter to counting all the way to 99 rows.

What Is a Row Counter?

A row counter is a simple tool that helps you keep track of how many rows you have knitted or crocheted.

Instead of trying to remember your row number, or scribbling it down somewhere, you simply update your counter as you work.

Row counters are particularly useful for:

• Following knitting and crochet patterns
• Keeping track of increases and decreases
• Repeating sections of a pattern
• Making matching sleeves or other pieces
• Remembering where you are after putting your project down
• Long projects where counting hundreds of stitches isn't practical

For knitters who regularly lose their place after a cup of tea, a row counter can be a surprisingly useful little bit of kit!

How to Use a Row Counter

The basic principle is simple: complete a row, update your counter.

With a traditional click counter, you press the button after each completed row.

With a row counter chain, you move the numbered ring or marker to show your current row.

The advantage of a row counter chain is that it stays attached to your knitting, so your row count travels with your project. There's no separate counter to put down somewhere and accidentally forget.

For patterns with repeats, you can also use stitch markers alongside your row counter to keep track of specific sections within a row.

Row counter chain vs click counter

Both do the same basic job, but they work quite differently.

Click counters and Twist Barrel Counters

A click counter is a small handheld counter. You press the button every time you complete a row. A barrel counter you twist the barrel to count each row.

They're inexpensive and very easy to use, but you need to keep the counter with your project. It's also surprisingly easy to forget to click or twist it!

Row counter chains

A row counter chain attaches directly to your knitting or crochet project. Numbered rings allow you to keep track of your progress as you work.

They're especially useful if you tend to knit in short sessions because your row count stays right there with your project.

The best row counter is ultimately the one you'll actually remember to use.

If you don't have a row counter, you can count rows directly from your knitting.

Look at the side of your work and identify the little horizontal bars or "V" shapes created by your stitches. Count them carefully from your starting point upwards.

For simple stocking stitch, this can be relatively straightforward. Patterns with cables, lace, colourwork or lots of shaping can make counting considerably harder.

A row counter helps prevent you having to count everything again every time you pick up your project.

Row counting bracelets work in much the same way.

Tip: If you're working from a pattern that says "repeat rows 1–8", use your row counter for the overall row number and stitch markers to help identify pattern repeats. Alternatively, use a row counter chain to count 8 rows and remind yourself with a marker on the the final 8 ring.

How to Count to 99 Rows

A 99-row counter is particularly handy for larger knitting and crochet projects.

Instead of having to remember a two-digit number, use two numbered rings on the row counter chain:

Tens + units = your row number

For example:

• 01 = row 1
• 12 = row 12
• 27 = row 27
• 45 = row 45
• 68 = row 68
• 99 = row 99

When you finish a row, simply move the appropriate ring.

This gives you a quick visual reminder of exactly where you are—without needing to recount your work.

Read our guide here

What Is the Best Row Counter for Knitting?

There isn't one perfect row counter for every knitter.

If you like having your tools attached to your project, a row counter chain is a great choice. It stays with your knitting and can be used alongside stitch markers.

If you prefer something completely separate, a traditional click counter may suit you better.

For intricate patterns, a physical row counter can also be useful alongside written notes, especially when you're juggling row numbers, pattern repeats and shaping instructions.

What Is the Best Row Counter for Crochet?

Crocheters can use row counters in much the same way as knitters.

A row counter is particularly useful for blankets, garments and other projects where you need to work a specific number of rows.

A counter that can attach to your project is especially handy for crochet because you can keep your counting tool close at hand rather than searching for it every time you put your hook down.

For larger projects, a counter that can track up to 99 rows gives you plenty of room for blankets, scarves and garment panels.

Make Row Counting Easier

Row counting doesn't have to interrupt your crafting.

The trick is to find a system that fits naturally into the way you work. Keep your counter with your project, update it at the same point every time, and you'll spend much less time wondering "Now, what row am I on?"

And that's really the whole point of a good row counter: less counting, less unpicking and more knitting.