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There’s a certain magic to knitting - rhythmic, calming, a touch meditative even. But as soothing as it can be, anyone who’s ever lost track of their rows knows that knitting can also be... mildly infuriating. We’ve all been there (or at least, we assume most knitters have): halfway through a project, convinced we’re on row 34, only to realise it was row 28 all along. Oops.
Learning how to count rows in knitting properly can save hours of guesswork, confusion, and frogging (that’s knitting-speak for unravelling, in case you’re wondering). It’s a small skill with a big impact - keeping your patterns tidy, your stitches aligned, and your sanity intact.
Let’s dive into the details, without the fluff (unless we’re talking wool, of course).
It might seem basic, but defining what a "row" is lays the groundwork. In knitting, a row is simply one horizontal line of stitches, worked across your needle from one end to the other. Every time you complete a full pass - left to right, or right to left depending on your style - you’ve added one row to your project.
But here’s where it gets interesting: depending on the type of stitch you’re using, rows don’t always look the same. Some are more obvious (hello, garter ridges), while others play hide and seek among the textures. Which brings us to…
This one’s often the easiest to read. On the knit (right) side, you’ll see a series of “V” shapes. Each of these little V’s stacked vertically represents one row. So to count, pick a single column of stitches, count the V’s upward from the cast-on edge to your working needle, and voilà - row count.
Pro tip? Don’t count the stitch currently on your needle unless your pattern tells you to. That one’s in progress.
Ah, garter stitch - lovely and squishy, but slightly deceptive. Each ridge you see isn’t a single row... it’s two. One knit row on the right side, and one on the wrong side.
So when you’re counting garter stitch rows, count the ridges and multiply by two. (We know, it’s easy to forget. We’ve done it ourselves.)
Textured stitches can be a bit of a minefield. In ribbing (say, k2 p2), the stitches alternate so frequently that tracking rows visually can be tricky. The best strategy here? Markers. Or apps. Or just plain old pen and paper.
The same goes for cables, seed stitch, moss stitch - anything with a pattern that shifts the structure. Rather than relying on sight alone, we recommend using tools to keep your place, which leads us to…
These clever little gadgets can be physical or digital. Some click manually with each row you complete. Others are integrated into your needles (fancy). Digital versions exist as apps for your phone - perfect if you’re the type to lose small objects under the sofa cushions.
While usually used to mark pattern repeats or stitch sections, markers can also help track rows. Just pop one into your work every 10 rows or so. It’s not precise down to the stitch, but it gives you a visual checkpoint to count from. Think of them as knitting breadcrumbs.
Sometimes the low-tech option is the most effective. A notebook, tally chart, or even a simple dash system (one line per row) can be more than enough. Prefer digital? Plenty of knitting apps offer row tracking, reminders, and even stitch tutorials - see more options here.
Consistency is key. If you start counting from the right side, always count from the right side. Otherwise, you risk double-counting or skipping rows entirely - especially in flat projects with a right and wrong side.
It’s a small effort that pays off big. Inserting a lifeline or stitch marker every ten rows helps avoid painful backtracking. Think of it as setting a save point in a video game - if things go awry, you’ve got a fallback.
We get it - knitting is soothing, but it’s also easy to fall into autopilot. Before starting a new pattern repeat or section, pause and do a quick count. It only takes a few seconds and can prevent hours of ripping later.
The classic. You put the project down for a few days (or weeks), come back, and have no idea where you left off. If you didn’t mark it down somewhere... well, this is where row counting tools or lifelines earn their keep.
Edge stitches can throw you off - especially if they curl or get lost in the border. To avoid miscounting, focus on inner columns of stitches, not the edge. Or better yet, mark the sides clearly when you cast on.
We’ve mentioned it already, but it’s worth repeating: each garter ridge = two rows. Count carefully, or you’ll end up short or over on your final piece.
Counting rows in knitting isn’t glamorous - it won’t get the same applause as a flawless cable pattern or a colourwork masterpiece. But it’s foundational. It keeps your work honest. It ensures that what you’re knitting actually matches the pattern in front of you.
Whether you're a meticulous planner with colour-coded row charts or a more relaxed knitter scribbling dashes in a notepad, there’s no single “right” method - just the one that works for you.
So take your time, pick your tools, and when in doubt... count twice.
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