Yarnmark

How to count rows in knitting

You can always read the row count from the fabric, whatever your counter says. Here is how to count rows in the four most common stitch patterns, and how to set yourself up so you rarely need to.

Two rules for every stitch pattern

Stockinette

On the knit side, each stitch looks like a small V. The Vs stack in columns, and each V in one column is one row. Pick a column in the middle of the piece, start just above the cast-on and count the Vs up to the needle. On the purl side, each bump is one row; counting Vs on the knit side is usually easier.

Garter stitch

Garter stitch forms ridges, and each ridge is two rows: one row makes the ridge and the next row makes the valley between. Count the ridges on one side and multiply by two. If the pattern asks for an odd number of rows, the side facing you tells you which row is next.

Ribbing

In 1x1 or 2x2 rib, the knit columns stand out and the purl columns sink back. Stretch the rib gently sideways, choose a knit column and count the Vs in it, exactly as for stockinette.

Seed stitch

In seed stitch every stitch alternates between a knit and a purl on each row, so one column goes V, bump, V, bump. Count every V and every bump in one column: each one is a row. A needle tip or a toothpick helps you keep your place in the column.

In the round

Knitting in the round in stockinette means every round is a knit round, so the whole outside is Vs; count them in one column. The beginning-of-round marker is your friend here: count each time you slip it.

Cables and lace

For cables, count rows from the last cable cross: most patterns cross every 4, 6 or 8 rows, so the gap between crosses tells you where you are. For lace, count the holes of a yarn-over column, then add the plain rows between. Keeping a mark on the chart or written pattern matters more here than the count; see how to read a knitting pattern.

So you do not have to count again