The simplest way to count rows

Count rows by looking at the bumps on the side edge of your knitting. Each bump is one row. Place your needle or finger under each bump as you count, moving from the cast-on edge toward your working needle. This method works for stockinette stitch, garter stitch, and most other basic stitches.

If you are working in the round on circular needles, count the horizontal lines that run across your work instead. Each line represents one completed row. Start at the cast-on edge and count upward toward the needle.

The bumps or lines are easier to see if you hold your work up to the light or use a stitch counter app on your phone to photograph the edge. Some knitters use a highlighter marker to mark every tenth row on the edge so they can count in groups of ten instead of one by one.

Key Takeaways

  • Count rows by counting the bumps along the side edge of your knitting, starting from the cast-on edge and moving upward.
  • In the round, count the horizontal lines across your work instead of bumps on the edge.
  • Mark every tenth row with a stitch marker or highlighter to make counting faster and reduce mistakes.
  • Use a row counter tool—either a mechanical counter you wear on your needle or a phone app—to track rows as you knit instead of counting afterward.
  • If you lose count mid-project, count what you have completed, then use a pattern's stitch count to figure out how many rows remain.

Using a row counter while you knit

A row counter is a small tool that tracks rows as you work instead of forcing you to count later. Mechanical counters slide onto your needle and you click them forward at the end of each row. Digital counters are phone apps or small devices that let you tap a button to record each completed row.

The advantage of counting as you go is that you catch mistakes early. If a pattern calls for 24 rows and your counter shows 25, you know to stop before you work too far. Mechanical counters cost between $3 and $8. Digital apps are free or cost a few dollars.

If you forget to click the counter, you can still count the bumps on your edge to figure out where you actually are. Write down the number you see, then reset your counter to match.

Counting rows in different stitch patterns

Stockinette stitch and garter stitch are straightforward to count because the bumps are clear and evenly spaced. In stockinette, the bumps appear only on one side (the purl side). In garter stitch, bumps appear on both sides because every row is knit.

Ribbed stitches are harder to count because the knit and purl columns create an uneven edge. Count the horizontal lines running across the ribs instead of the bumps. If the edge is still unclear, count from the cast-on edge by counting pairs of rows—each pair of rows in ribbing creates one full pattern repeat.

Textured stitches like cables or lace can obscure the row structure. For these, place a stitch marker at the edge of your work every 10 rows. The markers sit in the same column and create a clear visual line you can count in groups.

What to do if you lose count mid-project

Count the rows you have completed by counting bumps from the cast-on edge to your working needle. Write this number down. Then check your pattern to see how many rows the section should be. Subtract what you have from what the pattern calls for to find how many rows remain.

If you are partway through a pattern repeat (like a cable twist or a lace motif), count how many rows into the repeat you are. Look at the stitches on your needle and match them to the pattern chart. This tells you exactly where you stopped.

If you cannot figure out where you are, count backward from the cast-on edge instead of upward. Sometimes the bumps are clearer when you approach them from below. Take a photo of the edge in good light and count on the photo rather than the physical work.

Marking rows with stitch markers

Place a stitch marker at the edge of your work every 5, 10, or 20 rows depending on your pattern. Use a contrasting color so the markers stand out. When you finish, count the markers to get a rough total, then count the remaining bumps between the last marker and your needle.

Some knitters use safety pins or scrap yarn threaded through the edge stitch instead of stitch markers. This method is free and works just as well. Thread the yarn through the edge stitch, tie it loosely, and leave it in place until you reach the next marker point.

Markers are especially useful for long projects like blankets or sweaters where losing count by even a few rows can throw off the fit. They also break the counting task into smaller, less error-prone chunks.

Counting rows on finished or frogged knitting

If you have finished a piece and need to count the total rows, lay it flat on a table and count the bumps from cast-on to bind-off. Use a ruler or measuring tape to help you keep your place. Count in groups of ten to avoid losing your spot.

If you have frogged (ripped out) your work and are restarting, count the bumps on the remaining stitches on your needle before you pick them back up. This tells you how many rows you need to make up to reach your target length.

For very large pieces, take a close-up photo of a section and count the bumps in the photo. Multiply that count by the number of sections to estimate the total. This is faster than counting every single bump by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my row counts not match my stitch marker placements?

You may have miscounted when you placed the first marker, or you may have accidentally knit an extra row without clicking your counter. Count from the cast-on edge again and place a new marker at the correct spot. Going forward, count every row as you place each marker to catch errors early.

Can I count rows on ribbed knitting the same way as stockinette?

Ribbed knitting has an uneven edge, so the bumps are harder to see. Count the horizontal lines that run across the ribs instead, or count in pairs of rows. If you are still unsure, use a stitch marker every 10 rows to break the work into smaller sections.

What if I knit in the round and cannot see the side edge?

Count the horizontal lines that run across your work from the cast-on edge upward. These lines are visible on both flat and in-the-round knitting. You can also place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round and count the number of times you pass it as you work.

Is it better to count rows as I knit or count them after?

Counting as you knit with a row counter is faster and catches mistakes early. Counting after you finish is slower but works if you prefer not to track while working. Most knitters find that a straightforward mechanical counter takes almost no extra time and prevents counting errors.

How do I count rows if my knitting is curling at the edges?

Gently block or steam your work to flatten the edges, or pin it to a blocking board. Once the edges are flat, the bumps become much clearer. You can also count from the center of your work instead of the edge if the edge is too distorted.