A row counter keeps track of which row you are on, so you do not have to count back through your stitches. You add one every time you finish a row or round. It sounds small. Then a pattern says "repeat rows 2 to 20" and you put it down for a cup of tea.
Why use one
- Patterns tell you to do things on certain rows, like "start decreasing at row 24". You need to know where you are.
- Counting rows in finished fabric is hard, especially in dark yarn or fluffy yarn.
- Two matching pieces, like two sleeves or two mittens, only match if they have the same number of rows.
- When you work on more than one project, each needs its own count.
Kinds of row counters
- Paper and pencil. Free and simple. Easy to lose, and easy to forget to mark.
- Clicker or ring counter. A small gadget you click. It only holds one number, so you need one per project.
- An app. Lives on your phone, keeps a separate count for every project, and can do more than one count at once.
How the Crochet Counter counter works
- One project, its own counters. Every project has a row counter. Add more for stitches or repeats. Switch projects and each stays where you left it.
- Repeat counters. Set a counter to start over after a number of rows and add one to a repeat count, or to go up by one every so many rows.
- Targets. Tell it how many rows the piece needs and it shows how far along you are.
- Row reminders. Add a note like "At row 24: start decreasing" and it shows up when you reach that row.
- Your own patterns. Import a PDF or a photo of a printed pattern. A highlighter bar marks the row you are on, and it can move down with each row you count.
- Small things that help. The screen can stay on while you work, each tap can buzz so you know it counted, and a reset can be undone.
- Saved straight away. Every tap is written to your phone right away, so the count survives the app closing.
It comes with 14 free patterns that link their steps to the counter, a stitch guide in US or UK terms, and the calculators from this site.
Questions
What is a row counter?
A tool that keeps track of which row or round you are on. It can be a clicker, a ring on your needle, a tally on paper or an app. You add one each time you finish a row.
Do I need a row counter for crochet?
Not for every project, but it helps any time a pattern says things like "Rows 2 to 20" or "decrease every 6th round". It also saves you when you put the work down and forget where you were.
Does the app work for knitting?
Yes. The counters, row reminders and pattern highlighter work the same for knitting.
Is the row counter free?
Yes. Unlimited projects and counters are in the free app, with no ads. Pro is optional and adds pattern notes, stats, colour themes and extra patterns.
What if I tap by mistake?
Tap minus to take one off. If you reset a counter by accident, an undo button shows for a few seconds.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
Free on iPhone and Android, for crochet and knitting. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
