Simple Knitting Tips: Get a Little Loopy

When I knit, stitch markers and row counters are not optional. They are as necessary to the process as sticks and string. They can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, but they are an integral part of keeping me on task. Maybe you can knit an entire project without interruption, but I am always setting projects down in the middle.

When I first started knitting and wasn't yet sure I wanted to invest any money into it (I know, right? That's hilarious to think about now) I simply used hash marks on a sticky note to keep track of my rows. I just made a mark whenever I started a new row, then I could tell by looking at the paper what row I was working on when the phone rang. This actually works really well unless the length of time it takes to finish the project lasts longer than the sticky on the note.

Nowadays I have a rather large collection of row counters, most of which are currently in use. I turn the number up one when I start a new row, and down one when I am "tinking" an old row.  These row counters work great on straight needles, but circulars and double-points are not very well suited to them, as the row counter tends to leave a gap in the knitting.

They do sell the ones with the plastic ring attached like the one pictured here, but, let's face it, I'm not always gentle when I'm shoving knitting into a bag. When the plastic ring breaks off and the row counter disappears, life gets a little ugly for a spell.

Today's Simple Knitting Tip: Get a Little Loopy. Put a little piece of leftover yarn through the hole on the row counter, tie it into a loop, then use it on your circulars and double-points with confidence. I usually put the little loop on a locking stitch marker, too, then use that anywhere and everywhere that you can use a locking stitch marker.

How do you keep track of your rows? Do you prefer the plastic row counters like I use, or do you have a favorite "clicker" counter? Have you gotten a little loopy in your attempts at keeping track of your knitting? Anonymous comments are allowed, but this is, after all, a judgement-free zone. A little loopy can be a good thing.