Counting rows in crochet doesn’t have to be difficult. Picture this scenario. The house is quiet and you’re crocheting right along. You’re sipping your tea or coffee and watching listening to your favorite show or an audiobook, getting in a nice groove with that new project when suddenly you realize you’ve lost count of your row. Let’s face it, we’ve all been there, right? Good thing there are EASY methods out there that can help you keep track of your rows.
KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR ROWS IN CROCHET
Sure there are things such as finger counters out there to help you keep track of your rows, but I’m not really a fan of those. I find them to be too bulky. Plus, I don’t really feel like stopping after each row to push a button before moving onto the next row. When I’m in a crochet groove, I’m going to keep working away, the finger counter already forgotten about.
Personally, I like to use the old fashioned paper and pen tally method. Seeing it on paper really helps me to keep track of everything. However, it’s really up to you and your preferred method.
Regardless of what method you decide to use, the need for counting rows in crochet is inevitable. There are a few ways to tell which row you’re on. Here are 7 tips for counting rows in crochet.
7 TIPS FOR COUNTING ROWS IN CROCHET
1. Start from the bottom
When counting rows in crochet, it’s easier to start from the bottom and count up. However, you do NOT want to count the beginning chain as your first row. The stitches that you put into the chain will count as your first row.
2. The larger the stitch, the easier the count
When you’re using a bigger stitch, each row/stitch is naturally taller, more defined, and therefore easier to count. If you start with a single crochet and work your way up to a triple crochet, you will see the height difference in each stitch. The method to count the rows are the same, but it gets easier with the taller stitches.
3. Look for the ridges
If you’re crocheting in rows (turning at the end of each row), there will be some ridges. Each ridge counts as two rows (one row worked to the left and one row worked to the right). However, if you’re working in rounds (without turning at the end of each round), the ridges will appear in every single row. Count those ridges to see how man rows you have.
4. Look for the holes (or v’s)
Every time you make a new stitch, you’re creating a little hole. For each new row you add, there will be a new row of holes. Count each horizontal line of holes as one row. TIP: it might be easier to see the line of holes if you hold a straight edge over them, such as a ruler or length of yarn that is pulled taut.
5. Use a stitch marker
While this might not exactly be a tip on counting rows in crochet, it can help when you’re in a crochet groove. Instead of counting from the beginning of your project every single time, place a stitch marker every 10 rows or so and count there next time. Here are my favorite stitch markers.
6. Where is the tail?
When you’ve made the slipknot for your beginning chain, there will be a tail. After crocheting back through that beginning chain you made, you will have one row completed and the tail will be on your left (that’s if you’re right-handed; the tail will be on your right if you’re left-handed). Take advantage of this knowledge! If you’re stuck deciding whether you’re on row 32 or row 33, for example, check the tail. The tail on the left means you’ve just finished an odd numbered row. If the tail is on the right, you’ve just completed an even numbered row.
There is an exception to this rule though. If you’ve used a foundation row to start, your tail will be on the opposite side (to the left after finishing even rows). Foundation rows are ones that create the entire first row along with the beginning chain at the same time. This might require some practice, but they are enjoyable to do once you get the hang of it.
7. Stick to the side
If you’re using a stitch set that’s not traditional (such as the moss stitch), it might be easier to count your rows when looking at the outer most stitches. If you’re consistent in the direction you turn your work, each row end will look the same. Use those ridges and holes to find a pattern in their placement. This can make counting those rows much easier.
What do you do to make counting rows in crochet quicker? Leave a comment below and let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
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