Counting is harder that you might think
A stitch counter & a variety of markers. Note how some of the markers open and some do not.
It may seem easy at first, but counting things like stitches or rows can actually be kind of hard. This is especially true when you count 80 or 100 or even more of something. If you don’t believe me, sit down and try to count the number of paperclips in your paperclip holder. You will find that your mind wanders after a while and then you will lose count. The task is boring and monotonous after all. Its even more complicated when you may be counting over a period of days, weeks or even months (hopefully not years). Over all my time crafting, I’ve learned some tricks for how to count things – which is a big part of both knitting and crocheting. Here are some tips.
Using a Stitch Counter
A stitch counter is an invaluable tool. In fact, you probably want to have more than one. There are a variety of these items made but I recommend the kind that increments when you press a button. The other choice is the kind where you have to hand-turn the numbers – these slow you down. You can use this to count rows or stitches or even pattern repeats. And if you are counting something like rows, you can put your stitch counter away with the number you were last on right there. Just be sure to also write it down in case your counter gets jarred accidentally & increments for you.
Breaking It Into Chunks
It is much easier to count if you break it into smaller chunks. I usually find I can count to 10 without getting distracted. Plus 10 is a number that’s very easy to use mathematically. So, I will count 10 over and over again until I reach the desired number, keeping track of repeats. So if I needed to chain 182, I would count to 10 and click my stitch counter, then count to 10 again until I have done so 18 times, then I would add 2 more and be done. This is very accurate – I usually don’t even need to double check my count.
Count Out Loud
When I am counting a piece rapidly – like chaining stitches or casting on – I always count out loud. Sure you sound funny doing it, but even if you count under your breath there is something about vocalizing the numbers that helps me concentrate and keep from losing focus.
Counting Repeated Stitches
Sometimes you don’t actually have to count how many there are of something, you just a certain number of repeats. An easy way to do this is to use the first number to mark the number of repeats and then count from there. So, for example, if I had to do 5 double crochet stitches 8 times, I would count as follows:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2, 2, 3, 4, 5
3, 2, 3, 4, 5
4, 2, 3, 4, 5
etc.
Stitch Markers Rock!
Sometimes you can use stitch markers to manage repeats. I find this especially true in knitting but it can be for crocheting as well. Just be sure if you are using stitch markers in crochet that you use the kind that open. Otherwise they will become a permanent part of your project!
Stitch markers are especially helpful in a situation where its hard to “read” your work (to tell what the stitches are after the fact). For example, when I created my first lace knitting project (which I know now is really eyelet knitting), I segmented the work into blocks where the pattern repeated, then I put stitch markers between the blocks. That way I know every time I get to a stitch marker where I should be in the work. This helped me find errors more quickly without counting my stitches. In fact, I recovered from several dropped stitches this way.
You can also use stitch markers to help you find your row in work. For example, I recently did a cable knit hat. The cable was to be done every 4 rows, but sometimes it was hard to tell how many rows I had worked. But when I started putting a stitch marker in the same row where I cabled, I could easily tell at a glance if I was at the right row to cable without having to use a counter.
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