How to Count Rows in Knitting (Includes Video)

If you’re new to knitting, the idea of counting rows can seem daunting and rather confusing. But it need not be! In this post we’re going to show you the best way how to count rows in knitting. This way you will learn how you can keep track of your rows, to and finish off your knitting project beautifully!

Knowing how to count rows is important to ensure your finished knitting pattern looks great. But don’t worry, with a little practice, it will become second nature!

Follow the instructions we have included in this article to get started. Below you can also watch one a recent YouTube video we created, where we show you how to count rows and knit stitches.

So let’s being!

To count rows in knitting, it is important to first identify the type of stitch pattern that is being used. Is it a garter stitch, stockinette stitch, seed stitch? This will determine how you will count the rows. Once you identify the stitch, you will find that counting rows is a simple process.

How to Count Rows of Garter Stitch

The number of rows you have completed will be even if your tail is on the same side as your working yarn.

The first step, is to check that you needle’s point should be to the right.
Do not include the cast-on row (which is the yarn you have on your knitting needle), when counting the garter stitch ridges.
Remember one thing there are two rows for each ridge.
If you have counted 12 ridges, it means you have knitted almost 24 rows.

So, if your tail is on the side that is opposite from your working yarn, it means you have completed an odd number of rows. In this case:

Your needle’s point should be to the right.
Do not include the cast-on row when calculating the garter stitch ridges.
There are two rows for each ridge. You have to knit 24 rows if you count 12 ridges.
The last row is the one that is on the needle. The number of rows must be odd.

How to Count Rows in Stockinette Stitch

If you’re a beginner knitter, it is also important to learn how to count rows in Stockinette stitch. Why? This is one of the knitting stitches that used in many patterns, so you will find yourself using it over and over. This basic stitch is created by knitting and purling stitches, results in a smooth and even fabric. To ensure your project is coming out the right size, it’s important to be able to count both the knit and purl rows.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to count rows in Stockinette stitch:

To start, take a look at your work and identify the side that is currently facing you. This will be the side that you count as the right side of the fabric (or RS). On the RS, every row will begin with a knit stitch and end with a purl stitch. So, to count rows on the RS, count each knit stitch as one row.

Once you have counted the number of rows in your knitting, it is also important to keep track of the rows properly. This will help you follow the pattern instructions accurately. Furthermore, this will also allow you to see your progress and gauge how much more work needs doing.

Video Tutorial: How to Count Stitches and Rows When Knitting

Often, the easiest way to learn new knitting techniques, is to actually watch a demonstration of what is being explained! This is true for all knitters, but especially beginners. Which is why we have created this short, but easy to follow video tutorial which explains how to count rows of knitting.

In this video we go over not only how to count rows, but also how to count stitches.

The first place you always want to start when counting your stitches, is right after you cast-on. To count your stitches on the cast-on edge, is to count how many loops you have on your needles; count one after the order.

In the video, you can also see how we have used a stitch marker. We have used it to keep track of how many stitches we have. You can use a stitch marker every 5, 10, 20 or even 50 stitches. See what fits your project and needs best, and go from there. There is definitely no shame in using stitch markers!

If you ever need to count your stitches while you’re in the middle of a project, simply stop and count how many loops you have on your knitting needle.

In this video we also show you how to count your rows in stockinette and garter stitch.

Again here for stockinette stitch rows, every ‘V’ counts as a row. This is the simplest way to count your rows. The top ‘V’ show the first row, and then the following ‘V’ is the next row, and so on. Do not count live stitches, as rows, which are the ‘loops’ on your knitting needle.

In garter stitch, each double set of loops (also referred to as garter ridge) counts as one row. So here we can see a first and a second row.

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Final Tips for Counting Rows in Knitting:

Use a row counter (or a stitch marker)

This will take the guesswork out of counting your stitches and rows. Plus, it will help you in keeping track of your progress.

Count at the end of each row

It’s easy to lose count if you wait until the end of the project to start tallying up. So to keep track of rows, it is a good idea to count before beginning a new row. This way you will also keep an accurate count in mind.

Keep it simple

If it’s your first time trying to knit, stick with a simple pattern. Then, once you get the hang of it, you can start using more complicated stitch patterns. But to start with, stick to basic knit and purl stitches.

And that’s it! Easy as a knit and a purl. With a little bit of practice, counting every completed row will become second nature.

Save this post (PIN image for Pinterest also included below), so you can add it to your knitting basics reference list! And of course save the video we have shared above which you can refer to any time you need.

If you have any questions or comments, do leave them below.

Until next time, happy knitting!