As I have been working on Hemlock Number Deux, I was thinking about counting rows and what a pain it is for many knitters. There are all sorts of devices for counting rows — from simple hash marks, to elaborate markers, clickers, etc. Everyone seems to be searching for the perfect counter. The problem with all the counters is that they rely on you, the knitter, to remember to mark, click, slide, remove, slip, etc. after every row. Did I mark that already? Did I slip it? I can never remember if I marked the row or not. So, what I rely on is the knitting to tell me where I am.
I know many experienced knitters out there know this so please forgive me if this sounds like I’m singing to the choir ;).
It is not easy to read your knitting all the time (I do make notes for some things), but it is very helpful. Sally and I have already described our “counting with waste yarn” method. But I am not using that for the Hemlock. Here is how I am counting the four plain knitting rounds on the Hemlock.
On the left hand side of the picture, you can see the k2tog and ssk. There are four clear sts right above the decs. When that number gets to four, the next round is a pattern round. You do not count the stitch on the needle. However, when you are counting from a yarnover, you DO count the stitch on the needle, as shown on the right side. That’s it. No hash marks, and my knitting tells me if I’ve done the number of rounds I need. Cuz I am unreliable if I have to do the counting myself!!
As always, your tutorials are as nice as your knitting. Whether something simple that some of us know, or the more complex that we learn from, all the thought and time you take to do them for us is truly appreciated. Many thanks.
Comment by Ann — September 3, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
This was a good review and definitely a great reminder of when to count the stitch on your needle/YOs :o) I so appreciated it!! Thx!
Comment by Stacey_CrimsonPurl — September 3, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
Thanks! I am [slowly] learning to read my rows. Reading stitches is easy; reading rows is hard. I can only imagine the additional challenge that lace will provide.
Comment by kmkat — September 3, 2007 @ 7:47 pm
I guess another way to think about it is that you must count the YO (and then not count the one on the needle).
I was counting my rows all wrong for the longest time, alas.
Comment by AuntieAnn — September 3, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Knowing how to read your knitting is an important skill. It doesn’t hurt to show how simple it can be.
Comment by LaurieM — September 3, 2007 @ 10:31 pm
I was hoping someone else would ask a dumb question, but no, so I’ll have too. I understand by the photo what you are saying, but what I need to know is why? Why do you count the stitches on the needle as row 4 after a yarn over. Why does that make a difference. I always have problems with the Feather and Fan pattern. I know, it’s suppose to be so easy, but I need that question answered for it to make sense to me. Sorry to be so dense. But who better to ask. Your work is so wonderful. Thanks
Comment by Bonnie — September 3, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
Funny, just as recent as yesterday, I’ve had the same thought. Many of the counting devices rely on YOU! I’ve second guessed myself so many times that relying on my knitting to tell me where I’m at sounds like perfect practice. As I continue to make my hash marks, I’m going to begin reading my knitting until it becomes second nature. Sure, I’ll use my pen and pad for some patterns, some things, but it’s nothing like READIng your piece to tell you what’s going on. It’s small tips like this and STOP and look over your knitting, periodically, that can save you a trunk load of mistakes and makes knitting more pleasurable.
Comment by kellistarr — September 4, 2007 @ 12:44 am
Will you answer Bonnie’s question for me please???
Comment by Thomasean — September 4, 2007 @ 1:59 am
Why do my comments keep getting snagged by the spam filter? Frustrating!
Comment by Deborah (a.k.a. Mt. Mom) — September 4, 2007 @ 3:28 am
I agree with you 100%. Reading my knitting works best for me, too. I find it the only way to keep on track with any complex pattern, especially cabling in the round, where there are no purl rows to go by. And with something like like the peacock shawl, if I don’t look at how the current row works in with the rows below it, I would be lost.
Comment by Astrid — September 4, 2007 @ 7:04 am