How to Count Knitting Rows Stockinette

Counting rows in a stockinette stitch can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially for beginners.

The stockinette stitch, characterized by its smooth, V-shaped pattern on the front and bumpy texture on the back, is one of the most commonly used and fundamental stitches in knitting.

Accurate row counting is essential for ensuring that your project conforms to the correct dimensions and maintains a consistent pattern throughout.

In this guide on how to count knitting rows stockinette, we will provide simple steps and tips to help you accurately count your rows, making your knitting experience smoother and more enjoyable.

What is a Stockinette Stitch?

Before we dive into how to count knitting rows stockinette, let’s first understand what a stockinette stitch is.

As mentioned earlier, the stockinette stitch is characterized by smooth V-shaped patterns on one side and bumpy textures on the other. This pattern is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in consecutive rows.

You can identify a stockinette stitch by looking at the fabric’s right side, which will have a smooth and neat appearance. On the other hand, the wrong side will have a ribbed or bumpy texture. This stitch is commonly used for making garments like sweaters, scarves, and hats.

Why is it Important to Count Rows in Stockinette Stitch?

As mentioned earlier, counting rows in a stockinette stitch is crucial for maintaining the correct dimensions and pattern consistency in your knitting project.

For example, if you are making a sweater that requires 50 rows of stockinette stitch for the body, but you lose count and end up with only 45 rows, your garment’s length will be shorter than intended.

Furthermore, by accurately counting your rows, you can easily keep track of where you are in your pattern and avoid any mistakes or inconsistencies. It also allows you to make adjustments as needed before moving on to the next section or changing stitches.

Needed Materials:

Knitting Needles:

You will need a pair of knitting needles, preferably the ones recommended for your chosen yarn weight.

Yarn:

Choose a smooth and contrasting-colored yarn to make it easier to distinguish between knit and purl stitches.

10 Step-by-step Guides on How to Count Knitting Rows Stockinette:

Step 1: Cast On Stitch

Begin by casting the required number of stitches for your project. The cast-on stitches will form the foundation row, and it’s important to use a suitable cast-on method, such as the long-tail cast-on, to ensure an even and stretchy edge.

Count each stitch carefully as you cast on to match the pattern’s requirements, as an incorrect number of stitches can affect the overall stitch count and consistency of your project. Once you have all your stitches cast on, you’re ready to proceed to the next step and begin knitting your initial rows in stockinette stitch.

Step 2: Identify Your Right Side

Before you start counting your rows, it’s essential to know which side of the fabric is on the right side. In stockinette stitch, the right side has a smooth and neat appearance, while the wrong side has a ribbed or bumpy texture.

It’s good practice to mark the right side with a stitch marker or safety pin so that you don’t get confused as you knit.

Step 3: Count Your Cast-On Row

The next step in accurately counting rows in the stockinette stitch is to recognize that the cast-on row itself counts as Row 0. This foundational row does not display the classic V-shaped stitches of subsequent rows but is essential for creating the base of your project.

To avoid any confusion, remember that the cast-on row is not included when you begin counting your knit and purl rows. Mark this row clearly in your notes or use a stitch marker at the edge of your work for easy reference.

Once you’ve counted and noted your cast-on row, you’ll be prepared to begin tracking the subsequent rows accurately.

Step 4: Track Your Rows One by One

After completing the cast-on row, proceed to knit your first row using the stockinette stitch. As you work through each row, it is crucial to count each one and keep track of where you are in your pattern.

To make counting easier, place a stitch marker at the end of every tenth row or use a counter specifically designed for knitting to help you keep an accurate record.

Step 5: Count Knit Stitches

To count rows in stockinette stitch accurately, it’s essential to understand how to identify knit stitches within the V-shaped pattern on the right side of your fabric.

In stockinette stitch, knit stitches have a smooth appearance and form columns that resemble mini Vs. Each knit stitch along a row counts as one row.

Step 6: Count Purl Stitches

Purl stitches, on the other hand, have a bumpy texture and form horizontal bars on the wrong side of your fabric.

These stitches are created by bringing the yarn to the front of your work and then inserting your needle into the stitch from right to left. Just like knit stitches, each purl stitch also counts as one row.

Step 7: Counting Garter Stitch

If your pattern includes a garter stitch, where you knit every row, the counting process is slightly different. In this case, each ridge or raised horizontal line on the right side of your fabric counts as two rows.

This is because one ridge consists of two rows – one knit and one purl. It’s essential to keep this in mind when counting rows in a garter stitch pattern.

Step 8: Check Your Stitch Count Regularly

To ensure accuracy, it’s crucial to check your stitch count frequently. After every few rows, take a moment to count your stitches and verify that you are still on track with your pattern.

This will help prevent any mistakes or discrepancies from going unnoticed until the end of your project. But don’t worry if you do make a mistake – it’s easy to fix and adjust your stitch count as needed.

Step 9: Use Stitch Markers

Stitch markers can be helpful tools when counting rows in stockinette stitch. Placing a marker at the beginning and end of each row can make it easier to keep track of where you are and quickly identify any mistakes or skipped rows.

It’s also helpful to use a different colored marker to mark the right side of your fabric.

Step 10: Record Your Rows

Lastly, it’s crucial to record each row as you go. This can be done by writing down the row number or using a counter specifically designed for counting rows in knitting.

Keeping track of your rows will not only help you maintain accuracy but also allow you to easily pick up where you left off if you need to take a break from your project.

Following these steps will ensure that you accurately count your knitting rows in stockinette stitch and create a beautifully crafted project.

So next time you’re working on a stockinette stitch pattern, remember to take the time to carefully count your rows – it’s an essential step in achieving fabulous results! Happy knitting!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the Best Way to Count Rows in Stockinette Stitch?

A: The most accurate way to count rows in the stockinette stitch is by counting each knit and purl stitch as you work through your project. Using a stitch counter or placing markers at the end of every tenth row can also help with accuracy.

Q: Why is it Important to Keep Track of Row Count?

A: Keeping track of your row count is essential in maintaining an accurate pattern and ensuring that your project turns out as intended.

It also helps in identifying any mistakes or discrepancies early on, making it easier to fix them before they become more significant issues.

Q: How Often Should I Check My Stitch Count?

A: It’s recommended to check your stitch count after every few rows, especially if you’re new to knitting or working on a complicated pattern. This will help catch any mistakes early on and ensure that you stay on track with your project.

Q: Can I Use Stitch Markers to Help Count Rows?

A: Yes, stitch markers can be helpful tools when counting rows in stockinette stitch. Placing them at the beginning and end of each row can make it easier to keep track and identify any mistakes or skipped rows quickly. 

It’s also helpful to use a different colored marker to mark the right side of your fabric.

Conclusion

Counting rows may seem like a tedious and unnecessary task, but it is an essential aspect of knitting that ensures the success and consistency of your projects.

By following these step-by-step guides on how to count knitting rows stockinette and keeping track of your stitch count, you’ll have no trouble counting your knitting rows in stockinette stitch and achieving beautiful results every time.

So, next time you pick up your needles, remember to take a moment to accurately count your rows – it’ll make all the difference in your finished project. Happy knitting!