Knitting Row Counter
Tap the big button each time you finish a row. Linked repeat counters keep your place in cables and lace, reminders tell you when it is time to increase or decrease, and every project is saved on this device so you can pick up where you left off.
Last updated:
Working on row 1
Repeat & stitch counters
Shaping reminders
How to use the Knitting Row Counter
- Name your project or keep the sample, and set a target row count if your pattern gives one.
- Tap the big button each time you finish a row (or press Space). Use −1 or Undo to fix a mis-tap.
- Add repeat counters for pattern repeats, such as an 8-row cable, and tick Follow main counter so they advance automatically.
- Add reminders for shaping, for example 'Increase 1 st each end' every 6 rows starting on row 6, 10 times.
- Watch the reminder banner: it lights up on the row where you need to act and shows what comes next.
- Switch projects from the list at the top; everything is saved automatically on this device.
How to count rows in knitting
Count a row once it is finished, which on flat knitting means when you turn the work. The quickest habit is to tap the counter as you turn, before you start the next row. If you lose track, you can count rows in the fabric: in stockinette each V-shaped stitch in a vertical column is one row, and in garter stitch each ridge is two rows. Placing a removable marker every 10 rows makes recounting much faster.
Common shaping and repeat patterns
These are typical instructions you can turn into reminders and repeat counters. The numbers come from your pattern; this table only shows how to enter them.
| Pattern says | Set up | Reminder rows |
|---|---|---|
| Increase 1 st each end of every 6th row 8 times | Reminder: every 6, start 6, times 8 | 6, 12, 18 … 48 |
| Decrease every RS row 5 times, starting next row (row 21) | Reminder: every 2, start 21, times 5 | 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 |
| Work buttonhole every 18 rows from row 10 | Reminder: every 18, start 10, times blank | 10, 28, 46, 64 … |
| Work rows 1–8 of the cable chart, repeat | Repeat counter: 8 rows, follow main counter | Shows chart row 1–8 and repeats done |
| Change color every 4 rows (stripes) | Repeat counter of 4, or reminder every 4 from row 5 | 5, 9, 13, 17 … |
Tips for keeping your place
- Write the current chart row and any modifications in the project notes; they are saved with the project.
- If you start a repeat counter partway through, tap its own + button to set it to the right row before you continue.
- Check your gauge before a big project with the Knitting Gauge Calculator and estimate the yarn you need with the Yarn Yardage Calculator.
- Export a backup now and then if you knit on several devices or clear your browser data.
Frequently asked questions
Does the counter show rows done or the row I am on?
The big number is the number of rows you have finished. Just below it you can see the row you are working on now, which is always one more. Reminders are matched to the row you are working on, so the banner appears while you can still do the increase or decrease on that row.
How do pattern repeat counters work?
A repeat counter counts rows within a repeat of a set length and then starts again at 1, while also counting how many full repeats you have finished. With Follow main counter ticked it advances every time you tap the main button, so an 8-row cable chart or a 4-row lace pattern always shows the right chart row.
How do I set up a reminder like 'increase every 6th row 10 times'?
Add a reminder with the text, Every 6 rows, Start at row 6 and Times 10. It will fire on rows 6, 12, 18 and so on up to row 60, show which repetition you are on, and list the next reminder rows. Leave Times empty to repeat until the end of the project.
Can I use it for crochet or rounds?
Yes. The counter works the same for crochet rows, knitting in the round or any other repeated step. You can rename the main counter label to Rounds and use independent counters for stitches, motifs or pattern pages.
Are my projects saved?
Every tap and change is saved in your browser's local storage on this device, so you can close the page and come back later. Nothing is uploaded. Use Export backup to save a JSON file you can import on another device or after clearing browser data.
Can the screen stay on while I knit?
Tick Keep screen awake and supported browsers, including recent Chrome, Edge and Safari, will stop the screen from dimming while this page is open. The setting is released automatically when you leave the page or switch tabs.
What keyboard shortcuts can I use?
Space, Enter or + adds a row, − or Backspace removes one, and U or Ctrl + Z undoes the last change. Shortcuts are ignored while you are typing in a text box, so notes and names are safe.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.