Counters/ Markers- when to use

How-to Questions
1

When does one use stitch counters? Is this strictly a lace thing?

For what sorts of projects have you used counters?

2

Do you mean stitch markers http://www.craftsetc.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=32154&dep=20&cat=49&subcat=5&Search=Y

or row counters? http://www.craftsetc.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=39717&dep=20&cat=49&subcat=5&Search=Y

Me confused by your title =) A counter counts rows. A stitch marker is used to mark places. It can be used to count repeats or numbers of stitches, if that’s what you mean maybe?

3

Anytime you want to keep track of where you are in a row, you can use a stitch marker. If it’s a pattern repeat, or where to switch from knit to purl, where to decrease, etc.

4

I use my counters to count rows.
and/or stitches.

I find that I’m easily distracted,
so when I set my knitting down
It helps to remember where the heck i was exactly

5

I haven’t used counters yet but here is an example of using markers (which don’t have to be purchased; I use waste yarn tied into rings).

I am working on a sweater pattern which has 10 stitch repeats of two alternating stitch patterns so I place a piece of waste yarn every 10 stitches.

Since this alternating stitch pattern of 10s changes on each row, I’ve written down these patterns in numbered rows on a piece of paper. When I finish each row, I place a mark on my copied pattern.

This method is especially helpful when using patterns incorporating directions for multiple sizes, i.e. “p2(2,2,0,0)” because it’s not only easier to follow, but also I don’t have to mark up my pattern in case I want to knit a different size in the future.

As an aside, I’ve found that writing out your pattern and looking for ways to convert it to a kind of shorthand is really helpful. Using the example of the sweater I described above my pattern which looks like this:

  1. k10,(p2,k2) twice, p2 *k10, (p2,k2) twice, p2, rep from * to last 12 [14:18:0:4:6] sts, k10 [10:10:0:4:6), p2 [2:2:0:0:0], k0 [2:2:0:0:0] , (p2,k2) 0 [0:1:0:0:0} times.

becomes this:

  1. k10, p2, k10

This is for the fourth size in the pattern [where p2 in the 10 stitch pattern repeat is simply (p2,k2,p2,k2,p2)]

I’m sure I haven’t written this out clearly, but it has helped me immensely and if it makes it easier for just one person, I’ll be happy!!!

6

That does help, and makes a lot of sense. Sizings on patterns make it tricky to keep track of where you are.

Thanks for the help!