Row Counters - Part 2!

Part II!  Return of the Revenge of the Son of the Row Counter Post!  The Sequel!

Really, it's because I needed to break this into 2 posts, as it's so picture heavy.  :)  The other post this morning showcased the two easiest methods.  This post will start looking at more variations, and some of the styles that are a little more involved on the beading side.

On a chain:

Like it says, the beads are now chained :) For this and the variation in a ring (up next), it is up to you whether you want the rings numbered or not. I've seen some versions where the chain is just the jump rings and decorative beads, no numbers.  Other versions only had key numbers - 5 and 10, for example - with the rest being decorative beads.  I like seeing the numbers, being the visual person that I am, so my sample has the numbered beads.  With the rainbow colors, this kinda matches a set of stitch markers I have made (the first markers I made, actually!), which is another perk.

To make this style, it's like making 10 little stitch markers.  I used the 1 inch ring pins (not the head pins).  These are a little shorter than the pins I used with the plastic row counters, but the same shape.  Each pin was long enough for one colored bead and the number bead(s).  It's like making 10 little stitch markers, then linking them together.  To make them a chain, just open the ring on the end, and slide in the jump ring from the next numerical segment.  The biggest thing to look out for is that all the numbers are facing the same direction!  I used the ring pins for all 10 "mini markers" as I was calling them, including the one on the end, because then I could add a charm at the end, to give the chain a little weight.

To use this style, I have it hanging on the needle as a stitch marker.  As you move from row to row, you have to move the stitch markers from one needle to the other, right?  With this style row counter, each numbered link in the chain has a corresponding jump ring (the ring that made it a "mini marker").  As you move the counter from one needle to the next when you come to it, you slide the needle into the next link on the chain.  So, not in the #5 ring anymore, but #6.  I don't know if I'm explaining that incredibly clearly, but you can see it in use below, so maybe will help :)

 

Pros:  I like the visual of the numbers, as compared to the slider.  And the chain gives you a little more chance to play with some beading (i.e. it's pretty!).  It's also very easy to incorporate into the knitting project as another stitch marker. 

Cons:  The longer chain can be distracting as you get the knit piece started (once the piece is longer, though, it's easy to keep the chain from flopping about as I work).  Also, I wouldn't make this longer than 10 rows - too much longer would be VERY long and distracting.  Finally, if you have cats, be advised that the chain counter is rustle-y, shiny, and dangles, i.e., it is yet another part of your knitting which the cat will want to play with while sitting in your lap.  Scruffy had a whole new thing to learn "No, this is MY toy, not yours!"

Variation: Etsy had several of these where the chain had a detachable string of 10 beads, so that the beads could be used as a stand-alone 10 row counter, or used in conjunction with the chain to handle bigger charts. Muddy Paws Knit Knacks at Etsy is just one example. Very clever.

In a ring:

This is very similar to the chain-styled counter above, except that the 'mini markers' are looped on a larger ring.  The one I made is centered on a 12mm split ring (because I'm practical - it's what I had).  I've seen ones on Etsy and other shops that are on larger rings.  I guess it spreads out the numbers a little more, so better for visibility?  Haven't tried it out on a project yet...

You can see here the 'mini markers' I've been talking about (albeit, a little fuzzy - sorry, it looked clearer on the camera screen - really need to upgrade to a camera with a macro zoom!).  Each one is made with a small ring headpin with the decorative beads and the numbers, and looped onto a small jump ring (I used 9 mm, which fits up to US 8ish needles).  The No. 10 ring used a longer pin, because the extra digit took up a little more space. Then, you just open the ring on the end and attach the numbers to the larger center ring.  If you were making a chain row counter, you'd use the open end ring to attach the jump ring of the next number, remember?

Pros:  Again, actually being able to see the numbers is always a plus for me.  And, let's face it - it's pretty all spread out like a star burst like that :)

Cons:  It can be a little bulky as it hangs on the needle, but not too irritatingly so.  Rather a personal preference thing.  And even with the numbers in order on the ring, you have to look to make sure you're putting your needle into the correct number.

Variation:  Actually haven't seen variations on this one.  The biggest differences seem to be how big the center ring is and how decorative you want to be with the beads.

Up to 100 (well, 99) rows: for those really big charts you have to follow!

Inspired by the 99 Row Counters in PrettyKnittyJewelry's Etsy shop and using West End Design Knit's instructions as a starting point (particularly for the little marker rings), I've created something I'm relatively pleased with, for the next time I tackle a huge charted pattern. 

This is very similar to the concept of the chain marker.  For this particular style, though, you aren't making a chain, but a string.  It's easiest to use beading wire and crimp beads instead of the head pins.

Two strands of numbers hang down from the ring, one for the 10s and one for the 1s.  You move the small beaded rings up and down the lengths of numbers as you knit.  Reach 10 on the 1s strand, move the ring down one on the 10s strand.  And so on.

Pros:  It covers BIG charts.  Also, 2 strands = a chance for coordinated bead sets (hat and sweater, bunny and carrot, etc)... another "It's pretty" reason :)

Cons:  For handling large patterns, it's not as simple as the plastic counter above, but it does have a bit more "I did it myself" sort of pride, so I guess it balances out :)  Again, though, if you don't like long-and-dangling, this probably isn't one for you.  Also, making the little slider/marker thing takes a little practice.  Wire is a little easier to work with than elastic cord sometimes!

Variation: One Etsy shop (Crochata) didn't have her two stretches of beads hanging free. Her design had them looped on a small kilt pin. Very cute!

If you're feeling REALLY motivated, you could always try a row counters as a Bracelet, like the one I used above for inspiration. I didn't attempt this one. I just really don't change bracelets, usually just wear my running one, my one from Zach, and my watch. And having one specific bracelet for each project seemed counter-intuitive to my particular style of project organization (or lack thereof).  Really, it boils down to the fact that I need to keep the row counter with the project, not with me :) Still, I include it because there are some who prefer this style of row counter, and in addition, the directions here at Sutherland Studios were very clear for making the little elastic beaded marker rings.

A totally different style looks like a large Safety Pin, with beads that you move back and forth as you knit the row.  Cat Knits a Lot gives her directions.  It looks really pretty, and nice and simple, but I think I've found what works for me, and part of that is seeing the numbers!  But, it's another pretty idea, if you're looking for something different.

So after all this, what's my take?

I like seeing the numbers and I like a simple style that I can dress up.  Overall, my two favorite variations are shown below, hard at work :)  The one on the left counts the number of pattern repeats (in this case, cable twists), and the one on the right counts the row of the pattern I'm in.