Stitch Counter
A simple tap counter for knitting and crochet. Track rows and stitches with large touch-friendly buttons. Saves your count automatically.
Tap to count rows and stitches while you knit
Row
Stitch
Always saved: Your counters auto-save to your phone. Come back anytime to continue where you left off.
Tracking Stitches Across Long Projects
Knitting and crochet patterns require precise stitch counts - drop one and the pattern misshapes. A simple counter (mechanical or digital) lets you tap once per stitch row or repeat. Used for: row tracking in long projects (afghans, shawls), pattern repeat tracking (count to 12, then increase), tracking complex stitch counts in lace/cable patterns where mistakes compound visibly.
Physical counters: small mechanical clickers, ring counters that fit on your needle. Digital: phone apps (Knit Counter, Stitch Counter), online tools. Most knitters use multiple counters at once - one for rows, one for pattern repeats, one for stitch sequences within a row. The setup feels excessive but prevents mistakes that take hours to undo.
When You Need Exact Counts
Lace patterns: each row's stitch count is precise. Drop one and the next row's pattern shifts. Cables: cables decrease and increase predictably; missing one breaks the cable. Increases/decreases at sleeve caps: must match across the row. Colour changes: stripe widths must match exactly. Steeking and grafting: requires exact count for clean joins.
Less critical: simple stockinette in solid colour (mistakes blend in), garter stitch (doesn't visually shift much), long stockinette body sections (size variations of 1-2 stitches don't matter). Match counter usage to project complexity. Lace shawl: count obsessively. Plain DK pullover body: count loosely.
Common Counter Setups
Single project, simple pattern: 1 counter for row count. Single project, repeat pattern: 2 counters - rows + repeats. Complex pattern: 3+ counters - rows, repeats, special increases/decreases. Multi-colour project: counter per colour or per row sequence. Knitting in the round: row counter pinned to fabric or live-stitch holder.
Phone apps offer multi-counter setups, project-specific saving, undo functionality, audible confirmation. Some have voice control ('count') for hands-free use. Mechanical clickers don't undo - if you double-click, you're now off-count and unsure where. Digital counters fix this with revertible state. Use the [Yarn Weight Converter](/yarn-weight-converter) for project planning, [Quilt Calculator](/quilt-calculator) for fabric-based projects.
Beyond Basic Counting
Project notes app: combine counter + project log. Track yarn yardage used, time spent, modifications. Helps next project planning: 'this scarf used 380 yards over 25 hours; my next one will be similar'. Photo journal: snap progress every few inches; helps if you put project down for weeks and forget where you were.
Pattern annotation: if a pattern is challenging, mark each completed row directly on the printed pattern. Crossing off ensures you don't lose place when interrupted. Dedicated pattern apps (Ravelry, KnitCompanion) sync notes and counts across devices. Some knitters use both digital (counter) and analogue (paper checklist) - belt and braces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I count every row?
For complex patterns, yes. For simple stockinette body sections of a sweater, just measure with a ruler (every X inches). Counters are useful for variable-density work where row count matters more than physical length.
What if I lose count?
Re-count from a recent landmark (last increase row, last colour change). For lace: recount stitches in current row to verify. For complex patterns: rip back to last known good point. Avoiding count loss is the reason for using counters in the first place.
Do I need an app or is paper enough?
Paper works for simple projects (tally marks on a sticky note). Apps win for complex multi-counter setups, undo functionality, project saving across multiple WIPs (works in progress). Most knitters use both - paper for simple, app for complex projects.
Are mechanical clickers reliable?
Mostly yes, but: easy to accidentally double-click, can't undo, batteries don't apply (mechanical), can fall off project mid-row. Digital alternatives address all these issues but cost slightly more. Backup mechanical clicker is wise even if you primarily use an app.
Related Tools
Yarn Cost Calculator
Estimate how much yarn you need and what it will cost for any knitting or crochet project. Covers scarves, jumpers, blankets, socks and more by size and yarn weight.
Knitting Gauge Calculator
Adjust your stitch and row counts when your knitting gauge does not match the pattern. Enter your gauge and get the corrected cast-on count.