Stitch markers and row counters

Q: Open or closed stitch markers: when should I use each type?

Open stitch markers (locking or safety-pin style) can be placed and removed anywhere in the fabric without stressing the yarn. They’re ideal for marking increases, decreases, buttonholes or stitches that shift between rows, and for correcting without ripping back half a section. Closed stitch markers (rings) sit on the needle and mark stable sections; they don’t interfere with the stitch and help you keep edges and repeats tidy in long patterns or in lace knitting with multiple motifs.The choice depends on use: if you need to move the reference, choose safety-pin style markers; if you want a fixed boundary, go for rings. Prioritise bright colours and smooth finishes that won’t snag. Using both gives you flexibility—place a ring for the start of the round and keep open markers for events (increases/turns). Avoid overloading: fewer, well-placed markers keep the flow, make the fabric easier to read at a glance, and cut down on unnecessary pauses for checking.

Q: How do I mark the start of the round and avoid shifts when knitting in the round?

Place a fixed start-of-round marker on the right-hand needle at the beginning and move it every time you complete a round; don’t skip it or the reference point will shift. Reinforce your reading with stitch markers in different colours for raglan lines, motif changes or increase sections. In circular knitting, check that the marker doesn’t get caught in a decrease: if you’re about to knit two stitches together, move the marker first so you don’t lose your reference or break your rhythm.If the marker slips or twists, use a ring style that sits firmly between stitches, and save safety-pin style markers for movable events. Keep visual consistency: one colour for the start, another for turns, another for lace repeats. This colour-coding reduces confusion when you pick up after a long pause. When working with small needles or dark yarn, choose high-contrast markers you can spot without lowering your eyes. More visibility = fewer mistakes and less recounting.

Q: How do I use a row counter without making mistakes?

The row counter is your odometer: update it at the end of each row, not the beginning, and note blocks (“8 rows of lace, 2 plain”) to give context to the number. A mechanical row counter gives tactile control and is hard to trigger by accident if you use it at the end of each section. For projects with long repeats, a digital row counter offers a clear display and quick reset when changing sections or switching between projects.Set a simple routine: update the number at the end, check every few repeats, and add a visual marker with stitch markers at the start of each block. If you lose track, return to the last safe reference (marker/note) and count forward from there. Avoid holding the counter in your hand if you tend to press it unintentionally; placing it on the table works better for long sessions. Building these habits saves you from restarting due to a lapse and keeps symmetry when matching sleeves or panels.

Q: What should I do if a stitch marker snags the yarn or distorts the tension?

If a marker scratches, splits fibres or leaves marks on the fabric, switch to stitch markers with smooth surfaces and rounded edges. For delicate yarns, safety-pin style markers should open and close without “biting”; if you feel resistance, swap them for rings until you’ve worked past the tricky section (tight lace, cables). Also check the relative size: a marker that’s too small will compress stitches and distort them; one that’s too large interrupts the yarn flow and forces you to adjust your rhythm.To avoid “ghost stitches”, move stitch markers before decreases/double decreases and remove them in sections where they’re no longer useful. Leaving unnecessary markers in place can force awkward manoeuvres to jump over them. Get into the habit of reviewing markers at the start of each session: what each colour is for, which ones you’ll move, which ones you’ll remove. With fewer, better-chosen markers, tension stays consistent and the fabric doesn’t collect marks that you’d otherwise have to block out with extra effort.

Q: How do I organise colours and quantities of stitch markers in patterns with lots of lace knitting?

In lace knitting, use a colour code: one for the start, another for repeats, another for central turns or decreases. High-contrast stitch markers make it easier to read the lace grid without recounting holes over and over. Avoid transparent markers that “disappear” against light yarns. Place stitch markers at key points (before/after the motif) to contain mistakes: if something doesn’t add up, you only need to check inside the block, not the entire round. This containment cuts down troubleshooting time.For long projects, keep a small spare set handy for quick replacements and carry a short note of what each colour means. If the pattern alternates between plain and lace sections, leave the markers in place during repeats and remove them once you move into stable sections. Less handling = less chance of dropping them. If you’re unsure which type to use, combine rings for fixed boundaries with safety-pin style markers in moving areas. That way you keep accuracy without slowing down execution.

Q: What’s the minimum set of stitch markers and a row counter I need to knit without mistakes?

The minimum set for smooth, mistake-free knitting includes ring stitch markers for fixed boundaries, safety-pin style markers for moving points, and high-contrast markers to distinguish sections. Add a mechanical row counter if you prefer tactile control, or a digital row counter when switching between projects and want clear reading and instant reset. With this base, you can mark the start of the round, raglan lines, lace repeats and decreases precisely, cutting down recounts and keeping rhythm even after long breaks.If you often work on long projects or knit in the round, expand your marker set with extra colours to code sections and avoid moving pieces between projects. Dedicated tools protect the yarn, stay closed, don’t snag and save you from corrections—makeshift solutions often leave marks and cause accumulated errors. Choose ring stitch markers with smooth surfaces, safety-pin markers with reliable closures, and a digital row counter with a large button; or stick with a mechanical row counter if you prefer a firm click and periodic checks.

Stitch markers and row counters help you keep track of sections, increases and repeats without getting lost. Stitch markers highlight the start of a round, buttonholes or turns; safety-pin style markers can be opened and closed on the work without snagging the yarn. A row counter lets you follow long patterns—from yokes to lace—without having to jot notes on paper. For circular knitting or lacework, choose bright colours and mechanisms you can handle without looking. If you’d like to shop online at Garmon Yarns, we’ve got what you need. Here you’ll find practical options at great prices to keep order, rhythm and accuracy in every session.

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Stitch markers and row counters: what are they and what are they used for?

Stitch markers and row counters are essential allies for keeping order and accuracy while you knit or crochet. Stitch markers (ring or locking) highlight key positions such as the start of a round, increases, decreases, repeats and section changes (for example in lace knitting). By setting these visible reference points, you reduce mistakes, avoid having to rip back from miscounting, and maintain a steady rhythm. Adding markers from the very first rows turns each stage of the project into a more predictable, easy-to-check process. They’re a must-have in any accessory kit.

A row counter records your actual progress in the round or flat, helping you count rows and coordinate symmetrical parts without confusion. If you prefer to automate the tracking, a digital row counter gives quick, stable readings even in long series, while a manual row counter offers simplicity and tactile control. The goal is the same: to follow the pattern accurately, minimise interruptions and improve decision-making speed when alternating sections or repeating motifs across multiple sessions.

How to choose stitch markers and row counters

When choosing stitch markers, decide between open markers (locking or safety-pin style markers) and closed markers (rings or other shapes). Open markers can be placed and removed at any point in the fabric without stressing the yarn—ideal for marking increases, decreases or moving stitches. Closed markers are used on the needle to separate fixed sections. Prioritise high visibility through colour, smooth surfaces that won’t snag, and an opening/closing action you can handle without looking; this way you keep your rhythm without sacrificing accuracy in long rows.

For tracking, pick a row counter that matches your working style: if you value speed, a digital row counter with a clear display and simple reset is a great fit; if you prefer tactile feedback, a mechanical row counter is straightforward and reliable. Consider where you’ll use it (on your finger or on the table), how easy it is to reset between sections, and whether it adapts better to circular knitting or flat. If you’re shopping online at Garmon Yarns, we have what you need. Choose by readability and ease of use rather than features you won’t use daily.

Correct use of stitch markers and row counters

Assign colours by function and place a fixed start-of-round marker when knitting in the round; move it at the end of each round so your reference stays accurate. Use extra stitch markers to separate repeats, raglan lines or stitch changes, and check they don’t get trapped in decreases. Stitch markers should open and close smoothly without snagging the yarn; if they slow you down, switch to a softer or more visible type. This discipline reduces mistakes and helps you maintain symmetry and neat joins.

With a row counter, update the number at the end of each row or round and double-check counts in long repeats. A digital row counter makes reading easy during long sessions, while a manual row counter is great if you prefer pressing or turning it at the end of each section. Complement counting with short pattern notes to mark blocks (for example, “8 lace rows + 2 plain”) so you can count rows without losing your place when you pick the project up again after a break.

When is it worth buying stitch marker sets or a digital row counter?

Go for sets of stitch markers when your pattern involves multiple repeats, frequent changes or several construction lines at once. With different colours, you can assign functions (start, turns, raglan lines, lace) and cut down on visual checking time. Having plenty of markers also lets you run parallel projects without swapping them between works. In lace knitting, enough markers keep the grid logical and prevent mistakes that would force you to unravel several rows.

A digital row counter is worth it for large projects or those with multiple sections needing separate counts, as it gives instant, stable readings and speeds up row counting without drift. If you find it hard to pick up after breaks or juggle different works, its clear record reduces errors and last-minute decisions. A mechanical row counter is still a reliable option if you prefer simplicity, but if your priority is sustained productivity and visible precision, the digital model usually adds a useful boost to your daily flow.