How to Keep Track of Knitting Rows

Decide what your counter means

Use the counter for completed rows in a clearly named section, such as the colourwork panel. Before you start that section, the count is 0. Advance it after finishing the whole row or round, including any stitches outside the chart. Keep setup rows separate if the pattern numbers them separately.

Mark the active chart row independently. On paper, place a straight edge or sticky note above it, covering the rows you have not reached while leaving the earlier rows visible. Move that guide when you finish the row. This lets you compare the developing motif with the chart below your current position.

Keep repeat numbers separate from row totals

A chart may repeat vertically while your overall row count continues upward. Write down the chart row and the repeat you are working as well as the total completed. If you reset a separate chart counter at each repeat, keep a tally of finished repeats beside it.

For an 8-row repeat showing every row, with no setup rows in the count, 19 completed rows means 2 complete repeats plus 3 rows. Your next row is overall row 20, chart row 4 of repeat 3. This is a calculated example, not an automatic Purlgrid repeat-counter feature.

Check the pattern notes before using that calculation: some charts omit wrong-side rows. Count the actual rows you work, including those described only in the text. If the pattern uses several charts, record a position for each one.

Follow colour runs across the row

A colour run is a consecutive group of stitches worked in the same colour. Follow one group at a time rather than trying to remember the whole row. Where the pattern allows it, place stitch markers between horizontal repeats and check each repeat before moving past its marker.

In Purlgrid, open the chart maker and set the Knit in the round checkbox to match your project before exporting. Open the arrow menu beside Download image, labeled Download another format, and choose Written instructions (TXT). The file lists rows as colour runs and includes a key matching R1, R2 and the other colour codes to yarn names.

For a calculated 12-stitch example, take this sequence in working order: 4 R1, 3 R2, 2 R1, 1 R2, 2 R1. The runs add up to 12. After the first two runs, you have worked 7 stitches and have 5 left. If interrupted there, note that the next instruction is 2 R1; do not count the row as completed.

Save a useful stopping point in My projects

After drawing or changing your chart, choose Save to My projects in the editor. Open My projects, then expand Yarn, gauge, notes and progress. Enter the finished row count in Completed steps / rows and, if known, the section length in Total steps / rows (0 if unknown). Use Save project details to store your changes.

Use Making notes for the chart name, active repeat, next row and any partial-row position. A note such as ‘Colourwork panel; next chart row 4, repeat 3; start at the row edge’ gives your future self a specific instruction. Choose Continue project when you return.

This chart-maker workflow uses manual progress entries. Exporting written rows does not track stitches as you knit, and changing the saved count does not move a highlight across the chart. Keep your active-row marker or working note alongside the saved total.

Check the fabric when the count is uncertain

Pause before adding more stitches. Find a distinctive colour change in the completed fabric and compare its position with the chart. Check the current stitches against the last repeat boundary or other position you can identify confidently. A plausible counter number alone is not enough to confirm your place.

If you undo a whole row, reduce the completed count too. If you undo only part of the active row, update the stitch-position note instead. Once the fabric and chart agree, correct the record before continuing. Avoid changing the chart merely to make it agree with an uncertain count.

Keep a copy of your progress

My projects stores records in this browser on this device. Clearing browser data removes them, and there is no automatic account sync. Use Export backup to download a copy; use Import backup in the other browser when transferring your project record.

Keep the written instructions with that backup. If you edit the chart after downloading the TXT file, export fresh instructions so your working copy matches the design. Before a longer break, save the project details and leave one explicit next action in your notes.

Before you continue

1. Name the section your completed-row count refers to.
2. Mark the active chart row and record the current repeat.
3. Note the next colour run if you stop midway across a row.
4. Check the fabric before correcting an uncertain count.
5. Save project details and export a backup before switching devices.