Occasionally I run across some handy little helpers and as an avid knitter I really love this one! I am constantly loosing count on what row number I am on and have tried multiple various methods of trying to keep track. Everything from counting in my head (Big no-go) to writing it on paper (yeah I end up forgetting where I put the piece of paper I was using or loosing my pencil) to using a manual old fashioned clicker counter which does work… but you have to put it down and pick it up (soooo many times!) after each row which means I loose it… and then to start it over at 000 you have to wind the thing like crazy… well I finally found something that works amazingly well and is simple to use!
You totally need one of these if you knit or crochet. The Redheart yarn brand digital counter. It straps on your finger like a ring so I don’t end up having to pick it up after every row… it’s right there ready to go. It has two buttons: one to count up (the big button) and one to set it back to 000. So simple even I can do it!!! Yay!!! It’s small so it doesn’t get in the way of my knitting and honestly I can’t even tell it is on my finger while I’m knitting. It’s very inexpensive (just under $5) and if you have someone in the friends or family category who knits or crochets and you need a stocking stuffer or Christmas gift… this is the one gift I would totally tell you to get them because they probably don’t have one yet and will be overjoyed to get one.
You can pick one up at any craft store or craft department (I got mine at Walmart) or order it online direct from Redheart yarn (sometimes you can get a discount code for their online site so check that out as well!)
Redheart yarn digital row counter
Now my only issue while counting rows is when Conestoga Chuck insists I stop knitting in the middle of a row to take him outside…. when he has to go out he is VERY insistent I take him NOW! Lol
So go ahead and get one for yourself and get a few extras to give to your friends. It’s an inexpensive way to make someone super happy with a very useful item.
Helpful user hint: When you first get it don’t be tempted to hold that button down. It’s very sensitive and just a light tap will make it count up. If you accidentally double tap (because of heavy fingers) I just try to remember not to tap it again for the next row. I look at the number on the counter, tap, then check to make sure it only added one row to the count and not two by accident due to my fat fingers lol. It is sensitive, but it has not unduly changed numbers due to my moving my hands while knitting etc so just watch out for the heavy finger tapping until you get used to it. I still think this is the absolute best solution for my memory and concentration issues when trying to count rows and would highly recommend it to others… and may even get myself a couple extras in case they stop producing them! Hopefully some nice Santa will put a couple extra ones in my stocking this year!
Conestoga Chuck 