Counting & repeats

How to keep track of knitting pattern repeats

“Row 24” and “row 8 of the repeat” can both describe the same place. Keeping those two numbers separate makes a repeating pattern easier to follow.

Give each number one job

Use one counter for the total number of rows you’ve worked in the section. Use another for your current row within the pattern repeat. If you need to finish a certain number of repeats, track completed repeats separately.

Decide when you tap

A simple habit is to increment your counter after finishing a row. That makes the number on the counter the number of rows completed. If you prefer to display the row you’re about to work, use that convention consistently and leave yourself a note.

Keep setup rows separate

If a pattern begins with ribbing or setup rows before the repeat, don’t include those rows in the repeat count. Start a new section counter or make a note of where the repeat begins.

Leave a useful stopping point

Before putting your work down, record the section, last completed row, and any shaping you worked. “Left sleeve, repeat 3 finished, increase on next row” tells future you much more than a number alone.

Set it up in CozyKnit

Create a project and add a row-repeat counter for the repeating section. Add separate counters for pieces such as sleeves, and use project notes for reminders. Always check your counter setup against the pattern’s instructions.