Tool School: Pattern Chart Marker Set & Knitting Counters

What is it?

Ever wonder where we’d be without that GPS function on our phone? If we want to know where we are, our exact location is only a finger swipe away. And if we have a specific destination in mind that same finger swipe will give us a detailed route complete with options and estimated times of arrival. Easy, right? But some of us remember a pre-GPS world that was fraught with incomplete maps, U-turns, dead ends and an unhappy arrival at an empty field where our destination was supposed to be. Not only not easy, but frustrating and time consuming too.

The same concept applies to knitting and crochet. We have a starting point with some “to die for yarn” that we just found and a killer design that we’ve always wanted to make. But how do we navigate through line after tiny line of all of those detailed and usually complex instructions.

These instructions are often in the form of charts which are simply graphic representations of knitting, crochet or needlepoint instructions. We use them because they are the best way to convey those instructions in a precise and compact manner. It’s reading code instead of text.

Like our GPS metaphor, we need to follow the prescribed route if we’re going to arrive at the desired destination. Knowing where you are and following a definitive set of instructions is absolutely essential. Okay, so no problem. We can do that. But all of those tiny, complicated lines of instruction on compact and narrow text can be a problem. Skipping or repeating a line is a disaster. Losing track of the number of knitted rows completed is equally bad.

Mistakes are frustrating, time consuming and detract from our creative experience. So how do we keep track of where we are and where we’re going on any project? Simple, knitting and crochet GPS.

What does it do?

Knitting and crochet GPS is comprised of four tools designed to keep us on course in our creative journey.

Pattern Chart Marker

Pattern Chart Marker is an essential tool for anyone working from instructions in a chart form. The marker is constructed of heavy duty, durable vinyl. It folds in half and is magnetic. This allows us to fold it over our pattern sheet and the magnetic function holds it securely in place until we need move on to the next line.

Now we can easily zero in on our current row. Markings on the Pattern Chart Marker allow us to keep track of each square along that line. This all makes even the most complicated charts easy to track. The Pattern Chart Maker Set is complete with two markers, 9″ and 12″ in length, to accommodate any size chart or book page we may be working from.

Pattern Chart Market Set
Art. No 3164

Knitting Counter

Just as the Pattern Chart Marker Set guides us along on our journey, the Knitting Counter tells us where we are on that journey. Skipping or adding extra rows to our pattern only means that we’ll have to go back and make amends. If we’ve failed to notice the error for several rows it could be a long trip. And unnecessary. Using the Knitting Counter we can, with a simple push of the top button, keep track of each step of our progress. No skips and no repeats. It counts from 0 to 99.

Knitting Counter
Art. No 336

Mini Knitting Counter

This is a pendant style counter that functions much like the Knitting Counter. Hanging it from your neck or wrist makes it instantly accessible. Simply push the button at the top of the counter and it records stitches or rows completed from 0 to 99. It also features a locking mechanism that prevents unintended advances in stitch or row count.

Mini Knitting Counter
Art. No 3118

Insider’s tip – If you are prone to having more than one project ongoing at any time, simply provide a Mini Knitting Counter for each. Place a yarn sample from each project through the corresponding counter pendant loop and you’ll never confuse which counter goes with which project.

Knitting Register

The Knitting Register is a very convenient way to track our row count. It slides easily onto our knitting needle to make it easily accessible to account for each row when knitted. It counts from 0 to 99 with a simple twist of the wheel at either end of the device.

Knitting Register
Art. No 328

How do I share it?

The Pattern Chart Marker Set, Knitting Counter, Mini Knitting Counter and Knitting Register are four tools that make the creative process so much more enjoyable. Demonstrate them in classes and leave them out in your shop for everyone to see and use. Your friends will immediately make the connection and see what they can do for them. Working together, these tools keep us on track from the beginning to the end of our creative journey. It’s GPS for knitting and crochet.