Counting on your knitting!

Don't be afraid to count, CraftDoodling Designs News, other updates etc.

It may come as a surprise to many that they’ve inadvertently invited counting back into their lives (since elementary school, 🏫 perhaps?) by falling in love with knitting. Not just beginners—I've seen experienced knitters simply wilt and wither when they find out a project involves more counting than they expected. ☹️

I get it. I’m like that too, for the most part. Counting, as simple as it sounds, isn’t easy. Don’t get me wrong—knitting is incredibly fun! But the counting that comes with it? Not so much. It often takes time to get used to.

COUNTING STRESS

You’ve probably heard some version of this: ask a knitter a question while they’re counting, and you might get louder counting in response! But why does counting make knitters so anxious?

Firstly, counting forces us to stop and focus our minds—minds that were blissfully wandering under the soothing spell of knitting. Secondly, counting is ruthless. It gives us direct, sometimes uncomfortable feedback about our work. The result of that count might even lead to undesirable decisions, like ripping back stitches or recounting rows, sending the whole project down a slippery slope. 🫨

Counting, in general, steals away from the meditative experience we’ve come to count on in our knitting. (You knew that pun was coming, didn’t you?) 🤭

COUNTING STRATEGIES

I find it helpful to mentally divide the mindful and mindless parts involved in knitting a project and be prepared accordingly.

For example, in a top-down sweater, the yoke requires vigilance because of all the shaping. Meanwhile, the cuff of a sock or mitt can be worked on during odd free moments or while chatting with friends.

As our knitting becomes more creative, so too should our counting strategies. Stitch markers and row counters are invaluable for keeping track of complex projects. In a previous post, I wrote about the benefits of using visual progress keepers. 🖇️

Some stitch patterns also make counting easier. In this swatch, I just have to count the large strand of yarn crossing every two stitches.

Swatching for a new design, Mika Vest - Using Little Skein Targhee Worsted yarn

Cable and lace repeats may seem challenging, but to make counting easier, try memorizing what half a repeat looks like. 🤓

Numeracy and counting are inherent to the art, music, and craft forms we love. By training our counting muscles, we can better enjoy our beloved craft. What are some techniques you use to make counting easier? Please share your tips in the comments!💗

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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES

1. Have you checked the lineup of workshops in offer at Lambtown this October? There are spots left at my Short Row Socks class as well as some others.

2. Later in the month of October, I will be teaching a finishing techniques class based on my design Matte Hood at Fillory Yarn.

3. I spent most of last week managing the two tests (Fluens Tee and Almas Mitts), preparing for upcoming classes and doing some calculations for my new designs. I hope to spend more time with my knitting (rather than with my devices) next week! Let us see. 😅

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FEATURED PATTERN

The temperatures are still high around here but it is beginning to cool down . This week would like to feature Matte Hood pattern which is suitable to kickstart your fall knitting. 🍁🍂

Matte Hood is available for download on Ravelry and Payhip.

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OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE

1. Reading Updates

   1. Just finished Reading 📖

      1. Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros

   2. Currently Reading 📖

      i. Crunch Time - Diane Mott Davidson

   Until next time,

   Kavitha. ♡

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