Double-Knitting Counter
Track paired stitches and chart progress.
How Double-Knitting Counter Works?
The Double Knitting Counter works by counting Stitch Pair for each knit-and-purl pair and Chart Row for the row of the chart. Double knitting makes 2 layers at once, so each chart square is a pair of stitches.
Count stitch pairs
Tap the count pad or press Space after each pair: knit the front colour, purl the back colour.
Follow the chart square
Each Stitch Pair value matches 1 square of the chart row.
Advance the chart row
Press → at the end of the row to move the Chart Row on by 1.
Reset per row
Press Reset Count so Stitch Pair starts at 0 on the next row.
Double-Knitting Counter Formula
The Double Knitting Counter formula is stitches on needle = chart width × 2. Each chart square needs 1 stitch for the front layer and 1 for the back layer.
- Stitches on needle
S = w × 2w is the chart width in squares.
- Pairs per row
Pairs = S ÷ 2Pairs equal the chart squares.
- Yarn use
Yarn ≈ 2 × single-layer yarnTwo layers use about twice the yarn.
Worked example: A 60-square double-knit chart needs 60 × 2 = 120 stitches on the needle. Square 37 of the row is Stitch Pair 37.
Double-Knitting Counter Conversion Table
The Double Knitting Counter conversion table converts chart width into stitches and fabric width in 2 yarn weights.
| Chart squares | Stitches on needle | DK width (5.5 pairs/in) | Worsted width (4.5 pairs/in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 40 | 3.6 in (9.2 cm) | 4.4 in (11.3 cm) |
| 30 | 60 | 5.5 in (13.9 cm) | 6.7 in (16.9 cm) |
| 40 | 80 | 7.3 in (18.5 cm) | 8.9 in (22.6 cm) |
| 60 | 120 | 10.9 in (27.7 cm) | 13.3 in (33.9 cm) |
| 80 | 160 | 14.5 in (36.9 cm) | 17.8 in (45.2 cm) |
| 100 | 200 | 18.2 in (46.2 cm) | 22.2 in (56.4 cm) |
| 140 | 280 | 25.5 in (64.7 cm) | 31.1 in (79 cm) |
Double knitting is about 10% narrower than single-layer stockinette at the same gauge.
What is Double-Knitting Counter?
A Double Knitting Counter is a counter that tracks stitch pairs and chart rows in double knitting. Double knitting makes reversible fabric with the colours swapped on the back.
Every chart square is a pair, so counting single stitches doubles the numbers and invites errors. Counting pairs maps the needle straight onto the chart.
The Stitches Counter tool saves the pair and row counts in your browser.
What are the uses of Double-Knitting Counter?
There are 4 main uses of the Double Knitting Counter, including reversible scarves, potholders and blankets.
Reversible scarves
Follow charts on two-sided scarves.
Potholders
Make thick, two-layer potholders.
Blankets
Track pairs on reversible blankets.
Hats
Track double-knit hat charts in the round.
About the Double-Knitting Counter
Synchronize paired knit/purl stitches for reversible two-sided fabric, keeping both front and reverse colors accurately tracked.
How to Use This Tool Efficiently
- ✓Every stitch pair consists of a knit stitch facing you and a purl stitch facing away.
- ✓Move both yarn strands between the needles together when switching from knit to purl.
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