Cable Row Counter

Flag scheduled cable crossings.

Knitting Techniques
Active Counter
Row Since Cross
0row
Cross Frequency
1cross
Tap Anywhere to Count
Press Space or ↑ on your keyboard • Auto-saves instantly
Ready to count. Changes are automatically saved in local storage.

How Cable Row Counter Works?

The Cable Row Counter works by counting Row Since Cross for the plain rows after each cable cross, while Cross Frequency holds the rows between crosses. When Row Since Cross reaches the frequency, the next row is a cross row.

  1. Set the cross frequency

    Press → to set Cross Frequency, such as 6 for a cable crossed every 6th row.

  2. Count rows after the cross

    Tap the count pad or press Space at the end of each row after the cross row.

  3. Cross at the frequency

    Work the cable cross when Row Since Cross equals Cross Frequency.

  4. Reset after the cross

    Press Reset Count after each cross row so Row Since Cross starts again at 0.

Cable Row Counter Formula

The Cable Row Counter formula is cross rows = 1, 1 + f, 1 + 2f, … where f is the cross frequency. The number of crosses in a section is the rows divided by the frequency.

Cross rows
Cₖ = c₁ + (k − 1) × f

c₁ is the first cross row and f is Cross Frequency.

Crosses in a section
Crosses = ⌊rows ÷ f⌋

Use the section length in rows.

Rows until next cross
Next = f − Row Since Cross

Next tells you the plain rows left.

Worked example: A 6-row cable crossed first on row 5 crosses again on rows 11, 17, 23 and 29. A 60-row sleeve holds ⌊60 ÷ 6⌋ = 10 crosses.

Cable Row Counter Conversion Table

The Cable Row Counter conversion table lists common cables with their width, cross frequency and the extra yarn they use.

Common cable crosses
CableStitchesCross everyExtra yarn vs stockinette
2/2 right cross (C4B)44 or 6 rowsAbout 10%
2/2 left cross (C4F)44 or 6 rowsAbout 10%
3/3 cross (C6B / C6F)66 or 8 rowsAbout 15%
4/4 cross (C8B / C8F)88 or 10 rowsAbout 20%
Horseshoe cable88 rowsAbout 20%
Twisted stitch 1/1 (RT, LT)22 rowsAbout 5%

Cables pull the fabric in. Add 1 to 2 extra stitches per cable panel when you swap cables into a plain pattern.

What is Cable Row Counter?

A Cable Row Counter is a counter that tracks the plain rows between cable crosses and signals the next cross row. Cables cross a group of stitches over another group by holding stitches on a cable needle.

A cable crossed on the wrong row stretches or squashes one twist, and the error shows on the right side. Counting rows since the last cross gives the next cross row exactly.

Aran sweaters run several cable panels with different frequencies. The Stitches Counter tool saves the row count and the frequency in your browser.

What are the uses of Cable Row Counter?

There are 5 main uses of the Cable Row Counter, including Aran sweaters, cable hats and cabled scarves.

  • Aran sweaters

    Track cross rows on central cable panels.

  • Cable hats

    Count rounds between crosses on cabled brims and bodies.

  • Cabled scarves

    Keep crosses even along a long scarf.

  • Sock legs

    Cross small cables every 4 rounds on sock legs.

  • Pillows and blankets

    Track cross rows on cabled home items.

About the Cable Row Counter

Never miss a cable turn! Count plain buffer rows between crossings and receive high-visibility alerts on exact cable cross rows.

How to Use This Tool Efficiently

  • ✓Set your cable crossing frequency (e.g. cross every 6th or 8th row).
  • ✓Keeps complex Aran fisherman sweaters organized without messy notebook charts.

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