Right-Side / Wrong-Side Tracker
Track the current working side.
How Right-Side / Wrong-Side Tracker Works?
The Right Side / Wrong Side Tracker works by pairing the Active Side (RS/WS) count with the Current Row number. In flat knitting, odd rows are right-side (RS) rows and even rows are wrong-side (WS) rows in most patterns, so the row number tells you the side.
Confirm the row 1 side
Check the pattern for the side of row 1. Most patterns start with a RS row; some start with a WS set-up row.
Advance the row
Press → or the + under Current Row each time you turn the work.
Read the side
An odd Current Row is a RS row and an even Current Row is a WS row when row 1 is RS.
Log the side change
Tap the count pad or press Space at each turn to keep a running total of sides worked.
Right-Side / Wrong-Side Tracker Formula
The Right Side / Wrong Side Tracker formula is side = RS when row mod 2 = 1, and WS when row mod 2 = 0. The rule flips for patterns that start with a WS row.
- Side from row number
Side = RS if R mod 2 = 1R is the Current Row and row 1 is a RS row.
- RS rows worked
RS rows = ⌈R ÷ 2⌉Round up to count the odd rows.
- WS rows worked
WS rows = ⌊R ÷ 2⌋Round down to count the even rows.
Worked example: Row 37 of a pattern that starts on the right side is a RS row, since 37 mod 2 = 1. The piece holds 19 RS rows and 18 WS rows so far.
Right-Side / Wrong-Side Tracker Conversion Table
The Right Side / Wrong Side Tracker conversion table shows what each side means for 5 common stitch patterns.
| Stitch pattern | RS row | WS row | How to spot RS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stockinette | Knit all | Purl all | Smooth V columns face you |
| Garter | Knit all | Knit all | Cast-on tail at lower right |
| 1x1 rib | Knit the knits, purl the purls | Same | Pattern-defined |
| Cables | Cross rows | Plain rows | Cables lean as charted |
| Lace | Yarn overs and decreases | Purl rest rows | Eyelets show clearly |
Clip a locking marker to the RS of the fabric as a second check.
What is Right-Side / Wrong-Side Tracker?
A Right Side / Wrong Side Tracker is a tool that tells you whether the current row faces the public side (RS) or the private side (WS) of the fabric. Cable crosses, lace eyelets and colour changes happen on a set side, and working them on the wrong side reverses the effect.
Garter and seed stitch look alike on both faces, so the side is hard to see. The row number decides the side with no guessing.
The Stitches Counter tool saves the row and side count in your browser after each change.
What are the uses of Right-Side / Wrong-Side Tracker?
There are 4 main uses of the Right Side / Wrong Side Tracker, including cable rows, reversible fabrics and buttonhole placement.
Cable rows
Cross cables on RS rows only.
Reversible fabrics
Keep track of the side in garter and seed stitch where both faces look the same.
Buttonholes
Work buttonholes on the RS for a neat finish.
Colour changes
Change colour on RS rows to keep colour joins on the WS.
About the Right-Side / Wrong-Side Tracker
Always know whether you are looking at the Right Side (RS) or Wrong Side (WS) of your fabric, eliminating reversed cable crosses and accidental purl ridges.
How to Use This Tool Efficiently
- ✓Odd rows are conventionally Right Side (RS) unless otherwise specified in your pattern.
- ✓Place a removable safety pin or marker on the RS of your cast-on tail for visual confirmation.
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