The order of the elements from left to right on the completed row counter is as follows:

• Loop for attachment (lobster claw and/or safety pin)

• Loop preceding bead number ‘1’

• Bead ‘1’ facing right side up (not upside down)

• Loop preceding bead number ‘2’

• Bead ‘2’ facing right side up

• And so forth, ending with loop preceding bead number ‘0’ followed by optional bead/charm.

How you secure beads / what knots you use is to a large degree up to you. Key is that the size of the knot is large enough that the bead can not slip over it inadvertently, even if the row counter is jostled around in a project bag. This means you may need to use 2 or 3 or more knots pre-/post- beads to keep them very secure. Note that knotting multiple knots on top of each other will create a bigger knot than knotting multiple knots one after the other which will just create a longer area of knots (knots in a row).

• One option pre- and post- loop: two overhand knots on top of each other, i.e., before and after the pencil/crochet hook that you use to size the loop before the numbered bead

• One option post-bead: overhand knot using one strand (to secure bead in a particular spot) followed by overhand knot using both strands on top of that first knot. This approach seems easier since one hand can hold the strand with the bead taught while the other hand can be used to make the knot onto that taut strand. However, this approach leaves a strand passing over the bead, which you may or may not like (visually).

   

Similarly, how you thread your beads on is to a large degree up to you. You can thread the bead through one strand of your hemp cord or through both strands, provided the bead hole is wide enough to pass both strands through; otherwise you’re limited to only threading through one strand, or choosing a different cord to use. Key is to thread the cord through the bead from left to right with the bead facing right side up, every time. This will ensure the numbers are consistently facing the right way as intended.

Numbers in order

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6: attention to direction so this is not inadvertently strung on upside down

• 7

• 8

• 9: attention to direction so this is not inadvertently strung on upside down

• 0

• That is, START with ‘1’ and END with ‘0’

• Add embellishment like an additional bead and/or charm at the end (optional)

Stop and admire!! For that matter, do this from time to time as you make your row counter, including to check for and catch any mistakes.

Tips and recs

• Start with 3 yards of cord, fold in half to start. This length should avoid you playing chicken towards the end of your project. You will have extra, i.e., ‘waste’ but we think it’s worth it. You can also repurpose those end cords to make something else that is small.

• These instructions create a row counter that has the safety pin on the left and numbers reading from left to right, 1-2-3-…-0, then ending with a charm (optional). Alternatively, you could have the safety pin on the right followed by the numbers reading from right to left 1 then 2 then 3 and so on. For this, thread the bead from right to left. Be attention to direction of number so it is right side up, whichever set up you choose.

Use

• [Red] removable (yet secure, e.g., bulb shaped pin/stitch marker) stitch marker to indicate rows 1 through 9.

Options

• You could instead choose to thread your row counter onto your circular needles/work in progress at the start of the row to indicate the row number.

• You could instead use a paper clip or other ‘open’ removable stitch marker that slides on and off your row loop (i.e., the loop before your numbered bead) for faster number/row counting (i.e., no  need to unclasp). Be aware when putting your row counter away into a project bag that the paper clip is more likely to fall off than a removeable/secure stitch marker like a bulb pin. It likely won’t, but it might and sometimes does.

• Distinctly different (i.e., different color, or different color+bead) removable stitch marker to indicate rows above 10, in conjunction with above marker to indicate last digit.

Have fun and enjoy! Thank you for supporting our small business!

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