I like to knit socks and I like to try knitting lace from time to time, and in working thru the patterns it is necessary to use markers to divide up sections in the patterns and to count a specified number of rows to complete the pattern and begin again. I didn't like the markers and row counters sold in stores, so went searching the internet for other ideas. I came across some very pretty row markers made with beads and jump rings that were being sold on different sites, and while looking at those I also found the idea of using  a counting chain. The chain has several jump rings intersected with beads, with one large bead on the end and a plain jump ring on the other. As you work a pattern you start with the plain ring on your needle, then as you work around and finish a row you drop the first ring and pick up the second, continuing until you have worked thru the pattern and finished one repeat, then you move the chain back to the first ring to start another repeat.

I thought that I could make these myself so found instructions on About.com for learning basic jewelry making techiniques that could be applied to what I wanted. Now I have several different markers, using Swarovski crystal beads, and I've made chains of different lengths for repeats of 3, 4, 6, or 10 repeats. Making your own allows you to make any number of rings on the chain that you want, using any color or type of bead that you want. I already had jewelry pliers, specialized tools for working with wire; there are sets sold at Joann's and Michael's, that if you have access to their 40% or 50% coupons it cuts the purchase price way down.

If any one is interested in learning how to make these items, let me know and I can post some instructions and give links to sites about them. Edey

 That's a good idea! I usually just write down the number of the row I stop at, keeping track on the pattern each time. Most of my lace patterns were downloaded from the internet, so it doesn't matter if they wind up messy! But a chain counter would be handy for those times when I have to put the work down in the middle of a set. 

The first two links are instructions for basic jewelry making at About.com

http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa081098.htm

 http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/beginnerscorner/u/Basics.htm

 These 2 sites have pictures of beaded stitch markers to give you an idea of what they look like. (I have not done business with these sites.)

http://www.needletrax.com/knittingzone/markers.htm

http://deniseknits.typepad.com/markers/

Fire Mountain Gems is a very company to do business with.  www.firemountaingems

A head pin looks like a big straight only with a blunt tip. You need one for each marker. An eye pin is similar but it has a small loop on one end instead of a flat head. You will need these for a chain. An alternative would be thin wire for the chain, about 20 gauge but no smaller than 24 gauge.  

I made my markers on a head pin, using a 3 mm bicone bead and one or 2 seed beads, then a simple unwrapped loop at the top, using round nose pliers to make the loop. Then I attached a jump ring to the loop, closing it evenly so that there were no snags to catch the yarn; I did this also with the unwrapped loop of the head pin. Instead of a bead you can use a small charm. It's usually cheaper to make your own, depending on the supplies you buy. Swarovski crystals and gold or silver jump rings is the expensive way to go, plastic beads and ordinary metal jump rings is the cheap way to go. The crystals and gold are prettier and won't tarnish.

The chain is made similar to the marker - essentially it is several markers linked together. Use one large bead at the end on a head pin, then one or two smaller beads, and make a simple unwrapped loop,attach a jump ring to the loop. For each section, use an eye pin, a bead or two, make a simple unwrapped loop, and then attach a jump ring. Link the eye of the eye pin with the jump ring to hook the sections together Do this for however many rings you need to count your pattern rows, with a jump ring ending the chain. You will need to get jump rings big enough to fit loosely over the needles you will be using for your project. I don't think there are jump rings big enough for the needles like size 9 or bigger, I haven't checked into this though.

If you need help with this let me know. I really enjoy using mine, much prettier than a plastic barrel hanging on a needle.

There is also a version of the chain called an Abacus chain, which uses a larger wire ring attached to the chain to count larger numbers in the 10's or higher. However I haven't been able to find instructions on how it is used, so if anyone knows, speak up. There are beaded bracelets that are used for row counting, that slides beads around on the cording. I haven't used these but they sound like an interesting idea.

Edey

 Thank you! I'll look this over a little more closely this weekend.

Pat - I just thought of something - the chain works with knitting in the round, which is how I've used it, but knitting on straight needles you would miss a row count when doing the even numbered rows because the chain is at the opposite end.  You would have to think to move 2 rings when starting the odd number row to compensate for the chain being on the opposite end from the beginning of the even number row. Does that make sense? Edey

 Yes, that makes sense. I would only use it for dpn knitting anyway, I think, but it would be something to remember if I do use it for straight needles. Thanks! 

When I do my crochet work, I use bread ties to keep up my count.  Mu auntie who taught me to crochet always did hers that way so I do too.  I haven't done any crochet work in a while but I have a jar full of bread ties!

When I do needlework I always run off a copy of the pattern and use a highlighter to mark off my progress.  The first one I ever did I didn't make a copy and had an un-reusable pattern when I finished.  I was sick since I loved that pattern and it was expensive!

re-tired

Re - copies - I learned the hard way to do the same thing, make a copy to work with instead of wearing out the original. I started doing it with cross stitch, marking off the rows or areas that I had completed so I didn't waste time looking thru the chart to find my place. When I got into doing needleturn applique I would photocopy the pattern several times, cut out each piece of the pattern, like flower petals for instance, and glue those to an index card to make the templates for each piece. I would use Elmer's blue glue stick; it was drier than white glue and wouldn't warp the paper or card.  It was alot of work but it gave me a more accurate pattern than trying to trace the design and then cut out my piece. Plus later on when sewing down the piece I still had the template for reference. I didn't have to try and work directly from a book. I could put photocopies in plastic sheet savers and put it all in a notebook for easy reference, and the sheet saver plastic would also hold the template pieces. Edey