I know there are some knitters out there with awesome memories and the uncanny ability to "read" their knitting so that they don't need to use row counters.... but, that's not me. I like to use a row counter. I own like 10 row counters and they are pretty much all in use. So, when I got my very first iPad, you can imagine the first app I went to download... a row counting app! (FYI, my favorite app for counting rows is called Knit Counter, but that's not what this post is about....) In my search for an awesome row counting app, I stumbled upon JKnit. It's sort of a row counter, but it is also much more!
(I actually purchased the pro version of JKnit for use on my iPad, I just happened to take screenshots on my phone, which only has the lite version installed).
So, what makes JKnit neat is that it counts your rows AND gives you instructions for the row you are working on! How cool is that? This is such a great idea if you are working on a complicated lace pattern with text instructions and you are having a hard time finding the correct row on your pattern. I usually have to move a sticky note up and down the pattern so I can easily see what row I'm on, but why use a sticky when you can use an awesome bit of technology!?
See how it tells you what row you are on, and what the instructions are for that row? It also gives you helpful information like how many stitches should be on the row you are working, etc.
JKnit comes with a built in pattern and you can download more at their partner website. If you have the pro version, you can also convert any pattern you want into the program, though, to be honest, the process is time-consuming if you are inputting a really complicated pattern.
The other downside to using this program (and any row counting app) is that if it takes you too long to finish the row, your screen goes to sleep and you have to slide to unlock it and enter a passcode if you have it, which is kind of a pain. There may be a setting on the iPad/iPhone that lets you keep your screen active for longer... but then it may eat your battery, so I'm not sure if that's a great solution.
The upside to using JKnit and other row counting apps is that they (usually) track pattern repeats as well as keeping track of your overall rows, which is pretty bad ass. No resetting the counter at the end of each pattern repeat and keeping a second counter on hand to count how many times you have repeated the pattern. You can also keep track of multiple projects all in the same app - so no more owning ten row counters (and never being able to find a single one of them when you need it!!)
So, in conclusion, I love the idea behind JKnit, but, for me, the work it takes to enter your pattern into the system is a little more trouble than it's worth, and I don't want to be limited to using the patterns already designed to use with the system.... so, it's not for me.Labels: JKnit, knitting apps
