Best Stitch Markers and Row Counters
Stitch markers and row counters are the small tools that prevent big mistakes, keeping track of pattern repeats, increases, and which row you are on. Ring markers, locking markers, and removable clip markers serve different jobs, and the right counter, whether analog, clicker, or digital, can save a project when your attention drifts. We compared sets for durability, weight, and whether the closures hold reliably.
FiberCroft may earn a commission from links below . Updated June 2026
The short answer
The Clover Locking Stitch Markers set is the best stitch marker option for most knitters and crocheters, offering reliably locking plastic clips in multiple colors that close securely and open easily with one hand. Pair them with a KA Seeknit clicker row counter for the best combination of stitch tracking and row counting in everyday use.
Clover Locking Stitch Markers (Set of 36)
Plastic locking markers in multiple colors that open and close reliably with one hand. The standard stitch marker recommendation for knitters and crocheters at all skill levels.
- Locking mechanism is reliable and opens cleanly with one hand
- Multiple colors allow color coding by pattern section
KA Seeknit Clicker Row Counter Ring
A ring-style row counter that slides onto your finger and advances with a thumb press. Available in multiple sizes and lets you count rows without ever setting down your knitting.
- Worn on the finger so counting does not interrupt knitting rhythm
- Satisfying click advances the count clearly with minimal pressure
Knitter's Pride Platina Stitch Markers (Pack of 30 Ring)
Smooth, coilless plastic ring markers that sit on the needle between stitches. Lightweight and snag-free, in multiple sizes to suit different needle gauges.
- Coilless design prevents fine yarn from catching in the ring
- Multiple size options to match different needle diameters
Knit Picks Kacha-Kacha Tally Row Counter
A classic hand-held click-style tally counter that advances with a squeeze. Simple, reliable, and works for row counting, stitch counting, or any repeat tracking.
- Extremely simple to use with no setup or batteries
- Fast click action advances the count instantly
The method
How we chose
We evaluated each option on fit, build quality, daily usability, and value. Our top pick, Clover Locking Stitch Markers (Set of 36), earned the spot because the default stitch marker recommendation. reliable, affordable, and available everywhere. The comparison above highlights exactly who each pick is best for.
Related guides
FAQ
Best Stitch Markers and Row Counters: FAQ
What is the difference between ring stitch markers and locking stitch markers?+
Ring markers are closed loops that slip onto the needle and sit between stitches on the shaft. They mark a spot on the needle itself, which is useful for repeats and pattern boundaries in circular or flat knitting. Locking markers clip through a stitch like a safety pin and can be attached directly to the fabric, which makes them essential for marking specific stitches across rows, like decreases or increases. Most knitters use both types for different jobs.
What row counter is easiest to use while knitting?+
A ring-style clicker counter that slides onto your needle and advances with a thumb press is the most seamless option for most knitters, because you can count without putting the work down. A kacha-kacha tally counter held in your non-dominant hand is fast and reliable. Phone apps work but require putting down the needles and unlocking the screen, which interrupts flow more.
Can stitch markers snag my yarn?+
Cheap metal markers with rough seams or sharp edges can catch on fine yarn. For lace weight or fingering yarn, choose smooth plastic locking markers or coilless safety pins rather than metal split rings. Stitch markers labeled for lace or sock knitting are specifically finished to avoid snags. For bulky yarn, most markers work fine because the fiber is thick enough to slide past small imperfections.
How many stitch markers do I need?+
A minimum of 20 to 30 locking markers and a similar number of ring markers covers most projects. A sweater worked in the round may use 8 to 10 ring markers for yoke shaping sections. A fair isle or lace pattern can use dozens of ring markers between repeats. It is better to have too many than to run out mid-row and have to improvise with scraps of yarn as placeholder markers.