Row Counters

More than likely your Circular Sock Knitting Machine did not come with a Row Counter - its okay - if you wish to continue using it without a Row Counter that is certainly one option. However if you are like me and can benefit from a Row Counter. Here is some helpful info including where to find these items.

I receive no compensation for any supplier listed on this page or any of these website pages linked to my website.

CSMS with specifically one turn of the Crank Wheel = one rotation of the machine (1:1 ratio)

Crank Wheel/Crank Stem mounted counters

The Chambord CSM Brass Row Counter

Intro video Part One, Part Two

Shareable YouTube link: https://youtu.be/cYJCcQPSEFY

For a universal machine counter check these out:

If your CSM doesn’t have a 1:1 ratio (you crank one turn and the cam shell/moving circular shell doesn’t turn one complete row) then you can use a non-crank wheel mounted “contact “ row counter.

As I’ve tried using magnetic counters (my very first row counter was magnetic - it eventually magnetized parts of the machine and caused issues) - I don’t recommend them and thus won’t include them on this page. A magnetic counter is one that functions like a bicycle counter where a magnet passes the contact and counts one rotation.

CONTACT ROW COUNTERS

Nov 2020 I ordered and installed an Erlbacher Gearhart contact row counter for my Legare 400. I ordered this with amazing customer service to use on my machine to count flat worked rows on my machine (something a crankwheel mounted row counter cannot count). Totally worth it. See more info on Instagram on why.

You don’t need to break the bank to have a row counter

A “contact counter” is a counter requiring contact either via magnet, sensor or actual contact to count. Below are examples of counters available on eBay at the time of this addition (Nov 5/19). Links to these counters are not provided as you can see the info/descriptions and easily go to eBay and search on your own for current listings. Be sure if you’re going for any of these that you have a clear idea on whether your need a right or a left activated one - note the contact row counters don’t come with a stand/mount or a contact arm/yarn carrier connection (like the Erlbacher Gearhart version reviewed above).

Digital Ring Row Counter

Possible NON-MAGNETi

Possible NON-MAGNET

My friend Donna found this non-magnetic contact counter on Amazon. This is yet another viable option for row counting. (Thank you Donna)

Okay so you ask - How can you install a row counter on your CSM?

One user took a digital ring row counter and installed it to the yarn mast with a 3D printed mount and added a thin sheet of metal over the button for the back of the vintage yarn carrier to contact and count as it goes by. Their video.

For more examples on HOW TO INSTALL go to your CSM facebook group (SEE HERE) and click on PHOTOS to review previously posted photos of other peoples’ machines. Note how their row counters are installed and ASK THEM if you need help

There are MANY different machines so there is not just one way to install a counter - I came across some how to info of their counter at "The Legacy Farm" - They sell their counter - the info is at the bottom of this page.

Same method for installing on a CSM.

You would rather BUY A COMPLETE ROW COUNTER then see here:

UNIVERSAL CSM COUNTERS

Bale or switch activated counter available at the Legacy Farm for USD$42

Proximity Row counter powered by wall plug or optional 9V battery CAD$82.08

Optical Row counter (Video above) USD$85 - not being sold at this time.

What I use is the Dave Lord Brass Crankwheel mounted row counter. This is a counter that only works if you have a 1:1 ratio (one full crankwheel turn=1 row of knitting). While an investment, it’s worth every penny with ease of use and machine transport.

I also invested in a bale (contact style) counter shown below which counts when it connects with the special part installed with the yarn counter. I got this to count flat worked rows which is the only way one can count flat rows when mounted where it is. Otherwise I did not like the mechanical nature of this counter, the contact requirement nor the noise when it contacted. I don’t recommend magnetic toe counters.

Wishing you all the best. :)