Easy way to count rounds for single crochet projects

Sometimes we all have a problem with counting rounds on a project that is small, all single crochet, and in continuing rounds. Using stitch markers for a smaller project can sometimes be a pain and you can quickly lose count of your rounds.  Here is the method I use for counting rounds and marking the first stitch in my smaller projects.


First, cut a piece of yarn about as tall as the project you are making.  Make sure the yarn is a contrasting color so it stands out!  Pull "marker yarn" through the first stitch of the round.  After next round, lay yarn over your working yarn and make the first stitch of the round over the marker yarn.  The marker yarn will be in your first stitch, but make sure it's not part of the stitch!

After each round, lay yarn over the first stitch of the previous round before you make the first stitch of that new round.  Make the first sc and continue around alternating marker yarn from front to back on each row.

This will become easier as you progress.  You are literally just "weaving" your maker yarn through the first stitch of every round.

 

After a few rounds, you can see where each first stitch of the round is.  You can count the rounds by counting each bump as two rounds since the marker yarn weaves back to front, then front to back.

In this example I am making a can cozy and am able to easily count the rounds.  And since the yarn is just weaving through the rounds, you can just slip it out after you are finished!  I love this method because I don't need to constantly pull my stitch marker out after each round!

YAY!