Keeping track

[Sewingsue]

Very basic returning knitter here.

Any advice please in keeping track of where you are on a pattern?

[Celia]

If you have an iPad or android I use this https://www.knitcompanion.com/ I have used it for years on an iPad it really helps

[coffeeandcake]

I just use pencil and paper 

[Ellabella]

I didn’t know about knitcompanion, I will have to have a better look later.

I recently downloaded the app from Tin Can Knits as I had seen one of their patterns on Ravelry that I wanted to make.  It’s very useful, once you have selected your size it displays your specific instructions. It’s amazing how much simpler a knitting pattern looks once all the superfluous info has been removed.

There are links to all sorts of info and tutorials which offer clear instructions for all the basic operations.

[Sewingsue]

Sorry, I meant an old style way when using old style paper patterns.

[Flobear]

Same as @coffeeandcake 

[Ploshkin]

I use the back of the ball band to write on.  I have a row counter.  Before I start I circle or highlight all the bits relating to the size I'm knitting.  I have stitch markers but have never really got into the habit of using them.

[Acorn]

Piece of paper here, too - I just write down the number of the next row when I've finished for the moment.

[BrendaP]

I write all over the pattern!  ticking off rows as I do them and 5 bar gates for counting rows etc
That's the method I've always used and goes back to the days before photocopiers or scanners were available.

Nowadays I do usually start with a new print-out or scan of the pattern!

[Sheilago]

Before I start I circle or highlight all the bits relating to the size I'm knitting.

I often use baby knitting patterns that once belonged to my mother. She used to circle the size she was using, which makes it all the more tricky if I’m knitting a different size! 

Other than a row tally, I don’t use any particular method of finding my place and do find it annoying especially when using online patterns. If it’s something big I usually print the pattern out for that reason. At least then I don’t have to keep waking up the iPad.

[Celia]

If I am using a paper pati usually try to copy the pattern so I don’t write all over the original, then circle or highlight the size I need and use a freestanding row counter.

 I have this one https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/accessories/knitpro-row-counter-dotty-clicky I would prefer a larger one but it was all I could get when an old one broke.

[Sewingsue]

Thank you all.
I think I have worked out a combination of suggestions that will work for me.

I am getting back to knitting after many years (and I only did very simple things then) and panicked when the 'simple' pattern I had suddenly looked complicated.

[Ohsewsimple]

Row counters are a great idea.  But the only time I’ve used them I forgot to turn them!
Nothing to cure poor memory is there?

[Sewingsue]

Row counters are a great idea.  But the only time I’ve used them I forgot to turn them!
Nothing to cure poor memory is there?

Sorry, no.
Plus - it gets worse.