Stitch Row Counting Device

Abstract

A device including a tape configured to be “woven” into a textile piece (i.e., crochet or knitting projects) and at least one set of row-counting indicia having a plurality of numbers arranged on a front surface and a rear surface of the tape. When the tape is woven into the crochet or knitting projects, a number is shown above every stitch row, clearly indicating the number of each stitch row. The device remains in place during use which allows a user to easily count and keep track of their stitch rows when knitting or crocheting. Once completed, the user may easily slide the device from the textile piece without damaging the device or the project. The device ensures accuracy and is especially helpful in circumstances where the user does not complete the project in one sitting.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of textile creation of existing art and more specifically relates to a stitch row counting device for use in textile creation, such as in knitting and crochet.

RELATED ART

The art of knitting and crochet involves manipulating yarn to create textiles. Knitting and crochet patterns are used to create a particular textile, such as a garment, in a particular shape, size, etc. Each new knitting or crochet pattern includes instructions for how many stitch rows are needed for a particular project (for example, there could be 50 stitch rows in one pattern and 100 stitch rows in another pattern), and how to create each stitch row. It is important that the instructions are followed, and the exact amount of stitch rows are created. As such, it is necessary to continually count stitch rows to ensure accuracy and prevent mistakes. The problem with this however is that counting the stitch rows is a tedious task, time-consuming, and easy to lose count when manually counting which results in multiple recounting.

Attempts have been made solve this problem. However, these attempts have not been satisfactory as they are typically cumbersome, awkward, obstructive, or are too easily removed (and as such fall off the textile before it is completed). Thus, a suitable solution is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known textile creation art, the present disclosure provides a novel stitch row counting device. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a means for easily and quickly counting stitch rows in a textile piece.

A device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece is disclosed herein. Each of the stitch rows may include a chronological stitch row number in the textile piece. The device may include a tape and at least one set of row-counting indicia. The tape may be defined by a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a length therebetween. The tape may include a flexible strip of material having a substantially flat profile. The flexible strip of material may be easily manipulable such that the tape can be removably woven through the textile piece.

The at least one set of row-counting indicia may include a plurality of numbers arranged in ascending numerical order from the first end to the second end of the tape on at least a front surface thereof. Each of the plurality of numbers may be spaced apart such that each one of the plurality of numbers is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number when the tape is woven through the textile piece.

According to another embodiment, a method of using a device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece is also disclosed herein. The method includes providing the device as above; starting to stitch the textile piece; aligning a first number from the plurality of numbers with a first stitch row of the textile piece; holding the tape in place with the first number aligned with the first stitch row; stitching a second stitch row atop the tape with a second number from the plurality of numbers being aligned with the second stitch row; moving the tape to atop the textile piece; stitching a third stitch row with the tape being atop the textile piece and a third number from the plurality of numbers being aligned with the third stitch row; completing a remainder of stitch rows for the textile piece whilst selectively weaving the device through the textile piece ensuring that each number is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number. Weaving of the device through the textile piece includes alternating between stitching a next stitch row atop the tape and stitching another next stitch row with the tape being atop the textile piece.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a stitch row counting device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the device of FIG. 1 illustrating a front surface thereof, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a rear view of the device of FIG. 1 illustrating a rear surface thereof, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the device of FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating a thickness according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the device of FIG. 1 being woven through a textile piece, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a rear view of the device of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the device of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to textile creation and more particularly to a stitch row counting device as used to easily keep track of stitch rows of a knitting or crochet project, ensuring greater accuracy, and improved ability to finish projects more efficiently. This may encourage existing artists to complete more projects, and also help new users to learn quicker.

Generally disclosed is a device which may be made from a strong, durable, smooth and pliable material allowing it to be “woven” into crochet or knitting projects. This may be a natural, fluid motion in keeping with motions completed when knitting or crocheting. The device may be approximately 3 mm wide×1000 m long and include distinct markings and numbers in sequence from 0 (zero) to 100. The numbers may be located on both front and rear sides of the device, and may be spaced either 5 mm apart, 10 mm apart, or 15 mm apart for small, medium and large projects. As such, when woven into the crochet or knitting projects, the device shows a number above every other row, clearly indicating the number of that row. Further, the device may stay in place until it is not needed. This may allow the user to temporarily leave the project and quickly pick up where they left off upon their return. Once completed, the user may easily slide the device out of the crochet/knitting project without damaging the project or the device.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-3C, various views of a device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece (“device” 100).

FIG. 1 shows a device 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the device may include the tape 110 and at least one set of row-counting indicia 120. The device 100 may be used for counting stitch rows 5 in a textile piece 10. Each of the stitch rows 5 may include a chronological stitch row number 15 (FIG. 3A-3B) in the textile piece 10 according to an order in which they are stitched by a user (not a physical number on the textile piece 10). For example, according to pattern instructions for the textile piece, there may be 100 stitch rows 5 in a textile piece 10 beginning from stitch row number “1”. The user may then stitch the textile piece 10 beginning from stitch row number 1 and ending at stitch row number 100. The textile piece 10 may be a knitting piece, crochet piece, or the like. The tape 110 may be woven through the textile piece 10 as the user stitches each stitch row 5 on the textile piece 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-3C showing various views of the device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the tape 110 may be defined by a first end 112, a second end 114 opposite the first end 112, and a length 115 therebetween. The tape 110 may comprise a flexible strip of material having a substantially flat profile 117. The flexible strip of material may be durable to prevent premature wearing of the tape 110, numbers 122 and/or indicia 120, and to prevent accidental breakage of the tape 110. The flexible strip of material may be a plastic material, a fabric material, a rubber material, a silicone material, or the like. In some embodiments, the flexible strip of material may be a thermoplastic elastomer configured to provide the durability of plastic and the flexibility of rubber. It should be appreciated that these materials are given as examples and are not limiting.

Preferably, the flexible strip of material may be easily manipulable such that the tape 110 can be removably woven through the textile piece 10. The easy manipulability may be provided by the material as discussed above. Further, the flexible/manipulability of the tape 110 may be aided by a size and shape of the tape. For example, the tape 110 may include a thickness 111 of at least less than 1 mm. This may allow the tape 110 to be easily woven through the textile piece 10 without affecting the textile piece 10. For example, if the tape 110 is too thick, when woven through the textile piece 10 it may cause the textile piece 10 to be warped, as the stitch rows 5 may not lie closely enough together. In addition to this, in some embodiments, the tape 110 may include a width 113 of 3 mm and the length 115 may be 1000 mm. The tape 110 will have additional slack length of 100 mm at each end (112 and 114) of the device without numbers or indicia markings. This additional slack length allows for easier handling of the device at the ends. It should however be appreciated the tape 110 is not limited to the aforementioned measurements.

The at least one set of row-counting indicia 120 may include a plurality of numbers 122. In some embodiments, the plurality of numbers 122 may include numbers 0-100. The plurality of numbers 122 may be arranged in ascending numerical order from the first end 112 to the second end 114 of the tape 110 on at least a front surface 116 thereof. For example, the first end 112 may include the slack length then the number 0, and the second end 114 may include number 100 and then the additional slack length. The plurality of numbers 122 may be permanent to the device 100. For example, the plurality of numbers 122 may be printed, embossed, adhesively attached, or the like, onto the tape 110. It should be appreciated however that these methods are given as examples and other methods of depositing the plurality of numbers 122, or any indicia associated with the at least one set of row-counting indicia 120 are also contemplated. Further the at least one set of row-counting indicia 120 may include a plurality of markers 129. In some embodiments, the plurality of markers 129 may be provided with the plurality of numbers 122 (for example, as shown, separating each of the plurality of numbers 122). Alternate indicating means may be used other than numbers.

Each of the plurality of numbers 122 may be spaced apart such that each one of the plurality of numbers 122 is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number 15 when the tape 110 is woven through the textile piece 10. Spacing of each of the plurality of numbers 122 may depend on size of the textile piece 10. For example, if textile piece 10 uses thin yarn, the user may utilize the device 100 including the plurality of numbers 122 spaced 5 mm apart. If the textile piece 10 uses thick yarn, the user may utilize the device 100 including the plurality of numbers 122 spaced 15 mm apart. If a medium thickness yarn is used, the user may utilize the device 100 including the plurality of numbers 122 spaced 10 mm apart. However, it should be appreciated that these measurements are given as examples only and are not limiting.

Preferably, the plurality of numbers 122 may be arranged in ascending numerical order beginning with a first number 121 and the stitch rows 5 may include a chronological stitch row number 15 beginning with a first stitch row 20 (or stitch row number “1” as discussed above). In this embodiment, weaving of the tape 110 through the textile piece 10 may be started by aligning the first number 121 with the first stitch row 20. For example, when beginning to stitch the textile piece 10, a user may stitch the first stitch row 20 (stitch row number “1”), and then align the first number 121 (the number “1” on the tape 110) with the first stitch row 20. The user may then complete a second stitch row and continue stitching the textile piece 10 whilst weaving the tape 110 through the textile piece 10 (ensuring each one of the plurality of numbers 122 is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number 15).

Preferably, the at least one set of row-counting indicia 120 may include two sets of row-counting indicia 123. The two sets of row-counting indicia 123 may consist of a first set of row-counting indicia 124 and a second set of row-counting indicia 125. The first set of row-counting indicia 124 and the second set of row-counting indicia 125 may each include the plurality of numbers 122. As shown, the tape 110 may include the front surface 116 and a rear surface 118. The first set of row-counting indicia 124 may include the plurality of numbers 122 arranged in ascending numerical order from the first end 112 to the second end 114 of the tape 110 on the front surface 116 thereof, and the second set of row-counting indicia 125 may include the plurality of numbers 122 arranged in ascending numerical order from the second end 114 to the first end 112 of the tape 110 on the rear surface 118 thereof.

In some embodiments, the plurality of numbers 122 may begin 50-150 mm from the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the tape 110 which may make handling the tape 110 and weaving the tape 110 through the textile piece 10 easier. It should be appreciated that 50-150 mm is given as an example range and the plurality of numbers 122 may begin less than 50 mm from each end (112, 114) or more than 150 mm from each end (112, 114) in some embodiments. Preferably, the plurality of numbers 122 on the front surface 116 may be aligned perfectly with the plurality of numbers 122 on the rear surface 118. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of textile creation, particularly knitting and crochet as described herein, methods of creating textile pieces using patterns and instructions will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Referring now to FIG. 4 showing a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece (“method” 400), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method 400 may include one or more components or features of the device 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method of use 400 may include the steps of: step one 401, providing the device as above; step two 402, starting to stitch the textile piece; step three 403, aligning a first number from the plurality of numbers with a first stitch row of the textile piece; step four 404, holding the tape in place with the first number aligned with the first stitch row; step five 405, stitching a second stitch row atop the tape with a second number from the plurality of numbers being aligned with the second stitch row; step six 406, moving the tape to atop the textile piece; step seven 407, stitching a third stitch row with the tape being atop the textile piece and a third number from the plurality of numbers being aligned with the third stitch row; and step eight 408, completing a remainder of stitch rows for the textile piece whilst selectively weaving the device through the textile piece ensuring that each number is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number. Weaving of the device through the textile piece includes step nine 409, alternating between stitching a next stitch row atop the tape and stitching another next stitch row with the tape being atop the textile piece. Further, the method 400 may include step ten 510, removing the device from the textile piece when all stitch rows have been completed.

It should be noted that step ten 410 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 400 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 4 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 400. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of using a device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece, each of the stitch rows including a chronological stitch row number in the textile piece, the device comprising:

a tape comprising a flexible strip of material having a substantially flat profile, the flexible strip of material being easily manipulable such that the tape can be removably woven through the textile piece, the tape defined by a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a length therebetween; and

at least one set of row-counting indicia including a plurality of numbers arranged in ascending numerical order from the first end to the second end of the tape on at least a front surface thereof, wherein each of the plurality of numbers being spaced apart such that each one of said plurality of numbers is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number when the tape is woven through the textile piece.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of numbers are arranged in ascending said numerical order beginning with a first number, wherein the stitch rows include a chronological stitch row number beginning with a first stitch row, and wherein weaving of the tape through the textile piece is started by aligning the first number with the first stitch row.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the tape includes the front surface and a rear surface.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the at least one set of row-counting indicia includes two sets of row-counting indicia, wherein the two sets of row-counting indicia consist of a first set of row-counting indicia and a second set of row-counting indicia, and wherein the first set of row-counting indicia and the second set of row-counting indicia each include the plurality of numbers.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first set of row-counting indicia includes the plurality of numbers arranged in ascending numerical order from the first end to the second end of the tape on the front surface thereof, wherein the second set of row-counting indicia includes the plurality of numbers arranged in ascending numerical order from the second end to the first end of the tape on the rear surface thereof, and wherein the plurality of numbers on the front surface align with the plurality of numbers on the rear surface.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the tape includes a thickness of at least less than 1 mm.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the tape has a width of 3 mm.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the length of the tape is 1000 mm.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the flexible strip of material is a material selected from the group consisting of a plastic material, a fabric material, and a rubber material.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of numbers are spaced 5 mm apart.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of numbers are spaced 10 mm apart.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of numbers are spaced 15 mm apart.

13. The device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of numbers are printed onto the tape.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of numbers are embossed onto the tape.

15. A device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece, each of the stitch rows including a chronological stitch row number in the textile piece, the stitch row the device comprising:

a tape being made from a flexible strip of material having a substantially flat profile, the flexible strip of material being easily manipulable such that the tape can be removably woven through the textile piece, the tape further including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a length therebetween, a front surface and a rear surface; and

at least two sets of row-counting indicia including a first set of row-counting indicia and a second set of row-counting indicia, the a first set of row-counting indicia having a plurality of numbers arranged in ascending numerical order from the first end to the second end of the tape on the front surface thereof, the second set of row-counting indicia having the plurality of numbers arranged in ascending numerical order from the second end to the first end of the tape on the rear surface thereof, the plurality of numbers on the front surface being aligned with the plurality of numbers on the rear surface, each of the plurality of numbers being spaced apart such that each number is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number when the tape is woven through the textile piece; and

wherein the plurality of numbers are arranged in ascending numerical order beginning with a first number, wherein the stitch rows include a chronological stitch row number beginning with a first stitch row, and wherein weaving of the tape through the textile piece is started by aligning the first number with the first stitch row.

16. The device of claim 17, wherein the tape includes a thickness of at least less than 1 mm, wherein the tape further includes a width of 3 mm, and wherein the length of the tape is 1000 mm.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the flexible strip of material is a material selected from the group consisting of a plastic material, a fabric material, and a rubber material.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the plurality of numbers are spaced between 5 mm-15 mm apart.

19. A method of using a device for counting stitch rows in a textile piece, each of the stitch rows including a chronological stitch row number in the textile piece, the method comprising the steps of:

providing the device, the device including: a tape being made from a flexible strip of material having a substantially flat profile, the flexible strip of material being easily manipulable such that the tape can be removably woven through the textile piece, the tape further including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a length therebetween; and at least one set of row-counting indicia including a plurality of numbers arranged in ascending numerical order from the first end to the second end of the tape on at least a front surface thereof, each of the plurality of numbers being spaced apart such that each number is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number when the tape is woven through the textile piece;

starting to stitch the textile piece;

aligning a first number from the plurality of numbers with a first stitch row of the textile piece;

holding the tape in place with the first number aligned with the first stitch row;

stitching a second stitch row atop the tape with a second number from the plurality of numbers being aligned with the second stitch row;

moving the tape to atop the textile piece;

stitching a third stitch row with the tape being atop the textile piece and a third number from the plurality of numbers being aligned with the third stitch row; and

completing a remainder of stitch rows for the textile piece whilst selectively weaving the device through the textile piece ensuring that each number is aligned with a corresponding stitch row number, wherein weaving of the device through the textile piece includes: alternating between stitching a next stitch row atop the tape and stitching another next stitch row with the tape being atop the textile piece.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

removing the device from the textile piece when all stitch rows have been completed.