Another stoopid question: which side is the right side when doing garter stitch?

[BumpermightsuetheSindie]

Tail left or tail right?

Thanks you!

Argh, no that isn't right - when doing stockingette stitch - the one where you knit all rows!

Ok, I'm confused now and this wiki page is confusing me more!

Tail left. I think.

No you were right first time (I think)

Stocking stitch is one plain row, one purl.

Aren't the sides exactly the same with garter stitch?

{grin] That's not a wiki page.

Garer stitch = knit all rows
Stocking stitch = knit a row, purl a row

So what do you actually want to know?

Doh! This page!

Ok, I am trying to count the rows using the bumps, which is why I need to know which side is the right side.

If you're doing garter stitch then both sides should look the same.
Are you trying to count the ridges? Two rows of garter stitch make one ridge.

Have you had a drink? I can't knit when I've had a drink.

I think I can at the time. Then realise the next day that I've gained/lost/dropped half the stitches

Yes but I was this crap before I started on the vino tinto! The thing is I keep losing count (lord it's only 8 bloody rows!) and the no. of ridges is slightly different on each side i.e. one side I've got 3 double ridges (i.e. 6) and on the other side I have 3 double ridges and a single ridge, i.e. 7). Am I making any sense? (I've not even finished the glass yet ).

It depends how you cast on: Watch where your 'tail' is when you've cast on. the right side is the side you start on first. Once you have done two rows, your tail should be on the same side as when you started. My tail is always on the left, because I knit the stitches onto the needle from a slip stitch, but will be on the right if you use a finger and thumb cast on. Anyway, it doesn't matter much, knitting is very forgiving and one row makes no difference.

Yes Bumper, so the side where you have the extra ridge is the right side, 'cause that where you started.

Thanks dutchoma, it was finger and thumb soafter I've cast on, tail is on the right, so the right is the right side and the side I count the ridges? I'm obsessing now aren't I? I'm just a complete novice at this. I make a scarf for my dad before Christmas and the top end ended up twice as wide as the bottom

Argh! I mean the left side

Bumper, have a go at some dishcloths.

I made a dozen for christmas with different patterns on for different people. Easy, quick and very satisfying .

Are you on Ravelry?

I have an invite that I never followed up, I must do. I'm trying to make this. It's meant to be very easy! Which it would be if I wasn't such a numpty and just concentrated instead of trying to watch Jonathan Creek at the same time!

Count your ridges when you lay the thing flat on the table with the tail to the right.

Thanks for the wonky link to the wiki page! Those cups were just what I was looking for and I've ordered two from Amazon LOL

I hope you got your rows sorted. With garter stitch stuff I tend to ignore the tail left thing and pick a side to be the wrong side - it usually works out OK.

Have you got a knitting group near you - they usually help a lot!