If there’s something digital technology can help with, you can be sure that there’s a mobile app for it too. This includes knitting, an increasingly popular hobby nowadays, but one with some complicated elements.
Our detailed list of Android software will give you seven handy tools to choose from. Whatever you need, from patterns and row counting help to tutorials, these knitting apps can take your skills and creations to the next level.
1. Knitting Genius
Anyone with patience and artistic flair can pick up knitting, but every valuable tip that comes your way can help you improve faster. Knitting Genius is the ultimate tool for those just learning the ropes (and knitting is a great arts and crafts activity for kids to learn).
More experienced artists use it just as much to keep their skills sharp.
The app mainly deals in patterns, whether you download them as PDFs from Ravelry and Lovecrafts or create them from scratch. You also get access to free designs that come with easy step-by-step instructions, not to mention several row counters.
Extra thoughtful tools to look forward to include a swatch adapter, units converter, audio instructions, and even the ability to give verbal commands so your hands are free. Knitting Genius is a must-have app for Android.
Talking about Ravelry, if you’re not familiar with it yet, it’s a huge online community for fiber artists with connections to almost every knitting platform and application available. Join the network and you’re set for life with ideas, tools, and friends that share your love of knitting.
Download: Knitting Genius for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
2. Knitting and Crochet Buddy 2
Among several highly efficient apps open to you, Knitting and Crochet Buddy 2 is one more worth checking out before any others. It tracks and stores your projects, including their measurements, needles, and yarns.
You can share your choice of materials alongside pictures of your creations through WhatsApp, Facebook, and other popular channels. Customize the app’s performance and make it your own with features like sound alerts and sorting preferences.
You actually get more handy tools than with Knitting Genius, including reference charts for abbreviations, needle sizes, yarn care symbols, and measurement guides. Don’t forget the calculator, ruler, and flashlight.
The monthly pro subscription expands all these luxuries for beginners and experts alike.
Download: Knitting and Crochet Buddy 2 for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
3. Knitting Stitches
Sometimes an app with one specific purpose really is just what you need as a new fiber artist. Knitting Stitches is a great example as it only provides patterns.
The beauty of the software is in how it refined its simple service with detailed but not overwhelming guides, as well as vivid pictures of the patterns.
All you do is browse designs across four distinct categories: textures, eyelet and lace, cables, and rib. Choose one you like and tap through to the full instructions. There you’ll find helpful abbreviations and step-by-step knitting instructions.
Knitting Stitches inspires and eases you into its platform, while also letting you sort available patterns by level of difficulty, for example.
Download: Knitting Stitches for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. Ravulous Hot Right Now
If all you need are pattern ideas, this software offers exactly that at a glance. Ravulous is a widget instead of an app that displays 5, 10, or 20 pictures of the most popular designs on Ravelry.
Set up Ravulous in a few simple steps. Buy, download, and place it on your smartphone’s screen like any widget. You can stretch out the set of images as you like, and they’ll update regularly with new trending patterns.
The upgraded version also lets you open each pattern’s details. Then you’ll get detailed instructions and more pictures of what your needlework could produce. While not the most complex software, Ravulous is a great source of ideas.
Download: Ravulous Hot Right Now for Android ($ 0.99)
5. Crochet and Knitting Tools
Daifukoo, the developers of Knitting Stitches, created this app for people in need of extra help with projects.
Crochet and Knitting Tools works much like the previous big tracking systems, except with a simpler and clearer layout. Its main purpose is to create and store projects with photos and detailed information.
Beyond that you have access to the same stitch library available on Knitting Stitches, as well as a range of tools. From a calculator to charts on symbols, abbreviations, and international needle sizes, lots of luxuries await.
Unfortunately, you need the paid upgrade to enjoy anything more, such as tutorials on basic knitting techniques. Nevertheless, the free version offers plenty to all knitters and Android users.
Download: Crochet and Knitting Tools for Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
6. Row Counter
Here’s another example of knitting app developers doing well for themselves. Row Counter is by Annapurnapp Technologies, who also made Knitting Genius.
The main difference with this software is that it focuses on helping you track your rows and stitches. The capabilities in managing projects are more or less the same as Knitting Genius, except that you get additional features.
Expect a needle and wool size chart, not to mention a pattern creator. With this you can show off your expertise by developing your own pattern and sharing it, whether with friends or customers. Row Counter also connects to Ravelry and Lovecrafts.
However serious you are about developing your knitting skills, Row Counter is for all levels and goals.
Download: Row Counter for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
7. KnitCompanion
While not the most attractive app, KnitCompanion is a longstanding and reliable solution. It works as a database for patterns, where you can store all your favorite designs as PDFs.
It also connects to Ravelry and Dropbox so you can get your inspiration from different channels. You can collect patterns from other knitters or create and edit your own projects.
The app also works offline, so the PDFs are available whenever you feel like working on a new piece. Not having to rely on the internet is a common demand for artists, after all, clear from the popularity of creative Chrome apps for offline use.
KnitCompanion is useful to all levels of expertise. It’s a good place for beginners to store and track patterns, while more adept artists can also develop and upload their designs.
Download: KnitCompanion for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
Find the Right Knitting Apps for Your Goals
Row counting and keeping track of your projects is tricky enough, so an app’s helping hand is invaluable. Some software focus on specific needs, while others offer a whole range of tools. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Think about your knitting goals and what support you want from your Android device. Whether you’re just dabbling with a new hobby or really exploring your potential as a fiber artist, try out each of the options above and enjoy the fruits of your talents.
Feeling inspired? We’ve got loads more ideas for creative hobbies that will make you a happier person.
