Questions, answered

Short, honest answers. If yours isn’t here, email hello@rowcue.app. A person reads every message.

Getting started

What is Rowcue?

A pattern reader for crochet and knitting. It splits your written pattern into steps, reads the next step out loud, and moves on when you say “next”, press a Bluetooth pedal or tap your AirPods, so your hands stay on the yarn.

Do I need an account?

No. Open rowcue.app/app and start. There’s nothing to sign up for.

Which devices does it work on?

Any modern browser: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, Mac, Windows and Chromebook. An iPhone app follows in early 2027.

Does it work offline?

Yes, once the page has loaded. Your projects are saved on your device. Voice commands use your browser’s speech service, which usually needs a connection.

Patterns

How do I add a pattern?

Import a PDF or paste the pattern text. Rowcue reads the rows and rounds, the repeats (“Rows 5–12: repeat rows 3–4”) and the stitch counts, and turns them into steps.

Which formats work?

PDFs with selectable text, and any text you can copy. Scanned PDFs and photos of paper patterns don’t work yet.

What if Rowcue splits my pattern wrongly?

Use Manual mode: you keep the full text on screen with simple row and repeat counters. Then tell us which pattern failed and we’ll improve the reader.

Does it work with charts?

Not yet. Rowcue is built for written patterns. For charted patterns you can use Manual mode and the counters.

US or UK terms?

Rowcue reads both as written. When it reads aloud, it says the abbreviations as words (“sc” becomes “single crochet”). Our free US↔UK converter helps when a pattern uses the other convention.

Do you generate or change patterns?

No. We never generate patterns and we don’t upload yours. Rowcue only helps you follow the pattern you bought or wrote.

Hands-free

How does voice work?

Turn on Voice and say “next”, “back”, “repeat” or “where am I”. Your browser’s speech service (Apple or Google) recognises the words; Rowcue doesn’t receive the audio.

Can I use a foot pedal?

Yes. Most Bluetooth page-turner pedals act like a keyboard. Right arrow, Space, Page Down or Enter moves forward; left arrow, Page Up or Backspace goes back. A Bluetooth keyboard works the same way.

Do AirPods work?

In beta. With AirPods (beta) on, a tap on your earbuds moves to the next step in many browsers. It depends on the browser, so a pedal is the most reliable option.

Can it read the pattern out loud?

Yes. Turn on Read aloud. You can choose the voice and the speed. For a more human voice, turn on Natural voice: a one-time download of about 90 MB that runs on your device, so your pattern never leaves it.

Will my screen stay on?

Rowcue asks your browser to keep the screen awake while you work, where the browser allows it.

Privacy and your data

Where are my projects stored?

Only on your device, in your browser. Clearing your browser data deletes them, so keep a copy of important patterns.

Do you track me?

No ads and no tracking cookies. See our privacy policy.

Price

Is it free?

Yes. The free plan follows one project at a time, with every hands-free control included.

What is Rowcue Founder?

A one-time payment for the first 300 supporters: unlimited projects in the web app now and Rowcue Pro in the iPhone app when it launches. No subscription. The pre-sale hasn’t opened yet; join the list on the home page to hear first.

What if the iPhone app never ships?

If it isn’t out by 30 June 2027, Founders get a full refund. You also have the legal 14-day right of withdrawal in the EU. Details in our terms.

Accessibility

Is Rowcue accessible?

It’s built for people who can’t or don’t want to touch the screen: voice, pedals and read-aloud are core, not extras. Text uses Atkinson Hyperlegible, a typeface designed for readability, and the app follows your device’s dark mode. Tell us what would help you; accessibility requests go to the front of the queue.