Your Cart is Empty
Cable knitting is a bit like magic. One minute, you’re working in neat, orderly rows. The next, you’ve twisted a few stitches - and somehow you’ve got ropes, braids, or textured twists running through your fabric. We love it. And once you’ve seen it in action, you might find yourself wondering how something that looks so intricate can actually be quite straightforward to create.
In essence, cable knitting is just rearranging the order of stitches. That’s it. You simply knit stitches out of sequence, usually by holding a few stitches to the front or back of your work, then knitting them later. The result? A wonderfully sculpted pattern that pops right off the surface.
Simple cables are the gateway into this enchanting world. They usually involve crossing 2 to 4 stitches and create a basic twist. You’ll often see these in scarves or baby jumpers - think classic and elegant, not overly complicated.
Now, these are where things get a bit spicier. Complex cables might involve six, eight, or even more stitches, often twisting in multiple directions. They sometimes intertwine or form detailed motifs - beautiful, yes, but best tackled once you’re comfy with the basics.
Some cables lean left. Others go right. You’ll usually see these described as C4L (cable 4 left) or C4R (cable 4 right). This directionality adds movement to your fabric and can be used to mimic vines, waves, or other decorative effects.
Cable knitting doesn’t require a massive kit - thankfully. You’ll just need:
If you’re just starting out, using medium-weight yarn and slightly larger needles can make life easier. Trust us on this one.
Start by casting on the number of stitches indicated in your pattern. This is just your foundation - nothing fancy here. Knit a few rows of ribbing or stocking stitch if the pattern asks for it. This helps frame your cable and gives the whole piece a nice structure.
Here’s where you slow down. Cable instructions often look like hieroglyphs at first glance - C6B, C4F, T3R - what?! But don’t panic. These just tell you how many stitches to move and in which direction.
For instance, C6B means you’ll slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold them at the back, knit the next 3 stitches from your left needle, then knit the 3 held stitches. Voilà - a cable twist leaning to the right.
When it’s time to cable, pause for a moment. You’ll be slipping stitches onto your cable needle, then knitting others before returning to those original stitches. It feels a bit counterintuitive at first - but after a couple of goes, it’ll feel quite natural.
Hold the cable needle in whichever way the pattern instructs (front or back), then knit in the specified order. The cable will form over several rows, so give it time to show itself properly.
If your pattern features more than one cable, you’ll need to keep track of where each begins and ends. Stitch markers can help. Or just use your eyes - cables tend to stand out! As you grow in confidence, you’ll spot the rhythm of the twists and turns, and they’ll start to make more sense as you go.
Cables can pull your fabric inwards - sometimes quite dramatically. To keep everything looking tidy, it helps to knit loosely around cable rows. This prevents your stitches from bunching up and keeps the fabric nice and flexible.
Jumping into the deep end might be tempting, but there’s real value in starting small. Try a pattern that repeats the same cable across the piece - it’ll build confidence and muscle memory without overloading you with detail.
Everyone drops a stitch now and again - or twists in the wrong direction. It's all part of the process. Cable knitting is quite forgiving, and even seasoned knitters unravel from time to time. Mistakes are just part of the journey.
It’s easy to pull too hard when you're twisting stitches. That tension makes the fabric pucker and the cables harder to see. Instead, stay relaxed and remember - it’s a twist, not a tug-of-war.
Cable rows often depend on precise stitch counts. Losing track by even one stitch can throw off the whole pattern. So, double-check before each cable row. And don’t be afraid to place stitch markers to help you stay organised.
Some advanced knitters cable without one (yes, really), but for most of us, skipping the cable needle is a recipe for confusion and dropped stitches. It’s small, but it matters.
Cable knitting may seem complex at first, but it’s absolutely within reach - even for beginners. With a bit of patience, some practice, and a willingness to go back and try again, you’ll soon be creating beautiful textures with confidence.
And if you’re ready to take your first steps - or want a bit of structure with a surprise - our beginner-friendly knitting subscription in the UK is the perfect place to start. Each month brings a new mystery, new patterns, and everything you need neatly wrapped up in one charming box.
Comments will be approved before showing up.