Learn to Knit Cables

What are Cables in Knitting?

Cables are a type of knitting pattern that creates a raised, twisted effect on the fabric. They are created by slipping a group of stitches to a cable needle, knitting a few stitches, and then knitting the stitches from the cable needle. Cables can be made with any number of stitches, but the most common are two-over-two cables and four-over-four cables.

How to Knit Cables

To knit a cable, you will need a cable needle in addition to your regular knitting needles. The size of your cable needles should be the same as the size of your regular needles.

Here are the steps on how to knit a two-over-two cable:

1. Slip the next two stitches uncrossed onto a cable needle. Hold the cable needle either in front (for a left cable) or to the back (for a right cable) of your work.
2. Knit the next two stitches.
3. Knit the two stitches from the cable needle.

Here are the steps on how to knit a four-over-four cable:

1. Slip the next four stitches uncrossed onto a cable needle. Hold the cable needle either in front (for a left cable) or to the back (for a right cable) of your work.
2. Knit the next four stitches.
3. Knit the four stitches from the cable needle.

 

Within a knitting pattern cables are usually depicted on charts, used to guide knitters in creating the intricate twists and turns of cables. Cable chart symbols are designed to convey the essential instructions for knitting cables without the need for lengthy written instructions. Each symbol represents a specific action, such as how many stitches to put on a cable needle, whether to put the cable behind or in front of the work as well as knitting or purling.