How To Knit A Simple Cable Pattern (+ Video Tutorial)

This blog post will show you how to knit a simple cable pattern (+ video tutorial).

Whether you’re new to cables or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through the basics, making it easy to add beautiful, textured cables to your projects.

Along the way, you’ll also learn everything you need to know about cables—from understanding the different types and techniques to tips for mastering this classic knitting element.

Get ready to elevate your knitting with stunning cables!

How to knit a simple cable pattern with video

What Is A Cable Stitch?

A cable stitch is a knitting technique that creates a twisted, braided, or intertwined design on the fabric, mimicking the appearance of a rope or braid.

This effect is achieved by temporarily rearranging the order of the stitches on the needle, usually with the help of a cable needle.

The process involves holding a few stitches to the front or back of the work, knitting the next stitches in line, and then knitting the held stitches, which causes the fabric to twist.

Cable stitches can vary in complexity, from simple twists involving just a few stitches to intricate patterns that create detailed textures.

They are commonly used in knitting garments, accessories, and home decor items to add visual interest and texture.

What Is The Easiest Cable Knit Pattern?

The easiest cable knit pattern is typically the 2×2 standard cable, where you cross two stitches over two others to create a simple twist.

This pattern involves knitting a small section of stitches out of order, either to the front or back, to form the cable.

It’s a great introduction to cabling because it doesn’t require a cable needle for small cables, and the process is straightforward.

The 2-over-2 cables add a beautiful texture to projects like scarves, hats, and blankets while being easy enough for beginners to master with a little practice.

Knitting A 2/2 Right Cable Cross (C4F – Cable Four Forward)

Here’s a simple explanation for a 2/2 right cable cross (C4F):

What it does: This cable creates a twist where two stitches cross over another two stitches, leaning to the right.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Slip the first 2 stitches purlwise (without knitting them) onto a cable needle and hold the cable needle at the front of your work.
- Step 2: Knit the next 2 stitches on your left-hand needle as usual.
- Step 3: Knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.
What you’ll see: The two stitches held in front will cross over the two stitches you knit from the left-hand needle, forming a neat right-leaning twist.

Knitting A 2/2 Left Cable Cross (C4B – Cable Four Back)

Here’s a simple explanation for a 2/2 left cable cross (C4B):

What it does: This cable creates a twist where two stitches cross over another two stitches, leaning to the left.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Slip the first 2 stitches purlwise (without knitting them) onto a cable needle and hold the cable needle at the back of your work.
- Step 2: Knit the next 2 stitches on your left-hand needle as usual.
- Step 3: Knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.
What you’ll see: The two stitches held in the back will cross behind the two stitches you knit from the left-hand needle, forming a neat left-leaning twist.

Video Tutorial

Ready to master the art of simple cable knitting?

In this tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create two classic cable stitches: the 2/2 Right Cable Cross (C4F) and the 2/2 Left Cable Cross (C4B).

Whether you’re new to cables or looking to brush up on your skills, this video will guide you through both techniques to add stunning texture and twists to your knitting projects.

Grab your needles, and let’s get started!

The Cable Pattern (Seen in the video)

Written Pattern for sample show in the video:

Cast on 24 sts.

Row 1: K2, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K2.
Row 2: K2, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, K2.
Row 3: K2, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K2.
Row 4: K2, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, K2.
Row 5: K2, P4, C4B, P4, C4F, P4, K2.
Row 6: K2, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, K2.

Bind off.

Are Cables Hard To Knit?

Cables may seem intimidating at first, but they’re not as hard to knit as they appear.

While cabling involves crossing stitches to create the twisted, rope-like effect, the technique is quite straightforward once you understand the basics.

You might not succeed in the first attempt, but with a bit of practice, most knitters find that cables are a fun and rewarding way to add texture and interest to their projects.

Starting with simple cable patterns can help build your confidence before moving on to more complex cables.

What Supplies Do You Need To Knit A Cable Pattern?

To knit a cable pattern, you’ll need a few essential supplies.

First, you’ll need your chosen yarn and appropriate knitting needles, typically a size recommended for the yarn weight.

A cable needle is also important; this small, curved, or straight needle temporarily holds stitches while you work the cable twists.

Additionally, stitch markers can be helpful to mark the beginning of a cable repeat, especially in complex patterns.

A row counter can also be useful to keep track of rows between cable crossings.

Finally, it’s always good to have a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a tape measure to check your gauge and project size as you go.

What Are The Best Knitting Needles For Cable Knitting?

The best knitting needles for cable knitting often depend on the specific project, but circular needles are generally the most versatile and popular choice.

Circular needles are ideal because they allow you to easily accommodate a large number of stitches, which is particularly useful for projects like sweaters, blankets, or larger accessories with cable patterns.

The flexible cable connecting the two needle tips makes it easier to maneuver the fabric as you work on your cables, reducing strain on your hands and wrists.

Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are also useful, especially for smaller, circular projects like hats or socks with cables.

Straight needles can be used for flat cable knitting, but they may be less convenient for larger projects due to their limited length and the weight of the fabric on the needles.

What Are Cable Charts, And How Do You Read Them?

A cable chart is a visual representation of a cable knitting pattern, showing how stitches should be worked row by row to create the desired cable design.

Unlike written instructions, a chart uses symbols to represent different stitch types and directions of cable twists, making it easier to visualize the pattern as you knit.

Each square on the chart represents a stitch, and the chart is typically read from bottom to top, with right-side rows read from right to left and wrong-side rows from left to right.

Symbols on the chart will indicate whether to knit, purl, or cross stitches in a particular direction, often with additional notes explaining the symbols used.

To read a cable chart, follow the symbols in the correct order, ensuring that you work the stitches as indicated to create the cable pattern correctly.

Related Post: How To Read A Knitting Chart.

How Do You Start A Cable Knit?

Starting a cable knit begins with casting on your stitches and knitting a few rows in a basic stitch pattern, such as stockinette or ribbing, to create a foundation.

Once you reach the point where the cable is introduced, you’ll follow the pattern’s instructions to cross a set number of stitches over others, which creates the cable twist.

This is usually done with the help of a cable needle, which temporarily holds the stitches being crossed.

How Do We Decrease Cable Knitting?

Decreasing cable knitting requires careful attention to maintain the integrity of the cable pattern while shaping your project.

The key is to incorporate the decreases into the cable design smoothly.

Typically, you’ll work a decrease, such as knit two together (k2tog) or slip, slip, knit (ssk), either before or after a cable twist to ensure the pattern flows naturally.

If the decrease occurs within the cable, you might need to adjust the number of stitches involved in the cable twist, reducing the size of the cable gradually.

It’s important to keep track of your stitch count and maintain the rhythm of the cable pattern as you decrease.

Blocking your finished piece can help smooth out any transitions and ensure the decreases blend seamlessly with the cables.

Related Post: How To Decrease Knitting (6 Ways)

How Do You Knit Cables Without A Cable Needle?

Knitting cables without a cable needle is a handy technique that allows you to create the classic twisted cable effect without the extra tool.

To do this, you simply rearrange the stitches on your needle by temporarily dropping them and then picking them back up in the correct order.

For a basic cable, you would slip the first few stitches off the needle, let them hang briefly, knit the next set of stitches, and then pick up the slipped stitches and knit them.

This method requires a bit of care to avoid losing stitches, but with practice, it can speed up your cabling and make it more convenient, especially for small cables.

Do Cables Make Knitting Tighter?

Cables can make your knitting tighter because the process of crossing stitches over one another pulls the fabric together, reducing its overall width and elasticity.

This tightening effect is particularly noticeable in patterns with frequent or dense cables.

As a result, it’s important to consider your gauge when working with cables.

You may need to use a slightly larger needle size or cast on more stitches to achieve the desired width and flexibility in your finished piece.

Additionally, blocking your work after knitting can help to relax the stitches and improve the overall drape and fit of your cabled project.

What Are The Most Popular Cable Variations?

The most popular cable variations in knitting include the right cable cross, where stitches on the cable needle are held at the back, creating a rightward twist, and the left cable cross, where stitches are held at the front, resulting in a leftward twist.

These basic techniques are foundational in cable knitting and are often used together to create symmetrical designs.

The 2×2 cable is a classic variation, crossing two stitches over two others for a simple yet elegant look.

More intricate patterns, such as braided cables, involve multiple strands intertwining for a richly textured effect, while honeycomb cables create a dense, honeycomb-like texture through small, repeated cables.

The plaited cable resembles a braid and adds complexity, while the rope cable consistently crosses stitches in the same direction to form a twisted rope effect.

These variations are essential for creating the rich textures and patterns that define cable knitting.

What Are High-Relief Cables?

High-relief cables are cable knitting patterns that stand out prominently from the background fabric, creating a strong, three-dimensional effect.

These cables are designed with deep, pronounced twists and crossings that make them visually striking and texturally distinct from the surrounding fabric.

High-relief cables often use more stitches in each cable, and the stitches are typically pulled tightly, which accentuates the raised effect.

The background is usually knit in a flat or subtle stitch pattern, such as stockinette or reverse stockinette, to enhance the contrast between the cable and the fabric.

These types of cables are particularly popular in projects where bold texture is a key design feature, such as in traditional Aran sweaters, where the cables serve as a central decorative element.

Are There Reversible Cable Knit Stitches?

A reversible cable means that the back of your work looks identical to the front of your work.

Reversible cables exist in knitting, and they are designed to look attractive on both the front and back sides of the fabric.

Unlike traditional cables, which often have a distinct right side and a less decorative wrong side, reversible cables are created using stitch patterns that mirror themselves on both sides.

This is typically achieved by incorporating ribbing or garter stitch into the cable design, as these stitches look the same on both sides.

So, reversible cables are ideal for projects like scarves, blankets, or other items where both sides are visible, providing a consistent and polished appearance no matter which side is facing out.

They allow knitters to enjoy the intricate texture of cables without worrying about hiding the wrong side.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to the craft and need help with the knitting basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch pattern.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here. – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.

For the crocheters – If you also love to crochet, check out easy patterns here: Free Crochet Patterns

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