How To Knit The Staghorn Cable Stitch (+ Free Patterns)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Learn how to knit the Staghorn Cable Stitch with this easy, step-by-step guide.
This elegant cable pattern features twisting lines that resemble a stag’s antlers, making it a striking choice for scarves, sweaters, hats, and more.
Whether you’re a beginner ready to try cables or an advanced knitter looking for texture, this tutorial has everything you need—including free patterns and helpful tips.
Free Staghorn Cable Knitting Stitch
Below, you’ll find a step-by-step pattern worked over 26 stitches, ideal for incorporating into larger projects or swatching on its own.
Grab your cable needle and follow along to bring this beautiful design to life!
Supplies
- Any scrap yarn and co-ordinating needle size.
- For example – Worsted weight yarn and 5 mm/US 8 knitting needles.
- Cable needle.
Abbreviations
- K – Knit
- P – Purl
- C4B – Cable 4 back – slip the first two stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work. Knit the next two stitches on the left-hand needle and then knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
- C4F – Cable 4 forward – Slip the first two stitches of the cable panel onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, knit the next two stitches, and then knit the two stitches held on the cable needle.
- RS – Right Side
- WS – Wrong side
Pattern Instructions
This sample is worked over 26 stitches.
Work 4 rows 1×1 ribbing first.
- Row 1 (RS): P5, K4, C4B, C4F, K4, P5.
- Row 2 (WS): K5, P16, K5.
- Row 3: P5, K2, C4B, K4, C4F, K2, P5.
- Row 4: Rep Row 2.
- Row 5: P5, C4B, K8, C4F, P5.
- Row 6: Rep row 2.
These 6 rows form the cable pattern.
Finish the sample by knitting 4 rows in 1×1 ribbing.
What Can You Make With The Staghorn Cable Stitch?
The Staghorn cable knitting pattern is a bold and elegant cable design that works well for a variety of projects.
It is particularly great for sweaters and cardigans, as its flowing, antler-like cables add a striking texture to garments.
This pattern is also well-suited for scarves and cowls, creating a warm and sophisticated look with excellent drape.
Hats and headbands benefit from the Staghorn cable’s structured appearance, adding visual interest while keeping the fabric stretchy and warm.
It also works beautifully in blankets and cushion covers, where the prominent cables create a cozy, decorative texture.
Whether used in accessories, garments, or home decor, the Staghorn cable pattern adds depth and style to any knitted piece
What Does The Staghorn Cable Symbolize?
The staghorn cable is often associated with strength, resilience, and protection, drawing inspiration from the antlers of a stag.
In Celtic and Scottish traditions, the stag is a symbol of nobility, leadership, and endurance, as it is a creature that navigates rugged landscapes with grace and power.
The interwoven nature of the staghorn cable also represents interconnection and unity, much like the bonds of family and heritage in traditional Aran knitting.
Additionally, the repeating, symmetrical pattern of the cable can symbolize balance and perseverance, making it a meaningful design choice for garments that convey warmth, protection, and timeless strength.
Are There Many Variations Of The Staghorn Cable?
There are many variations of the staghorn cable, each offering a unique texture and style.
The classic staghorn cable features two mirrored cables that cross outward and then back in, resembling antlers, while the twisted staghorn cable adds twisted knit stitches for extra definition.
A wide staghorn cable uses more stitches to create a broader, more pronounced look, often seen in sweaters and Aran-style knitting.
The double staghorn cable places two sets of staghorn cables side by side for a more intricate design, while the nested staghorn cable layers smaller staghorn cables within a larger shape for added texture.
The braided staghorn cable takes multiple staghorn cables and intertwines them for a Celtic-inspired effect.
The reverse staghorn cable flips the texture, making the cables stand out against a purl background for a more dramatic contrast.
Each variation offers unique possibilities, making staghorn cables a versatile choice for knitters.
What Supplies Do You Need To Knit A Staghorn Cable Project?
To knit a staghorn cable project, you’ll need a few essential supplies.
A smooth, high-definition yarn like wool or a wool blend is ideal for showcasing the intricate cable texture, with worsted, aran, or chunky weights being popular choices.
The right knitting needles depend on the yarn weight, but using a slightly smaller needle can enhance stitch definition.
A cable needle is useful for holding stitches while crossing them, though some knitters prefer to cable without one for efficiency.
Stitch markers can help mark pattern repeats, while a row counter or notebook is handy for tracking cable row repeats and ensuring consistency.
With these supplies, you’ll be well-prepared to create a beautifully textured staghorn cable design.
Helpful Resources
Staghorn Cable Free Patterns
Ready to put the Staghorn Cable Stitch into practice?
Try one of these free knitting patterns featuring this striking design.
From cozy accessories to stylish garments, each project offers a creative way to use the Staghorn cable and build your skills.
Whether you’re looking for a quick knit or a more detailed project, there’s something here for every level.
Men’s Chunky Knit Sweater Pattern Free
The stylish sweater features a large staghorn cable design on the front, with raglan sleeves, ribbed cuffs, and a high ribbed collar.
Knit with The Wool from We Are Knitters, 17 and 19 US size knitting needles.
Highlander Cable Knit Hat Pattern
The Highlander hat design has more texture as it is knit using a reasonably simple cable repeat.
The warm cabled hat uses basic stitches and cable stitches to form the design.
Knit with one skein of The Petite Wool from We Are Knitters and 10 US size circular knitting needles.
Craigh na Dun Cable Fingerless Mittens Knitting Pattern
This pattern will allow you to create fingerless mittens with the intricate staghorn cable design.
The main mitt is knit flat, and the thumb section is then knit in the round.
You will need DK/ light worsted weight yarn and US 10 knitting needles.
More Cable Patterns
- How To Knit A Simple Cable Pattern (+ Video Tutorial)
- Men’s Aran Sweater Knitting Pattern
- Chunky Cable Knit Blanket Pattern (Free Easy Throw)
- Aran Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern
- Celtic Cable Knit Headband Pattern
- Braided Oak: Cable Knit Headband Pattern
- 31+ Free Cable Stitch Patterns To Knit (+ Tutorials)
- 8 Cable Stitch Knitting Patterns
- Folklore Bookmark Knitting Pattern: A Cozy, Cable-Knit
Beginner Knitting Resources
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 short rows, and more.
If you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
For extra help and to connect with fellow knitters, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.
If you also love to crochet, check out easy patterns here – Free Crochet Patterns
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