Knitting Stitches: How to Make a Cable Stitch
Learning new knitting stitches is easy with these simple instructions
When it comes to knitting stitches, nothing evokes more fear than the cable stitch. We all know what cable stitches look like (those twisting, bumpy lines, if you're not sure -- google cable stitch to check), but how on earth do you form them?
Fortunately, it's not nearly as hard as it looks (or sounds). Take a deep breath, grab your knitting, and let's give it a try.
Learning how to cable stitch
In addition to your regular knitting needles, you'll need an extra needle to hold the cable stitches while you knit. You can buy special needles for this, but a double pointed needle will do the job if you're in a hurry to get started.
Here's what you do:
1. Cast on 26 stitches and knit a couple of rows to get going.
2. For as long as it takes you to get comfortable (remember, we're just practicing our knitting stitches here), follow this pattern -- and don't worry, there's an explanation following!
R1: P2, K6, P2, K6, P2, K6, P2
R2: K2, P6, K2, P6, K2, P6, K2
R3: as row 1
R4: as row 2
R5: P2, sl 3 sts to cn and hold in front, k3, k3 from cn, P2, repeat to end
R6: as row 2
So probably the only instructions that made you blink came in row five, which makes sense: that's the turning row, where you're knitting the cable stitches. In this pattern, CN stands for cable needle (ie, the needle you're using to hold your stitches).
In cable knitting stitches, then, what you want to do is follow the pattern to row 5. Then P2, slip three stitches onto your cable needle, and leave that hanging at the front of your work (you can do the back of your work too, and the cable will twist the other way. Just be consistent).
From there, ignore the cable needle completely and knit three stitches. You now have two choices. I prefer to slip the three stitches on the cable needle back onto the left needle and knit them from there, but that's because most of the time I can't find my cable needle and I'm using something else! You can also knit the stitches directly off the cable needle.
Either way, you'll now have twisted knitting stitches, and this is how to cable stitch. Basically it just means putting a twist into your raised line of stitching every now and then. It's way easier than people think, and it's one of the more impressive knitting stitches you can learn.
