Cables
Cables are one of the magic parts of knitting. They’re beautiful to look at and are unique to the craft. Just think of those classic sweaters from the Aran Isles. Cables may look complicated, especially when they’re grouped together, and you may feel intimidated by them. But the truth is that after you know the secret to cable construction, you’re good to go – even rookie knitters can master basic cables in no time.
The secret to cables lies in knitting stitches out of order. This sleight of hand creates the twists and turns that make up all cables, from simple to complex. The tiniest cables, or twists, can be knit without any extra tools, but for most cables it’s easier if you use a cable needle (aka: cn). You can see the different types of cable needles above in the section entitled “cable needles”. Which one you use is only a question of personal preference or what you have on hand.
If you don’t have a cable needle handy, use a short double pointed needle of approximately the same gauge as the needles that you’re knitting on. A pencil or unbent paperclip will also do in a pinch!.
The secret to cables lies in knitting stitches out of order. This sleight of hand creates the twists and turns that make up all cables, from simple to complex. The tiniest cables, or twists, can be knit without any extra tools, but for most cables it’s easier if you use a cable needle (aka: cn). You can see the different types of cable needles above in the section entitled “cable needles”. Which one you use is only a question of personal preference or what you have on hand.
If you don’t have a cable needle handy, use a short double pointed needle of approximately the same gauge as the needles that you’re knitting on. A pencil or unbent paperclip will also do in a pinch!.
Here are a few things to know about crafting cables:
- Cable twists are usually made with an even number of stitches: 4, 6, 8, 12 or even more. Half of the stitches cross in front (or behind) the other half each time you turn the cable.
- A cable looks great on its own, but putting two or more next to one another leads to more intricate-looking cables. Horseshoe cables and chain cables are composed of two basic cables that are placed directly next to each other.
- You don’t have to turn the cable every row; instead turn it every few rows. Here’s a rule of thumb: Turn your cable according to how many stitches are in it. For instance, if there are 4 sts in the cable, turn it every 4th row. If there are 8 sts in a cable, turn it every 8th row. And remember that you should always turn your cable on the right side (or public side) of your piece.
- You control the twist of a cable by placing the stitches that are held on the cable needle to the front or the back of the work to wait their turn to be knit. A cable that looks like it twists to the right is made by holding the stitches to the back. A left-twisting cable is made by holding the stitches to the front.
- You don’t need to do any extra twisting when it comes to cables. So, remember to slip your stitches purl-wise onto the cable needle, and be sure that the knit side of the stitches on the cable needle is showing when you go to knit them.
- Cables show up best on light colors. Imagine cream-colored Aran sweaters; the cables show up well on these. If you use black or a dark color, however, the cables are more difficult to see.
Cable directions, like other knitting instructions that have several steps, may be confusing to read the first couple times. Honestly, deciphering the directions is more difficult for some people than actually turning the cable. Reading through the directions slowly, doing what they say while you read them, can be helpful. Some knitters find the written directions easiest to follow and others prefer the graphic representation of a chart.
If you’re having trouble managing the needles and reading the directions at the same time, have someone else read the direction aloud so you can concentrate on moving the needles. It’s actually pretty funny to listen to a non-knitter read directions, so feel free to get any handy family member or friend to help you out.
If you’re having trouble managing the needles and reading the directions at the same time, have someone else read the direction aloud so you can concentrate on moving the needles. It’s actually pretty funny to listen to a non-knitter read directions, so feel free to get any handy family member or friend to help you out.
Cross 2 L
Cross 2 stitches to the left (to work a cable). Slip 2 stitches p-wise onto a cable needle, let cable needle hang in front of work as you knit the next couple of stitches; then knit stitches off of cable needle.
Cross 2 R
Cross 2 stitches to the right (to work a cable). slip 2 stitches p-wise onto a cable needle, let cable needle hang in back of work as you knit the next couple of stitches; then knit stitches off of cable needle.