How to cable knit: beginner's guide and 24 cable stitch patterns
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How to cable knit: beginner's guide and 24 cable stitch patterns

It's easy to create twists and cables in your knitted projects – in this guide we explain how. Plus discover new cable patterns with our stitch library.

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Published: September 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm

You’ve probably seen cabled knits on the high street and you might even have a cabled jumper, hat or scarf in your wardrobe. But did you know how easy it is to do it yourself? Learning how to cable knit is simpler than you think, and in this guide we'll show you how it's done.

How to cable knit video guide

We've filmed this video showcasing how to cable knit the C4F and C6B. You can use the same technique however many stitches you have in your cables – this demonstrated how to move the stitches around with a cable needle and hold it in front or behind your work. We have written instructions for this below too, if you find that more straightforward to follow.

How to use cable knitting charts masterclass
When you know how to cable knit you can add beautiful twists to your knitting.

How to knit cables

Cabling is the word that knitters use to describe any technique that crosses a set of stitches over other stitches. Crossing stitches allows you to create all sorts of textured effects, including twists, braids, rope-like patterns and chunky cables.

To work traditional cables, you need to place a set of stitches temporarily onto a cable needle, and hold them at the front or back of the fabric while you work another set of stitches. You then work the stitches on the cable needle. This moves the cable needle stitches to the left or right, creating a textured column in your knitted fabric.

With cable patterns it’s a good idea to make a tension square, because the stitches that are crossed over tend to ‘draw in’ your fabric. So if you cable quite tightly, this may throw off your stitch tension. If in doubt, make a swatch!

Usually all the cabling is done on the right side of the fabric, with the stitches on the wrong side worked plain to maintain the overall effect. The cable itself is usually worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), on a background of reverse stocking stitch (purl on right side, knit on wrong side). This makes the cable stand out from the rest of the fabric.

So if the instructions for the wrong side read something like ‘work straight’ or ‘work stitches as set’ or ‘work stitches as they present themselves’, it usually means you should work the cables so they remain in stocking stitch on the front, and work the background so it’s reverse stocking stitch on the front. Reversible cables can be created by working the cables in a ribbed stitch, with the background in garter stitch or moss stitch, so that’s reversible, too.

Fishermen's sweaters

Traditionally, cables were used to embellish the pure wool jumpers worn by fishermen. Each village, boat, family and individual had their own design. But each symbol also had its own meaning. For example, ropes are a wish for safety and good luck for a big catch; the honeycomb pattern is used to represent the nets and is a reminder of hard-working bees; and zigzags represent the dangers of the sea such as cliffs and storms.

Fishermen’s sweaters were designed for harsh weather – as the stitches twist over each other, the fabric created is thicker and more wind resistant. Because of all the twisting, yarns with good elasticity are best. Wool and acrylic yarns are well suited to cabling, but it is possible to get good results from cotton, viscose or silk, although cables knitted with these yarns may become stretched after some use.

Good stitch definition is vital for cables and they stand out best on smooth yarns in a solid colour, so avoid fuzzy or variegated yarns. High-twist yarns also give very good cable definition.

Cable stitch pattern Plaited Cable
This plaited cable stitch pattern is reminiscent of fishermen’s knots.

Reading cable abbreviations

Cable stitches usually have a single abbreviation, such as C4F. C stands for cable; the number is the stitches that are affected by the cable (4 means you put two onto the cable needle); and the letter tells you which side of the fabric to hold them (F for front, B for back). Cables are most often even in number (such as four and six).

Cables can be described in different ways, so do check the pattern abbreviations. Cable stitches held at the front will look like they’re twisting to the left, so a stitch that reads C4F is the same as one that reads C4L. Similarly, cable stitches held at the back will create a lean to the right, so a stitch that reads C4B is the same as one that reads C4R.

The number of rows a cable repeat takes is commonly the same as the number in the abbreviation. So a C4F will usually have three rows worked ‘straight’ for every cabled row – four rows in total. Use a row counter to keep track of which row you’re on.

Reading cable charts

Cable charts, like cable abbreviations, will often give one symbol for the entire cable section. When working charts in flat knitting, read right side rows from right to left, and wrong side rows from left to right. When working charts in the round, read all rows from right to left.

The charts will usually have numbers up the sides which will help you to keep track of where you are in the pattern. Another trick is to cover up rows you’ve already worked, to avoid working the same row twice – sticky notes that you can reposition are really handy for this, though you can also buy magnetic strips to use.

See our guide on how to read cable charts for an in-depth tutorial on knitting cables from charts.

Cable chart
Cable knitting patterns often use charts as they can be easier to follow than written instructions.

How to knit a cable stitch

C4F knitting stitch: how to Cable 4 Front

The easiest cable technique, and the one most people try first when they're learning how to cable knit, is Cable 4 Front (C4F). This twists the stitches to the left and creates the ‘twisted rope’ effect that you’ll probably recognise.

To practise this cable stitch, we recommend you use a smooth wool or acrylic-based DK yarn and a pair of 4mm needles. Cast on 22 stitches and on the first row, purl 9 stitches, knit 4 stitches, purl 9 stitches. This will be the right side of the fabric. Work the second row: K9, P4, K9. This will be the wrong side.

On the next row, you can start cabling. Work the row as follows: P9, C4F, P9. It might help you to place a stitch marker on both sides of the central column of four stitches so you know where the cabled panel starts and ends on every row. Work three rows ‘straight’ (as for your first, second and first row again), then repeat the cabling row on every fourth row. Pull the yarn tightly either side of the panel.

Keep going until you’re happy with the technique. Don’t worry if it looks uneven – cabling can take a little while to master, so just carry on practising.

Step 1

C4F Cable 4 Front step 1

To work the C4F cabling technique, work the stitches of the background in reverse stocking stitch, up to where the cable pattern starts. Then take the yarn to the back of your knitting.

Step 2

C4F Cable 4 Front step 2

Next, work the cable on the central column of stitches. To do this, slip the first two stitches purlwise onto a cable needle or a spare double-pointed needle. Hold these stitches at the front of the fabric.

Step 3

C4F Cable 4 Front step 3

Knit the next two stitches from the left-hand needle, then slide the two stitches on the cable needle up to the end of the needle and knit them so that they are now both on the right-hand needle.

Step 4

C4F Cable 4 Front step 4

Bring the yarn to the front of your knitting, and pull the yarn tight to avoid ladders along the side of the cable stitches. Purl the next stitch and continue as instructed in your knitting pattern.

C6B knitting stitch: how to Cable 6 Back

Twisting your cables in the other direction is just as simple. When you Cable 6 Back (C6B), you’ll create a twist that leans to the right. Working the cable over six stitches instead of four will also give your cable a chunkier look.

To practise this cable stitch, we recommend you use a smooth wool or acrylic-based DK yarn and a pair of 4mm needles. Cast on 22 stitches, and on the first row purl 8 stitches, knit 6 stitches, purl 8 stitches. This will be the right side of the fabric. Work the second row: K8, P6, K8. This will be the wrong side.

On the next row, you can start cabling. Work the row as follows: P8, C6B, P8. To help keep track of the central column of six stitches so you always knit the cable in the right place on the row, place stitch markers on both sides of it. Work five rows ‘straight’ and then repeat the cabling row on every sixth row. Pull the yarn tightly either side of the panel.

Keep going until you feel confident with the technique. If it looks uneven, don’t worry – the more you practise the neater your cabling will get.

Step 1

C6B Cable 6 Back step 1

To work the C6B cabling technique, work the stitches of the background in reverse stocking stitch, up to where the cable pattern is going to begin. You could mark this with stitch markers.

Step 2

C6B Cable 6 Back step 2

Next, work the cable pattern on the central column of six stitches. To do this, slip the next three stitches on to a cable needle. You could also use a spare double-pointed needle instead if you don’t have a cable needle.

Step 3

C6B Cable 6 Back step 3

Take the cable needle with the three stitches to the back of the fabric (here, the cable needle is at the back of the knitting). Knit the next three stitches, pulling the first stitch tight to avoid ladders in the cable.

Step 4

C6B Cable 6 Back step 4

To complete the cable, bring the cable needle to the front of the fabric and knit the three stitches from the cable needle. Purl the next stitch and continue as instructed in your knitting pattern.

Cable needles: what to buy

The simplest cable needle is short and straight with points at both ends. Cable needles with a ‘V’ bend in the middle are more likely to stay put while you hold stitches on them. Some cable needles are ‘U’ shaped, so you can let go once the stitches are on. Slide the stitches onto the shorter end and knit off the longer end.

Cables are best worked in 4ply, DK, aran or chunky yarn. Cable needles usually come in pairs, one thin and one slightly thicker. Use the thin one for 4ply and DK yarns, and the thicker one for aran and chunky.

Crossing stitches over each other may cause them to stretch. You can avoid this by using a cable needle slightly smaller than your ‘main’ needles.

We recommend using a cable needle when you’re learning to cable knit. Once you’re more confident at cabling it’s worth learning how to cable knit without a cable needle – it’s not as scary as it sounds, honest! Some knitters find they prefer cabling this way, while others stick to using a cable needle.

1. Straight cable needle

How to cable knit KnitPro Symfonie Cable Needles

These classic straight cable needles from KnitPro are made in their gorgeous Symfonie wood. The tapered tips make it easy to pick stitches up, while grooves on the needles help to keep them in place. This three-pack includes sizes 3.25mm, 4mm and 5.5mm.

Buy KnitPro Symfonie Cable Needles

2. V-shaped cable needle

Cable Needle Pony

Pony’s popular cable needles have a curve to keep your held stitches where they’re meant to be, and are sleek and lightweight for easy knitting. The pack includes two needles, one 2.5mm wide and one 4mm, great for lighter weight yarns.

Buy Pony Cable Needle

3. U-shaped cable needle

Cable needle Clover U

This U-shaped cable stitch holder from Clover is designed to help prevent dropped stitches, making it a great choice for beginners. It comes in a set of three, sized small, medium and large, to suit a range of different yarn weights.

Buy Clover Cable Stitch Holders U-Shaped

4. Flexible cable needle

Best knitting needles, Prym Yoga

The Prym Yoga is a multi-functional cable needle, so as well as being great for cabling it also has a variety of other uses. Its flexible shaft means that it’s handy for holding or marking stitches, or using as a spare knitting needle. 4mm wide, it comes in a pack of two.

Buy Prym Yoga cable needle

Free cable knitting patterns: 3 to try

1. Knit a cable hat

Free unisex cable hat pattern

Everyone needs a snuggly hat for winter, so make your first cable project this cosy head-warmer. Our unisex design is quick to knit, so grab a ball of your favourite DK yarn and cast on today!

Knit our free unisex cable hat pattern.

2. Knit a pair of fingerless gloves

Owl fingerless gloves knitting pattern

Cable knitting isn’t just about traditional gansey patterns (although we love those too), so get creative with these playful owls, made from easy-to-knit cabled shapes and finished with button eyes.

Cast on the owl fingerless gloves knitting pattern.

3. Knit a bottle cosy

Beer cosy knitting pattern detail

Keep your drink cool and your hands warm with our beer bottle cosy pattern. You can either knit it using a mixture of cables and intarsia colourwork, or make it in one shade for an easier knit.

Get the free beer cosy knitting pattern.

Cable stitch abbreviations

The world of cables can be confusing, especially if you see an abbreviation you’ve not done before. Sometimes cables can be called twists, so you might see T4F rather than C4F, but they often mean the same thing. If you’re working from a pattern, it should give you an explanation of the abbreviation and how to work the stitch. In case you do see a term you don’t know, here’s a guide to explain some of the cabling and twisting techniques you might come across.

As you read through all these different cabling techniques, you’ll see that some twists work with odd numbers of stitches, while others create rib-effect cables by mixing up knit and purl stitches. There are near-endless possibilities for cabling and twisting stitches to create all sorts of effects!

C2B: Cable 2 Back
Slip next st to cable needle and hold at back of work, K1 from left needle, then K1 from cable needle.
 
C2F: Cable 2 Front
Slip next st to cable needle and hold at front of work, K1 from left needle, then K1 from cable needle.
 
C3B: Cable 3 Back
Slip next st to cable needle and hold at back of work, K2 from left needle, K1 from cable needle.
 
C3F: Cable 3 Front
Slip next st to cable needle and hold at front of work, K2 from left needle, K1 from cable needle.
 
Cr2b: Rib Cross 2 Back
Slip next st to cable needle and hold at back of work, K1 from left needle, then P1 from cable needle.
 
Cr2f: Rib Cross 2 Front
Slip next st to cable needle and hold at front of work, P1 from left needle, K1 from cable needle.
 
C4B: Cable 4 Back
Slip next 2 sts to cable needle and hold at back of work, K2 from left-hand needle, then K2 from cable needle.
 
C4F: Cable 4 Front
Slip next 2 sts to cable needle and hold at front of work, K2 from left needle, K2 from cable needle.
 
Cr4R: Odd Cross 4 Right
Slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold at back, K1 from left needle, K3 from cable needle.
 
Cr4L: Odd Cross 4 Left
Slip next st onto cable needle and hold at front, K3 from left needle, then K1 from cable needle.
 
C6B: Cable 6 Back
Slip next 3 sts to cable needle and hold at back of work, K3 from left needle, then K3 from cable needle.
 
C6F: Cable 6 Front
Slip next 3 sts to cable needle and hold at front of work, K3 from left needle, then K3 from cable needle.
 
C10B: Cable 10 Back
Slip 5 sts onto a cable needle, hold at back of work, K5 from left needle, then K5 from cable needle.
 
C10F: Cable 10 Front
Slip 5 sts onto a cable needle, hold at the front of work, K5 from left needle, then K5 from cable needle.
 
Tw3B: Purl Twist 3 Back
Slip next st onto cable needle and hold at back of work, K2 from left needle, then P1 from cable needle.
 
Tw3F: Purl Twist 3 Front
Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle, hold at front of work, P1 from left needle, K2 from cable needle.
 
T3B: Twist 3 Back
Slip next st onto cable needle, hold at back, K2 from left needle, then K1 from cable needle.
 
T3F: Twist 3 Front
Slip 2 sts onto cable needle, hold at front, K1 from left needle, then K2 from cable needle.
 
Tw4B: Purl Twist 4 Back
Slip 2 sts onto cable needle, hold at back, K2 from left needle, then P2 from cable needle.
 
Tw4F: Purl Twist 4 Front
Slip 2 sts onto cable needle, hold at front, P2 from left needle, then K2 from cable needle.
 
T8B rib: Twist 8 Back Rib
Slip next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, K1, P2, K1 from left needle, then K1, P2, K1 from cable needle.
 
T8F rib: Twist 8 Front Rib
Slip next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, K1, P2, K1 from left needle, then K1, P2, K1 from cable needle.
 
 

More knitting stitch patterns

Add to your repertoire of knitting stitch patterns with our guides to the basics, plus decorative stitches you can use to give your knits the wow factor. We cover garter stitch, stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), moss stitch, rib stitch, lace knitting, how to cable knit and slip stitch knitting.

 

Cable knitting patterns: stitch library

Get creative with cables using our collection of cable stitch patterns. Our library features everything from simple plaits to basketweave cables and honeycomb eyelets.

Whether you’re looking for a simple twist to add to a hat or want to design your very own gansey, these patterns are sure to provide inspiration.

Why not practise your cable knitting by making a sampler blanket out of your test swatches? It’s a great way to learn how to cable knit!

Cable stitch patterns

All of the patterns below use our standard knitting abbreviations. Here’s what you’ll find in our cable stitch library:

 

Cable stitch pattern, 9 stitch plait

Cable knitting patterns: 9 stitch plait

Cast on 33 stitches.

Row 1 P5, K9, P5, K9, P5.

Row 2 K5, P9, K5, P9, K5

Row 3 P5, C6F, K3, P5, K3, C6B, P5.

Row 4 K5, P9, K5, P9, K5.

Row 5 P5, K9, P5, K9, P5.

Row 6 K5, P9, K5, P9, K5.

Row 7 P5, K3, C6B, P5, C6F, K3, P5.

Row 8 K5, P9, K5, P9, K5.

Repeat these 8 rows to desired length.


Cable stitch pattern, Basketweave Cable

Cable knitting patterns: Basket cable 1

Add a traditional touch to your projects with this basketweave pattern.

Cast on a multiple of 8 sts plus 12 sts. (Try 44 sts.)

Row 1 (WS) K2, P to the last 2 sts, K2.

Row 2 Knit.

Rows 3 & 4 As rows 1 & 2.

Row 5 K2, P to the last 2 sts, K2.

Row 6 K2, (C8B) to last 2 sts, K2.

Rows 7-11 As rows 1-5.

Row 12 K6, (C8F) to last 6 sts, K6.

Repeat rows 1-12 to form pattern.

Abbreviations

C8B Slip 4 sts to a cable needle and hold at the back. K4, then K4 sts from the cable needle
C8F Slip 4 sts to a cable needle and hold in front. K4, then K4 sts from the cable needle


Cable stitch pattern Basket Cable 1

Cable knitting patterns: Basket cable 2

Cast on a multiple of 6 sts plus 2.

Row 1 WS Purl.

Row 2 Knit.

Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 Knit.

Row 5 K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to end.

Row 6 P2, *C4F, P2; rep from * to end.

Rows 1-6 form pattern.


Cable stitch pattern Basket Cable 3

Cable knitting patterns: Basket cable 3

Cast on a multiple of 8 sts plus 2.

Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 Knit.

Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K1, *sl next 2 sts to cn and hold in back, K2, then K2 from cn, K4.

Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 Knit.

Row 7 Purl.

Row 8 K1, *K4, sl next 2 sts to cn and hold in front, K2, then K2 from cn.

Rep rows 1–8 to form pattern.


Cable Rib stitch pattern

Cable knitting patterns: Cable rib

Cable worked over 10 stitches, with reverse stocking stitch. (Try 30 sts.)

Row 1 (RS) P10, K2, (P2, K2) twice, P10.

Row 2 K10, P2, (K2, P2) twice, K10.

Row 3 P10, T6L, P2, K2, P10.

Row 4 K10, P2, (K2, P2) twice, K10.

Rows 5-8 Rep rows 1 & 2 twice.

Row 9 P10, K2, P2, T6L, P10.

Row 10 K10, P2, (K2, P2) twice, K10.

Rows 11 & 12 Rep rows 1 & 2.

These 12 rows form the pattern.

Abbreviations

T6L (twist 6 left) Slip next 4 sts onto a cn and hold at front of work, K next 2 sts, then slip 2 purl sts from the cn on to the left-hand needle and purl them, then K2 sts from the cn.


Cables stitch pattern Cables & Eyelets

Cable knitting patterns: Cables & eyelets

Cast on a multiple of 11 sts plus 7.

Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 K1, *yo, ssk, K1, k2tog, yo, K6; rep from * to last 6 sts, yo, ssk, K1, k2tog, yo, K1.

Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 K2, *yo, sk2po, yo, K1, C6B, K1; rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, sk2po, yo, K2.

Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, *yo, ssk, K1, k2tog, yo, K6; rep from * to last 6 sts, yo, ssk, K1, k2tog, yo, K1.

Row 7 Purl.

Row 8 K2, *yo, sk2po, yo, K8; rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, sk2po, yo, K2.

Rows 1–8 form pattern.


Cable knitting patterns: Chains & links

Cast on a multiple of 12 sts plus 2.

Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 K1, *C6B, C6F; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 3 Purl.

Row 4 Knit.

Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 Knit.

Row 7 Purl.

Row 8 Knit.

Rows 1–8 form pattern.


Cable stitch pattern Chevron Tracks

Cable knitting patterns: Chevron tracks

Cast on a multiple of 10 sts plus 2.

Row 1 (RS) P2, *K8, P2; rep from * to end.

Row 2 (WS) K2, *P8, K2; rep from * to end.

Row 3 P2, *sl2 sts to cn and hold in back, K2, K2 from cn, sl2 to cn and hold in front, K2, K2 from cn, P2; rep from * to end.

Row 4 K2, *P8, K2; rep from * to end.

Rep rows 1–4 to form pattern.


Cable stitch pattern Corded Cable Rib

Cable knitting patterns: Corded cable rib

Cast on 32 sts.

Row 1 (RS) P6, K6, P8, K6, P6.

Row 2 K6, P6, K8, P6, K6.

Row 3 P6, K6, P8, K6, P6.

Row 4 K6, P6, K8, P6, K6.

Row 5 P6, C6B, P8, C6F, P6.

Row 6 K6, P6, K8, P6, K6.

Repeat rows 1–6 to form the pattern.


Cables stitch pattern Fans & Feathers

Cable knitting patterns: Fans & feathers

Cast on a multiple of 18 sts.

Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 *(K2tog) 3 times, (yo, K1) 6 times, (k2tog) 3 times; rep from * to end.

Row 3 K15, *P6, K12; rep from * to last 3 sts, K3.

Row 4 K15, *C6B, K12; rep from * to last 3 sts, K3.

Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 *(K2tog) 3 times, (yo, K1) 6 times, (k2tog) 3 times; rep from * to end.

Row 7 K15, *P6, K12; rep from * to last 3 sts, K3.

Row 8 Knit.

Rows 1–8 form pattern.


Cable stitch pattern, Honeycomb Cable

Cable knitting patterns: Honeycomb

Cast on 32 stitches.

Row 1 *C4B, C4F, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2 P.

Row 3 K.

Row 4 P.

Row 5 *C4F, C4B, repeat from * to end of row.

Row 6 P.

Row 7 K.

Row 8 P.

Repeat these 8 rows to desired length.


Cable stitch pattern, Little Cable rib

Cable knitting patterns: Little cable rib

Cast on a multiple of 6 sts. (Try 42 sts.)

Row 1 (RS) *K3, P3; rep from * to end.

Row 2 *Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts; rep from * to end.

Row 3 *K3, P3; rep from * to end.

Row 4 *Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts; rep from * to end.

Row 5 *K1, LC, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 6 *Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts; rep from * to end.

Rep rows 1-6 to form pattern.


Cable stitch pattern, Mini Cables

Cable knitting patterns:  Mini cables

These Mini Cables are worked using an uneven cabling method.

Usually, cables are worked by slipping two or so stitches onto a cable needle and then working the next two stitches from the left-hand needle, before working those two stitches from the cable needle.

In this case, instead of splitting the stitches evenly into two and two, it’s three and one.

Cast on 9 sts per cable on a background of rev st st. (Try 43 sts.)

Row 1 (RS) P8, K9, P9, K9, P8.

Row 2 K8, P9, K9, P9, K8.

Row 3 P8, Cr4L, K1, Cr4R (left pattern), P9, Cr4R, K2, Cr4L (right pattern), P8.

Row 4 As Row 2.

Repeat these 4 rows to form the pattern.

Abbreviations

Cr4L Slip next st onto cn and hold at front. K3 from LH needle, then K1 from cn.

Cr4R Slip next 3 sts onto cn and hold at back. K1 from LH needle, K3 from cn.


Cable stitch pattern, Mock Cables

Cable knitting patterns: Mock cables

Cast on a multiple of 7 sts plus 2.

Row 1 (WS) K2, *P5, K2; rep from * to end.

Row 2 P2, *LT, K3, P2; rep from * to end.

Row 3 K2, *P5, K2; rep from * to end.

Row 4 P2, *K1, LT, K2, P2; rep from * to end.

Row 5 K2, *P5, K2; rep from * to end.

Row 6 P2, *K2, LT, K1, P2; rep from * to end.

Row 7 K2, *P5, K2; rep from * to end.

Row 8 P2, *K3, LT, P2; rep from * to end.

Rows 1–8 form pattern.

Abbreviations

LT (Left twist) Skip 1st st, K into back of 2nd st, K the skipped st, then slip both sts from needle tog

RT (Right twist) Skip 1st st, K into front of 2nd st, K the skipped st, then slip both sts from needle tog


Cable stitch pattern Ripple Effect

Cable knitting patterns: Ripple effect

Cast on a multiple of 3 sts plus 1.

Row 1 *P1, T2B; rep from * to last st, P1.

Row 2 and all even rows Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts.

Row 3 K1, P1, *T2B, P1; rep from * to last 2 sts, T2B.

Row 5 *K1, P2; rep from * to last st, K1. Row 7 P2, *T2F, P1; rep from * to last 2 sts, T2F.

Row 9 *P2, K1; rep from * to last st, P2. Row 11 *P1, T2F; rep from * to last st, P1.

Row 12 Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts.

Rows 1–12 form pattern.

Abbreviations

T2F Slip next st to cable needle and hold at front, P1; K1 from cable needle
T2B Slip next st to cable needle and hold at back, K1; P1 from cable needle


Cable stitch pattern Rolling Waves

Cable knitting patterns: Rolling waves

Cast on a multiple of 6 sts plus 1.

Row 1 (RS) P1, *K2, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 2 and all even rows Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts.

Row 3 P1, *K2, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 5 P1, K2, P1, *CO, P1; rep from * to last 3 sts, K2, P1.

Row 7 P1, *K2, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 9 P1, *K2, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 11 P1, *CO, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 12 Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts.

Rows 1-12 form pattern.

Abbreviations

CO Crossover: slip 3 sts to cn and hold to back, K2, return P st from cn to left needle and P1, then K2 from cn


Cable stitch pattern Slanted Double Cable

Cable knitting patterns: Slanted double cable

Cast on 18 sts, plus some sts for the background of reverse st st. (Try 40 sts. This will give you 10 sts either side of the 20 for the cable.)

Row 1 (RS) P10 (or half of the extra sts cast on), pm, K1 tbl, P2, K2, P4, K4, P2, K1 tbl, pm, P to end.

Row 2 and every alt row Knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches.

Row 3 P to marker, slm, K1 tbl, P2, LC, P2, K4, P2, K1 tbl, slm, P to end.

Row 5 P to marker, slm, K1 tbl, P4, C4F, LC, P2, K1 tbl, slm, P to end.

Row 7 P to marker, slm, K1 tbl, P2, RC, LC, K2, P2, K1 tbl, slm, P to end.

Row 9 P to marker, slm, K1 tbl, P2, K2, P4, C4F, P2, K1 tbl, slm, P to end.

Row 10 As row 2.

Repeat rows 3–10 to form pattern.

Abbreviations

LC (left cross) Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold in front, P2, K2 from cable needle

RC (right cross) Slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold at back, K2, then P2 from cable needle


Cable stitch pattern, Soft Cables

Cable knitting patterns: Soft cables

Add all-over texture to your knits with this simple cable pattern.

Cast on a multiple of 4 sts plus 2 sts. (Try 42 sts.)

Row 1 (RS) K1, *P2, K2; rep from * ending K3.

Row 2 P3, *K2, P2; rep from * ending P1.

Row 3 K1, *C4B; rep from * ending K1.

Row 4 *Knit; rep from * to end.

Rep Rows 1-4 to form pattern.


Cable stitch pattern Subtle Curves

Cable knitting patterns: Subtle curves

Cast on a multiple of 6 sts plus 1.

Row 1 (RS) Knit.

Row 2 P2, *K2, P4; rep from * to last 5 sts, K2, P3.

Row 3 K2, *LT, K4; rep from * to last 5 sts, LT, K3.

Row 4 P2, *K1, P1, K1, P3; rep from * to last 5 sts, K1, P1, K1, P2.

Row 5 K3, *LT, K4; rep from * to last 4 sts, LT, K2.

Row 6 P3, *K2, P4; rep from * to last 4 sts, K2, P2.

Row 7 Knit.

Row 8 P3, *K2, P4; rep from * to last 4 sts, K2, P2.

Row 9 K3, *RT, K4; rep from * to last 4 sts, RT, K2.

Row 10 P2, *K1, P1, K1, P3; rep from * to last 5 sts, K1, P1, K1, P2.

Row 11 K2, *RT, K4; rep from * to last 5 sts, RT, K3.

Row 12 P2, *K2, P4; rep from * to last 5 sts, K2, P3.

Rows 1–12 form pattern.

Abbreviations

LT (Left twist) Skip 1st st, K into back of 2nd st, K the skipped st, then slip both sts from needle tog

RT (Right twist) Skip 1st st, K into front of 2nd st, K the skipped st, then slip both sts from needle tog


Cable stitch pattern Trapeziums

Cable knitting patterns: Trapeziums

Cast on a multiple of 8 sts.

Row 1 (WS) *K4, P4; rep from * to end.

Row 2 *K4, P4; rep from * to end.

Row 3 *K4, P4; rep from * to end.

Row 4 *K4, P4; rep from * to end.

Row 5 *P4, C4F; rep from * to end.

Row 6 *K4, P4; rep from * to end.

Row 7 *K4, P4; rep from * to end.

Row 8 *K4, P4; rep from * to end.

Row 9 *C4F, P4; rep from * to end.

Rows 2-9 form pattern.


Cables stitch pattern Twists & Turns

Cable knitting patterns: Twists & turns

Cast on a multiple of 9 sts plus 6.

Row 1 (RS) *P1, K4, (P1, K1) twice; rep from * to last 6 sts, P1, K4, P1.

Row 2 *K1, P4, (K1, P1) twice; rep from * to last 6 sts, K1, P4, K1.

Row 3 *P1, C4B, (P1, K1) twice; rep from * to last 6 sts, P1, C4B, P1.

Row 4 *K1, P4, (K1, P1) twice; rep from * to last 6 sts, K1, P4, K1.

Rows 1–4 form pattern.


Cable stitch pattern, Wavy Cables

Cable knitting patterns: Wavy cables

Cast on a multiple of 8 sts. (Try 48 sts.)

Row 1 (RS) *K4, C4B; rep from * to end of row.

Row 2 Purl.

Row 3 *C4F, K4; rep from * to end of row.

Row 4 Purl.

Repeat these 4 rows to desired length.


Cable stitch pattern, Woven Cable

Cable knitting patterns: Woven cable

Cast on a multiple of 4 sts plus 6. (Example shown here is over 10 sts on a reverse st st background.)

Row 1 (RS) K2, *C4F, rep from * to end.

Row 2 Purl.

Row 3 *C4B, rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.

Row 4 Purl.

Repeat these 4 rows to desired length.


Cable stitch pattern, Woven Twists

Cable knitting patterns:  Woven twists

Cast on a multiple of 4 sts.

Row 1 (WS) Purl.

Row 2 K1, P2, *LT, P2; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 3 K3, *P2, K2; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 4 K3, *RT, K2; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 5 Purl.

Row 6 K1, *LT, P2; rep from * to last 3 sts, LT, K1.

Row 7 K1, P2, *K2, P2; rep from * to last st, K1.

Row 8 K1, *RT, K2; rep from * to last 3 sts, RT, K1.

Rows 1–8 form pattern.

Abbreviations

LT (Left twist) Skip 1st st, K into back of 2nd st, K the skipped st, then slip both sts from needle tog

RT (Right twist) Skip 1st st, K into front of 2nd st, K the skipped st, then slip both sts from needle tog


Cable knitting: Easier than you think!

Learning how to cable knit is simpler than you think, as you can see from our guide, it’s easy to pick up a variety of cable knit styles once you know the technique!

Need a bit more guidance on your knitting journey?

We have a fabulous how-to knit guide, which is jam-packed with helpful tips and tricks (even seasoned stitchers will get a kick out of this)!