knitting cable patterns

Gründl Knitting School

Cable Knit Pattern for Beginners

Cable Knit Pattern for Beginners

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What is a cable knit pattern?

A knitted cable pattern is a decorative element that impresses with its three-dimensional and plastic appearance. The varied heights and depths created by crossing stitches result in a fantastic look that turns various knitting projects into eye-catchers.

The basic principle is that by placing two stitches to the back (which are these two on the left) and then knitting these two stitches first, I could create exactly this twist. And that's the whole secret of this great cable, always lifting the stitches a little over each other.

What knitting patterns with cable knit are available?

Projects with cable patterns will probably never go out of style. They are current all year round. We all know cable patterns from beautiful winter sweaters, but summer clothing with cable patterns made from light, fine yarns is also popular. For airy fashion, cable patterns are also often used in combination with lace patterns.

From knitted fashion like sweaters and jackets to accessories like socks, hats, and gloves – particularly compact knitting projects get a wonderful look with cable patterns.

Larger knitting projects, however, such as blankets or scarves where both the front and back are visible, are less suitable. This is because the main pattern is only visible on one side, and due to the crossing of stitches, there is a certain tension in the project, which creates a wavy appearance on the back.

What yarn for cable patterns?

To make your cable pattern stand out best, we have two tips for you. Both the type and color of the yarn are crucial for your cable pattern to turn out splendidly.

Yarn type

It's best to use a linear yarn with a smooth surface for knitting cable patterns. If you use effect yarns with an unusual surface structure, it would overshadow the expression of your cable pattern.

Yarn color

Regarding yarn color, we recommend using a uniform yarn in one color. It doesn't matter whether you use a solid-colored yarn in a vibrant shade or a plain-colored wool in neutral colors. If you knit your cable pattern with multi-colored yarns, the constant color changes would overwhelm the cable pattern and distract from its special structure.

What do I need for knitting cable patterns?

To knit a cable pattern, you need a cable needle or an auxiliary needle. This is used when crossing, when individual stitches are temporarily put aside. The curve of a cable needle ensures that the resting stitches do not slip off.

Whether you need an auxiliary needle or whether you can knit your cable without this special type of needle depends on the size of your cable. Small cables, which consist of only two stitches as in our example, can be knitted without an auxiliary needle. In some cases, a needle from a set of double-pointed needles can also be used for cabling if you don't have a cable needle at hand.

What types of cable patterns are there?

The variety of cable patterns in the knitting world is almost limitless. There are many different types of cable patterns. Let's start with the smallest cable pattern, which we also show you in the video. Here, only two stitches are crossed either to the right or to the left.

Celtic cable patterns, on the other hand, are very complex. They are characterized by their intricately intertwined lines. So there are not just two strands that cross now and then – the Celtic pattern consists of several strands.

So that you can slowly get started with knitting cable patterns and possibly not immediately lose track in the jungle of crossed stitches, we have made this video for you as part of the Gründl Knitting School on the topic of cable patterns. Our goal is to familiarize knitting beginners with this knitting pattern.

Of course, you can also create your own cable patterns. The basic rule is: The greater the distance between the cable rows and the knit rows, the more elongated the cable will appear in the end. The more often a twist is knitted, the more compressed a cable will look.

As mentioned above, cable patterns are also often combined with lace patterns.

How do I read a knitting chart for a cable pattern?

When you look at a knitting chart for a cable pattern, you'll probably first notice the diagonal lines. These already indicate how your knitted cables will look later or in which direction they will lean. Lines pointing diagonally upwards to the right indicate that the cable will lean to the right. Lines pointing diagonally upwards to the left symbolize knitted cables that will lean to the left.

What does the red line mean? The repeat of the cable pattern is marked with the red line. This indicates when the sequence of the pattern starts again from the beginning.

Are you wondering why only odd rows are shown in the knitting chart? This means that the cable pattern is only knitted on the right-side rows. The stitches on the wrong-side rows are knitted as they appear. Knit stitches are knitted, purl stitches are purled.

Note that selvage stitches are not shown in your knitting chart.

For everyone who wants to knit the chart from our video: It is available for free download below.

How do I knit a cable pattern?

To knit cable patterns step by step, we follow our knitting chart, which includes a total of 5 cables. On the very outside are two small cable patterns, each consisting of only two stitches. In the middle is a very large cable, which consists of a total of eight stitches. Between the large cable and the two small cables, we will knit two medium-sized cables, each consisting of four stitches.

To demonstrate crossing all cable sizes, we will now knit the ninth row of the knitting chart together.

How to knit a cable pattern

We now insert the needle into the second stitch from the right, which is on our left needle. After inserting the needle from left to right as you would for a normal knit stitch, we bring the yarn forward.

Now we have the stitch on the right needle – the two stitches of the cable are still on the left needle. Then we insert the needle into the first stitch on the left needle, knit it also right, and let both stitches slide off the left needle. You can clearly see that we have crossed two stitches to the right, as this cable has a slight right lean.

If this procedure is too complicated, you can of course also use your auxiliary needle. Cable knitting is purely a matter of practice. You will quickly notice that you become more confident from time to time and quickly get the hang of it.

We start with a garter stitch edge. Please note that this is not included in the knitting chart. This is followed by three purl stitches, our basic pattern, before we arrive at the first cable. To understand exactly how this should be knitted, we consult the legend. A diagonal line over two stitches pointing upwards to the right means that two stitches are crossed to the right.

We now insert the needle into the second stitch from the right, which is on our left needle. After inserting the needle from left to right as you would for a normal knit stitch, we bring the yarn forward.

Now we have the stitch on the right needle – the two stitches of the cable are still on the left needle. Then we insert the needle into the first stitch on the left needle, knit it also right, and let both stitches slide off the left needle. You can clearly see that we have crossed two stitches to the right, as this cable has a slight right lean.

If this procedure is too complicated, you can of course also use your auxiliary needle. Cable knitting is purely a matter of practice. You will quickly notice that you become more confident from time to time and quickly get the hang of it.

After the first small cable, three purl stitches follow again, before we reach the next cable. According to the legend, this one is knitted by crossing four stitches to the right.

Since this cable is a bit more complex, we now take an auxiliary needle and do exactly what the instructions say. We pick up two stitches onto the auxiliary needle. As you lift them off one by one, make sure not to twist them. To prevent them from slipping off while resting, place the two stitches into the curve of your cable needle.

To create a right slant, place the auxiliary needle behind your left needle, meaning behind your work. For more stability while knitting, you can hold the needle a little. Because we have parked the first two stitches of the cable, which spans a total of four stitches, on the auxiliary needle, we can knit the two back stitches of the cable. Then the two front stitches of the cable are knitted. You can either knit them directly from the auxiliary needle, or you can first transfer them back to your left needle. Make sure the stitches are not twisted in the process. You've already finished your second cable!

Don't be surprised if the knitting feels a bit tight. That's exactly how it should be, because then your cable will be nice and firm and maintain a uniform shape.

Now, purl stitches follow again until the next cable is due.

Next up is a large cable, spanning eight stitches. This time the stitches are crossed to the left. First, we again pick up half of the stitches – in our case, four – onto our auxiliary needle, by inserting from right to left. Again, make sure the stitches are not twisted.

Because we want to create a left cross, in this case we place the auxiliary needle in front of the work. Now the four stitches on the left main needle are knitted. Keep an eye on maintaining tension in the yarn so that your cable pattern appears even later.

Now it's time for the stitches that were resting on the auxiliary needle. If you like, you can knit them directly from your auxiliary needle. It's important that you knit the stitch you put on your auxiliary needle first, first.

The result is exactly as we wanted: the reserved stitches lie over the stitches we knitted first. A left twist has been created.

And after this large cable, we continue as usual with purl stitches before we reach another cable. This is the mirror image of the second cable we have already knitted.

This also spans four stitches. But in contrast, this one now twists to the left instead of to the right. This creates a great symmetry in the knitted piece.

Here too, half of the stitches – in this case, two – needed for the cable are again placed on an auxiliary needle. Since this cable should have a left twist, the auxiliary needle is placed in front of the work.

The other two stitches are now knitted, before the two stitches on the auxiliary needle follow. We have now knitted the fourth of a total of five cables.

After purl stitches were again knitted between the cables, we have arrived at the fifth and final cable in our example. This cable is the mirror image of the first cable. Like the fourth cable, it is also knitted with a left twist.

Because this cable spans two stitches, half of the stitches – i.e., one stitch – is placed on the auxiliary needle and held in front of the work. Now knit the stitch on the left needle, before knitting the stitch on the auxiliary needle.

Wonderful, you have now knitted a total of five cables in different sizes and with different inclinations.

How do you knit stitches on the wrong side rows of a cable pattern?

After your right-side row with many cables, the wrong-side row follows. On the wrong-side row, all stitches are knitted as they appear. This means that you knit every knit stitch and purl every purl stitch.

Why are purl stitches usually knitted between cables?

To create the greatest possible contrast between the cable and the background and to make the cables stand out three-dimensionally, purl stitches are usually knitted between the cables.

How do I twist a cable to the left or right?

If you want to achieve a right twist in your cable, the stitches on your auxiliary needle are brought to the front of the work while cabling. If you want to create a left twist, place the auxiliary needle with the stitches behind your work while cabling.

Free knitting patterns with cable knit

Do you want to knit a project with a cable pattern and are you looking for the right instructions? Then you've come to the right place in the Gründl online shop. Here you will find many free cable knit patterns for many great unique pieces. From sock patterns with cable knit to jackets and sweaters with cable knit to cushions with cable knit - you have a free choice.