Cables are one of the techniques in knitting that elevates the look of your projects. People can’t help but admire the “magic” that you made with your very own hands. The twisting and turning of the yarn looks so complex but, cabling is actually quite a bit easier than it looks. It can be even easier if you throw caution to the wind and cable without a cable needle. It takes a little faith in yourself, but once you get the hang of it, this technique will speed up your knitting , especially in projects where you will be working several cables over the course of your row. All cabling really consists of is rearranging the order in which you are knitting your stitches, so we are going to do just that by simply switching their order on the needle you will be knitting off of. In this sample we used Mary Maxim Titan Yarn in the colour Seafoam
Work the set up for your cable as you usually would. In this example, we will be working a C8B. When using a cable needle, you would work to the beginning of the cable, slip the next 4 stitches to a cable needle, and hold to the back of your work, knit the next 4 stitches, then knit the 4 from the cable needle. We aren’t going to do that. Instead, skip the first 4 stitches that would normally go on your cable needle, and insert your right needle in the front of the next 4 stitches on your left needle.Take a breath. Now, slip the first 4 stitches off your needle, so they are hanging out in space for a second. They won’t immediately start unraveling, so don’t panic, you can even pinch them if you would feel better. Slip these stitches back on to your left needle, then slip the second set of 4 back on the needle, being careful not to twist any of them.Now knit the 8, and continue on.
That’s it!Hopefully you found this tip helpful, and with a little practice, can speed up your cable work.
Steps on How to Cable without a Cable Needle
Work the set up for your cable as you usually would. In this example, we will be working a C8B. When using a cable needle, you would work to the beginning of the cable, slip the next 4 stitches to a cable needle, and hold to the back of your work, knit the next 4 stitches, then knit the 4 from the cable needle. We aren’t going to do that. Instead, skip the first 4 stitches that would normally go on your cable needle, and insert your right needle in the front of the next 4 stitches on your left needle.Take a breath. Now, slip the first 4 stitches off your needle, so they are hanging out in space for a second. They won’t immediately start unraveling, so don’t panic, you can even pinch them if you would feel better. Slip these stitches back on to your left needle, then slip the second set of 4 back on the needle, being careful not to twist any of them.Now knit the 8, and continue on.That’s it!Hopefully you found this tip helpful, and with a little practice, can speed up your cable work.Best Cable Knitting Patterns
Now that you have practiced one of our favorite shortcuts for making dazzling cables try these Cable Knitting Patterns.Celtic Cardigan
The Celtic Cardigan is a the cardigan you think of when you think cable stitches Knit this intriguing mix of classic Aran stitches with Mary Maxim Aran Irish Twist or Aran Irish Tweed yarn. The buttons are sold separately.Long Knit Cardigan
Wrap yourself in this comfy long sleeve cardigan with pockets. The cable detail is timeless. This cardigan is one that will last. Cardigan is shown in (4219) Grey/White or choose any 2 King Cole Cotton Top DK colors. Buttons are not included.
