I have been knitting for a few years now and I can say with confidence that cables are one of the most difficult aspects of the craft.
But don’t let this intimidate you! With some practice, patience, dexterity and a willingness to learn, you can master knitting cables in no time at all.
In this guide I will provide 10 tips on how to get started with cable knitting for beginners as well as share some helpful resources which will help take your skills to the next level.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Cable knitting is a technique that involves creating textured patterns by crossing stitches over each other. |
| Knitters should start with simple cable patterns before moving on to more complex projects. |
| Reading cable patterns involves recognizing various symbols and charts. |
| There are different methods for holding cable needles, and knitters should choose the one that feels most comfortable for them. |
| Counting stitches and keeping track of where you are in the pattern is key to successfully completing cable knitting projects. |
1. Know The Basics
The first thing to know is that cables aren’t difficult. They’re simply a special kind of stitch pattern that can be worked over any number of stitches.
We’ll go into the specifics later, but for now, all you need to know is this: when looking at a cable pattern and seeing “C6B,” it means that you’ll be using 6 stitches on each side of your work (the front and back) and knitting them back and forth in rows.
But instead of knitting every stitch like normal, in cable patterns only some of the stitches are actually knit the rest are slipped (or left alone). This creates an interesting fabric where one side looks completely different from its other half.
Some people find cabling very intuitive; others find it frustrating at first! If you fall into the latter category (and trust me when I say I was there), don’t sweat it it just takes practice until you get used to reading the instructions and creating beautiful results every time!
If you’ve mastered the basics of cable knitting and want to take your skills to the next level, our article on Cable Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks for Advanced Knitters can provide valuable insights and techniques that you can incorporate into your cable knitting projects
2. Work On Increasing Your Dexterity
You may be a total pro at the knit stitch, but that doesn’t mean you are immune to mistakes. Even experienced knitters find themselves fumbling with their yarn when they get too excited about what they’re making and accidentally drop a stitch or two.
All is not lost; there are several ways you can work on increasing your dexterity so that you’ll have an easier time with your knitting projects in the future:
Practice makes perfect! The more often you practice something, the easier it will become. Instead of starting with something too small and boring like dishcloths, pick out a simple pattern or design to practice on (try searching for “beginners” patterns). You can even try finding some free beginner patterns online and printing them off for practice purposes only!
Start small! If all else fails, remember that working on small projects will allow you more room for error without any major consequences (like having to start over from scratch). Plus when it comes down to it, anything is better than nothing!
Knitting Exercises to Increase Dexterity
| Exercise | Description |
|---|---|
| Finger Taps | Quickly tap each finger to your thumb and back again, starting with your pinky finger and moving up to your index finger. Repeat for two minutes. |
| Finger Stretches | Hold one hand out with your palm facing up. Use the other hand to gently stretch each finger back towards the wrist. Hold for 10 seconds on each finger. |
| Hand Squeezer | Use a hand squeezer or grip strengthener to exercise your hand muscles. Squeeze and release for 10 reps on each hand. |
| Wrist Circles | Extend your arms in front of you and rotate your wrists in circles. Do 10 circles clockwise and then 10 circles counterclockwise. |
| Hand Exercises with a Small Ball | Hold a small soft ball in your palm and squeeze it for 5 seconds. Release and then stretch your fingers wide. Repeat 10 times for each hand. |
These exercises can help improve your knitting dexterity and make it easier to handle more complex patterns that involve cables or other intricate techniques.
3. Choose The Right Needles
When it comes to needles, there are a lot of choices. There are different sizes, different materials (wood or metal), different lengths and styles, and even different numbers of cables! We’ll go over all these options later on in this guide so you can find the perfect pair for you.
4. Use A Cable Stitch Holder
Cable stitch holders are a simple knitting tool that can help you keep track of your stitches during cable projects.
They’re basically just large safety pins with holes in them, so you don’t have to buy anything special or spend time making one yourself.
How do I use a cable stitch holder?
There are several ways to use a cable stitch holder. You can either slide your stitches off of the needle and onto the holder before beginning work on the next set of rows (this method is good if you’re planning on working in other areas), or leave your stitches on the needles while working with them (this method is good if there’s only one section of cables).
You can also use two or more separate ones for different sections within one row.
What does a good cable needle look like?
Simple: it’s large enough not to get lost when sliding in extra stitches, but small enough not cause problems when holding them as well!
While lace knitting may be a different technique from cable knitting, it can be a useful skill to have in your repertoire. Check out our article on The Art of Lace Knitting: Techniques and Patterns to learn more about this elegant and intricate knitting style
5. Practice Makes Perfect
If the learning curve for cables is steep, the one for mastering them is even steeper. However, practice makes perfect and this axiom rings especially true when it comes to working with cables.
To get yourself started, here are some ways you can practice knitting cables before pulling out your needles:
With a cable needle. If you don’t have many cable needles yet, start with one (or two) until you’re comfortable with the technique of using them as guides for your stitches. Then gradually work up to using three or four at once!
With an elastic band or rubber band. This method will give your fingers a workout while they learn how to maneuver around each other without losing their place on the needle or yarn!
On a swatch made out of scrap yarns and scraps of fabric sewn together into strips that look like snakeskin or garter stitch it doesn’t matter what kind but make sure it’s not too slippery or stretchy so that it doesn’t move around when worn as jewelry!
Cable Knitting Patterns to Practice Your Cable Skills
| Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Cable Hat | A simple cable pattern that utilizes just a few stitches to create a classic braided look. |
| Diamond Cable Scarf | This scarf features an intricate diamond cable pattern that will challenge your cable knitting skills. |
| Aran Sweater | Aran sweaters are known for their intricate cable designs that are perfect for practicing more advanced cable techniques. |
| Cable and Bobble Pillow | This cozy cable pillow is perfect for practicing cable knitting and adding a pop of texture to your home decor. |
| Cable Knit Headband | A beginner-friendly cable pattern that’s perfect for practicing your cabling skills on smaller project. |
6. Try Out Different Patterns
Once you’ve got the basic knit and purl stitches down, it’s time to start exploring different patterns. The best way to do this is to try out a few different patterns with your own yarn and needles.
This will give you a good idea of what knitting looks like in action, which can help with troubleshooting later on if something goes wrong or doesn’t work as expected.
Try out different patterns that use both knit and purl stitches, as well as some that only use one or the other (like garter stitch).
7. Understand The Pattern’s Instructions
To ensure a successful and enjoyable knitting experience, it is important to understand the pattern’s instructions and follow them carefully.
First of all, read through the entire pattern before starting. It’s a good idea to take notes on what you have learned from this information.
If there are any words that you don’t understand or if something feels unclear, look at other knitting patterns for examples of how similar phrases are written out.
Next, check your work as you go along by comparing it with both your notes and the original pattern instructions; this will help prevent errors from occurring later on in the project.
If something still doesn’t seem right after double-checking everything then ask someone else for help!
If you’re ready to move beyond the basics and explore more advanced knitting techniques, our article on Beyond the Basics: Intermediate Knitting Techniques provides a great starting point. With tips and tutorials on various knitting techniques, you can take your craft to the next level.
8. Start With Easy Patterns
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to follow an easy pattern and practice making cables before moving on to more complicated projects.
This will help you get comfortable with the movements involved in cabling without having to worry about anything else at the same time.
Use a cable needle when cabling. The cable needle is used as a placeholder while you hold your stitches on one needle and work them off of another so if you’re knitting flat, place each stitch onto its own needle and then use the cable needle as a sort of third hand (or fourth or fifth) so that all your stitches are available for working at once.
If you find yourself struggling with this step, try reading through some of our tips for beginners above!
Knitting a sweater can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and guidance, it can also be a rewarding experience. Our article on The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Sweaters: Patterns and Tips provides comprehensive tips and patterns to help you knit the perfect sweater.
9. Check Your Tension
In order to achieve consistent tension, you should always check your gauge. The easiest way to do so is by measuring four or five stitches in one inch and seeing how they measure up against the suggested needle size on your yarn ball band.
If you’re working with a different brand of yarn, then check their recommended gauge as well. If the measurements don’t match up with what’s suggested on either label, then make an adjustment by using a larger or smaller needle size until your gauge matches theirs.
If your tension seems too tight or loose for whatever reason (perhaps because of humidity), try changing the way that you hold both ends of the knitting needles when knitting instead.
Some knitters prefer holding both ends in their left hand while others like holding them separately between each finger and thumb – it’s really just personal preference!
If your tension still seems off after changing this method though (say from being too tight), try using a lighter weight yarn or larger needle sizes until things seem right again – but make sure not overdo either one otherwise things could get sloppy fast!
How to Check Your Knitting Tension
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Gauge Swatch | Create a gauge swatch that measures the recommended gauge for your pattern, and compare it against the pattern instructions to ensure that you’re knitting to the correct size. |
| Knitting with a Ruler | While knitting, lay a ruler or tape measure across your knitting to check that you are on track with the recommended number of stitches and rows per inch. |
| Check Your Stitches | Count your stitches periodically to make sure that they match the recommended number in the pattern. |
| Check Your Rows | Count your rows periodically to make sure that they match the recommended number in the pattern. |
| Adjust Your Needles | If your tension is off, you may need to adjust the size of your knitting needles to get the right gauge. |
10. Make Sure You Follow The Pattern As Instructed By Amy Roberts
If you follow the pattern as instructed, you’ll be able to create something that looks like a cable. You can use this method with any type of yarn and needle size. It may take some practice, but it will get easier with time!
You should always check your tension before starting. Some knitters have looser tension than others and have to increase stitch count or go down in needle sizes to make sure their fabric isn’t too tight or too loose when they receive gauge (check out our article on how to achieve gauge here).
Try using different tools such as a cable needle or stitch holder for more complicated patterns that require many stitches on a cable needle at once–or if you’re knitting in public places where these tools aren’t available (like an airplane).
This will help keep things organized and prevent mistakes from happening when moving from one set up row back into another.
Nothing adds a personal touch to your living room quite like a hand-knitted throw! Explore our guide on Transform Your Living Room with a Hand-Knitted Throw and learn how you can use your knitting skills to create a cozy and stylish addition to your home decor.
Conclusion
Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to try out some more advanced patterns. We recommend starting with a scarf or shawl, as these are easy to work on and make great gifts for friends and family members.
Once you get used to cables and feel comfortable with them in your knitting repertoire, you can start working on more complicated projects like sweaters or blankets!
Further Reading
How to Cable Knit: Step by Step Guide: This tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cable knit, with helpful diagrams and photos to guide you along the way.
How to Cable Knit: Cables Made Easy: This tutorial also provides useful guidance on how to cable knit, with tips on reading cable patterns and cable chart symbols.
Cable knit patterns that’ll keep you cosy all winter: Looking for some cable knitting pattern inspiration? Check out this collection of winter wearables that feature classy and cozy cable designs.
FAQs
What is cable knitting?
Cable knitting is a technique for creating textured patterns in knitting by crossing stitches over one another. This results in a distinctive braided or woven look that is often seen in sweaters, scarves, and other winter wearables.
How is cable knitting different from regular knitting?
Cable knitting involves crossing stitches over one another, while regular knitting involves knitting and purling stitches to create different stitch patterns. Cable knitting creates a more complex and textured pattern that adds depth and dimension to your knitting.
What kind of projects lend themselves well to cable knitting?
Cable knitting can be used in a wide variety of projects, including hats, sweaters, scarves, blankets, and even home decor items like pillows and throws. Any project that could use an extra pop of texture and visual interest can benefit from incorporating cable knitting.
Is cable knitting difficult to learn?
Cable knitting can be a bit trickier to learn than basic knitting, but with practice and patience, it can be mastered just like any other knitting technique. Tutorials and online resources like the ones listed in the “Further Reading” section can be helpful in getting started.
Do I need special tools for cable knitting?
While cable knitting does require a bit of extra effort and attention to detail compared to basic knitting, you don’t necessarily need any special tools to get started. A pair of knitting needles and some yarn is all you need to get started, but you may want to invest in cable needles or stitch markers to help keep track of your stitches.
My name is Hellen James, and I’m a crochet and knitting expert. I’ve been crocheting since I was just a kid, but I started taking it seriously when I realized that it was a great way to de-stress and relax. Now that I have kids of my own, I love teaching them how to do it too!