Cable knitting is a technique for creating ribbing, which is horizontal lines of raised stitches worked into the fabric. Cable patterns are also known as “textured” or “fancy” knits.
If you’re new to cabling, don’t worry! This guide will help you learn how to make beautiful cable patterns using these 15 easy-to-follow knitting projects.
Cable Knitting Patterns
Cables are a beautiful way to add texture and detail to your knitting. They can be worked in many different ways, including ribbing, seed stitch, and garter stitch.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the cable knitting patterns below and see how they can be used to create stunning pieces!
If you want to add another layer of complexity to your knitting projects, lace knitting is the perfect next step. Check out our article on The Art of Lace Knitting: Techniques and Patterns to learn more about this intricate and beautiful knitting technique.
Cabled Scarf With Fringe
Materials:
- Yarn: Approximately 400 yards of worsted weight yarn (exact yardage will vary depending on the size you make)
- US size 8 needles or whatever size is required to match gauge
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Size: One size fits most adults. Finished dimensions are 5” wide x 67” long with fringe (excluding fringe). Gauge for this project is 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.
Cable Pattern: 16 stitches, 32 rows/rounds Use any cable pattern you prefer, or use our provided chart below! The sample scarf used a 6-stitch cable panel repeated every 6 rounds followed by 2 rounds of reverse stockinette stitch.
This resulted in a total of 16 stitches per repeat and 32 rows per repeat plus 2 additional rows at the beginning and end of each repeat section where you work only knit stitches without cabling. Fringe Instructions Below!
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Materials | Yarn, knitting needles |
| Skill level | Intermediate |
| Pattern | Cabled scarf with fringe |
| Gauge | 17 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch |
| Finished size | 8.75 inches wide by 70 inches long (not including fringe) |
| Techniques | Cable knitting, slip stitch, fringe |
| Yarn weight | Worsted |
| Yarn amount | 500-600 yards |
| Needle size | US 8 (5 mm) |
| Pattern source | Ravelry |
| Design inspiration | Classic cable knit scarves with fringe accents |
Beautiful Cable Blanket
Cable knitting is a beautiful way to knit. It’s simple, easy and can be done on a very large scale. Cables are also popular in the fashion world because they’re such an interesting pattern that people love to wear.
In this article we’ll look at some stunning projects featuring cables and explore how you can use them too!
Cable knitting is a classic technique that adds texture and interest to any knitting project. Want to take your cable knitting skills to the next level? Check out our tips and tricks in Cable Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks for Advanced Knitters to create truly stunning cable knit designs
Easy Cable Hat Pattern
This hat pattern is an easy-to-follow beanie that can be made in a large or small size. The cables are simple to learn and knit, and the finished product looks professional. This is a great beginner’s cable pattern!
You will need:
- A 100g skein of worsted weight yarn (or two 50g skeins if you want to make it bigger)
- 15mm circular needle, 5mm needle and 6mm needle
Cable Stitches Used:
- 5/6 LC – Slip 3 sts onto cable needle and hold in front of work, K3 from left hand needle then K3 from cable needle
- 6/5 RC – Slip 2 sts onto cable needle and hold in back of work, K4 from left hand needle then K2 from cable stitch on cale
Cast on 50 stitches using your smaller circular needles. Join round being careful not to twist any stitches at the end. Place stitch marker between two stitches as shown below so that you know where your first row ends (you’ll remove this marker later).
Work through all rounds unless otherwise stated throughout pattern.
- Work Set Up Rows 1-6 once before starting Cable Pattern Chart 1.
- Repeat Cable Pattern Chart 1 until piece measures approximately 10 inches long or desired length for head circumference.
- Work Set Up Rows 1-4 once again.
- Repeat Rows 1-8 until piece measures approximately 14 inches long or desired length for body circumference (not including hat band).
Cabled Wrist Warmers
If you’re new to knitting and want a pattern that’s easy to follow, these Cabled Wrist Warmers are for you.
The cabling makes them look more advanced than they really are, so even if you’re a beginner knitter, this pattern is perfect for getting your feet wet in the world of cables.
Choose any size yarn and add as many increases or decreases as necessary to make them fit perfectly on anyone from a child all the way up to an adult man (or woman!).
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Materials | Yarn, knitting needles |
| Skill level | Intermediate |
| Pattern | Cabled wrist warmers |
| Gauge | 24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch |
| Finished size | Adult small (medium, large) – 6 (6.5, 7) inches in circumference, 7.5 inches in length |
| Techniques | Cable knitting, ribbing, shaping |
| Yarn weight | Worsted |
| Yarn amount | 150-200 yards |
| Needle size | US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm) |
| Pattern source | Knitty |
| Design inspiration | Classic cable knit patterns adapted for fingerless mitts or hand warmers |
Child’s Sweater With Cables
With this cable pattern, you’ll have a hard time deciding whether your child should wear it as a sweater or scarf! The delicate, intricate design is gorgeous and sure to be an eye-catcher.
This pattern has been tested by our experts and they recommend using Patons Astra Merino Worsted (100% wool), 8 balls. It’s available in sizes 0 – 3 months, 3 – 6 months, 6 – 12 months, 1 – 2 years and 2 – 4 years.
Yarn: Patons Astra Merino Worsted (100% wool) 8 balls
Needles: Size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles
Gauge: 18 sts = 4 inches stockinette stitch on size 7 needles
Looking for a new knitting technique to add texture to your projects? Why not try bobbles! Our article on The Beauty of Bobbles: Adding Texture to Your Knits will show you how to create these fun and interesting stitches in your knitting projects.
Men’s Sweater With Cables
Cables are a great way to add texture and interest to your knitting. They can be worked in different ways, on any needle size, with any yarn and in any stitch pattern.
In this tutorial we’re going to take a look at cables worked on the body of a sweater in garter stitch (no purl stitches). We’ll also explore how you can adjust cable patterns to suit your handspun yarns and explore using cable patterns for other items like cowls, hats or scarves.
Cabled Infinity Scarf
This is a great project for a beginner cabled knitter. The pattern is easy to memorize and the scarf is a great length, making it perfect for everyday use or as an accessory in your wardrobe.
You can use any type of yarn you want, but wool blends are best because they will keep your neck warm during the winter months and won’t itch like wool does when it gets wet. If you’re not sure what to get, buy some Cashmere blend yarn from Lion Brand Yarns ($10-$12/ball).
Seed Stitch And Cable Scarf
The Seed Stitch and Cable Scarf is a great pattern for beginners and experienced knitters alike. It combines two of the most popular techniques in knitting: cables and seed stitch.
You’ll work seed stitch on one side of the scarf, then cable stitches on the other side. The result is a beautiful reversible design that you can wear either way!
Child’s Cardigan With Cables
Cables are a great way to add interest to any garment, and this pattern is no exception. The beginner-friendly design features one cable row and several rows of stockinette stitch for the body (with plenty of room for growth), and then it’s finished off with a simple collar.
This pattern is sized for children from toddler to young adult, so you can make it for your own little ones or a friend’s kids or get creative by combining different sizes!
Pointelle And Cable Hat Pattern
The Pointelle and Cable Hat Pattern is available on Ravelry, and it’s written for a woman’s size, a man’s size, and for children. The instructions are detailed with photos to help you get the right look when you make this project.
The Very Tall Socks Of Awesomeness
The Very Tall Socks Of Awesomeness from Purl Soho, free
Pattern for women’s size 8-11
What you’ll need: 2 skeins of sock yarn in contrasting colors; US 1 double pointed needles (or size required to get gauge), cable needle, tapestry needle. Gauge: 8 stitches and 10 rows per inch in stockinette stitch.
To make the pattern work, you’ll need to know how to knit in the round, increase and decrease stitches on a knitting needle (magic loop method works well), do a basic cable twist with a cable needle, pick up stitches along an edge or on a seamed fabric (in this case around the foot opening).
In addition to this pattern, you can find plenty more warm and cozy patterns in our collection of cold weather accessories!
Cable knitting doesn’t have to be intimidating! If you’re new to this technique, check out our beginner’s guide in Mastering Cables: A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting to learn the basics and create stunning cable knitting projects
Hooded Scarf Pattern With Cables And Pockets
This is a hooded scarf pattern with cables and pockets. This pattern would be perfect if you are looking for something warm to keep your neck cozy during those cold winter months, and the pockets will come in handy if you have trouble keeping your hands warm!
Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna’s Choice)
- Size 13 needles
Instructions:
Cast on 64 stitches. Knit 1 row of garter stitch (knit every row). The first cable section will begin after 21 rows of stockinette stitch (stockinette = knit one row, purl one row). In the next four rows, there will be eight stitches that appear as black dots above their corresponding stitch on the left needle tip.
These eight stitches make up a cable panel which should be repeated over 6 rows total with each cable panel separated by two rows of stockinette stitch before moving onto another cable panel. After these six rows, repeat this entire section until desired length is reached (making sure to end on an even number).
Knit 4 more rows in garter stitch before binding off loosely using US8/5mm knitting needles and US9/5.5mm crochet hook or hook needed for preferred method of casting off edge sts when working bottom hemline optional but recommended unless doing so would cause too tight fit around neck band where there may be issues with stretching out too much while wearing it.;
Diamonds And Argyle Slippers
Size: Small (Medium, Large)
Foot Circumference: 7 (8, 9)”/17.5 (20.5, 23) cm
Yarn: 120 yds/110 m worsted weight yarn in two colors for main color and 80 yds/73 m of bulky weight yarn in a contrast color for heel flap and collar. Shown in Cascade 220 Heathers (100% wool; 220 yds/201 m per 100 g); MC – #8110 Blueberry; CC – # 8808 Candy Apple Heather
Needles: US size 6 needles in 4 mm or size needed to obtain correct gauge; set dpns if preferred method is used for knitting small circumference socks that are not worked all at once on circular needles.
You will also need either one 16” circular needle with cable length of 36”+ OR a set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs). You will also need 2 stitch markers, a tapestry needle, scissors & scrap yarn/stitch holders/scrap paper to hold stitches while you work back after finishing the heel flap
Sweater knitting is a beloved pastime for many knitters, and for good reason! If you want to take your sweater knitting game to the next level, check out our ultimate guide in The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Sweaters: Patterns and Tips, where you’ll find a wealth of information on sweater knitting patterns, tips, and techniques
Conclusion
Once you’ve finished these cable knitting patterns, you’ll be able to create your own designs. Once you are comfortable with this technique, you can use it to make anything from a scarf for yourself or family member to a beautiful sweater for someone special.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for exploring cable knitting patterns and techniques:
Knitting Knowledge: Cable Patterns: A collection of cable knitting patterns for a wide range of projects, from hats to blankets.
MediaPeruana Designs: Cables: A blog series featuring different cable knitting techniques and patterns, complete with step-by-step directions.
Nimble Needles: How to Knit the Cable Stitch: A tutorial on how to knit the cable stitch, complete with helpful photos and explanations.
FAQs
What is cable knitting?
Cable knitting is a technique that creates interlocking twists or cables in the knit fabric. The technique involves manipulating stitches in a specified pattern to create the cable effect.
How many stitches do I need for a cable?
The number of stitches you need for a cable depends on the specific pattern you are following. Some cable patterns require just a few stitches, while others may require many.
What types of knitting projects can I use cable knitting for?
Cable knitting can be used for a wide range of knitting projects, including sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens, and even blankets.
Can I use different types of needles for cable knitting?
Yes, you can use a variety of needles for cable knitting, including straight needles, circular needles, and double-pointed needles.
What is the difference between a right twist and a left twist cable?
A right twist cable involves holding some of the knit stitches to the back of the work while you knit others, resulting in a right-leaning cable. A left twist cable involves holding some of the knit stitches to the front of the work while you knit others, resulting in a left-leaning cable.
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!