How To Knit Cables Tutorial For Beginners

If you've ever admired the intricate patterns in knitted sweaters and wanted to try making them yourself, our Knit Cables Tutorial is the perfect starting point! This guide will show you how to make beautiful cable patterns, simplifying each part of the process.

Knit Cables Tutorial

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You'll learn the basics of cable knitting quickly, enabling you to add stunning textures to your projects. Whether you're new to knitting or looking to enhance your skills, this tutorial is tailored for all skill levels.

Materials Needed:

Ball of yarn (scrap yarn also works)
Circular knitting needles (or regular knitting needles)
Cable needle or a small tool to hold stitches

Pattern Instructions:

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Setup:

Cast On 22 Stitches:

This number is enough to knit one cable pattern within your work.

Row 1: Set up the Cable

Knit 5: Start with five knit stitches.
Purl 2: Switch to purling for the next two stitches.
Knit 4: Go back to knit stitches for the next four stitches.
Purl 2: Follow with two purl stitches.
Knit 5: Finish the row with five knit stitches.

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In Row 2: Establish the Background

Flip your work to start on the back side. You will reverse the stitches:
Purl 5
Knit 2
Purl 4
Knit 2
Purl 5

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Row 3 and beyond - Creating the Cable Twist:

You'll follow the same pattern (Knit 5, Purl 2, Knit 4, Purl 2, Knit 5) for a few rows to establish the base of the cable.
Every few rows, you will create a cable twist:
Knit 5
Purl 2
Using the Cable Needle:
Transfer the next 4 stitches to your cable needle and hold them at the back.
Knit the next 4 stitches from your main needle.
Now knit the 4 stitches from your cable needle.
Purl 2
Knit 5
Flip your work and reverse the stitches as explained in Row 2.

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Repeat these steps:

to continue the fabric, creating twists in your cable every few rows as desired. The exact number of rows between cable twists can vary based on how closely you want the twists in your cable pattern.

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Casting Off:

Once your piece is as long as desired, cast off by knitting two stitches, then passing the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. Repeat this across the row until only one stitch remains, cut the yarn, and pull it through the last loop to secure.