Cable stitching is very easy to do. I prefer to use stitch holders (shaped like big safety pins as shown in figure “A”) to hold the stitches. It’s too easy for stitches to slip off the conventional “U” shaped cable holder. A cable stitch is simply crossing a stitch or several stitches over another stitch or group of stitches. Cable stitch can add drama to your knitting and it can be really beautiful. Give it a try!
A cable made across 6 stitches is the most common cable. Cables show up better in your knitting if you place a purl stitch on either side of the cable. Take the next three stitches and place them on a stitch holder. In this case you will hold the stitches behind your knitting (see figure “A”). Knit the next three stitches from your left needle. Now place the three stitches that are on your stitch holder back on the left needle and knit them (see figure “B”). One twist of your cable is complete. Easy!
The second cable to the right twists in the opposite direction. The process is the same as for the first cable but you hold the three stitches in front of your work.
The third cable from the right simply snakes across the top of your work instead of twisting behind it. For the first twist you simply hold the first three stitches in front of your work and for the second twist you hold the first three stitches behind your work. The cables twist toward each other. You simply reverse the process for the outward twist.
Photo “D” shows some of the many types of cable stitch. The photo at the top of the page shows a Fisherman’s sweater with many types of cable.
There are many book and booklets available that contain many patterns for cable stitches. Collect as many as you can find. Then create your own pattern for a Fisherman’s sweater.
Collect any 20 designs and make a 12” X 12” square sampler of each design. Knit or crochet them together into a wonderful sampler afghan! It’s a good way to hone your skills and create a beautiful throw your family and friends will love!
