Cable Knitting

Cable knitting is a technique where knitted stitches are transferred from their current position to a different position, crossing over or under each other to create eye-catching textured patterns. These cable patterns could include braids, lattices, rope-like textures or other textures in the fabric.

Supplies You Need for Cable Knitting:

Cable Needles by Knitpicks

Cable Needles by Knitpicks


In addition to all the usual knitting supplies you need such as yarn, scissors, knitting needles and gauge / ruler, you also need one or more cable needles. This facilitates the process of transferring the stitches and moving them from one spot to another.

Our Picks for the Best Cable Knitting Patterns and Books

1. The Cable Knitter’s Guide: 50 Patterns, 25 Projects, Countless Tips and Ideas

The Cable Knitter's Guide: 50 Patterns, 25 Projects, Countless Tips and Ideas by Denise Samson, Published by Trafalgar Square Books

The Cable Knitter’s Guide: 50 Patterns, 25 Projects, Countless Tips and Ideas by Denise Samson, Published by Trafalgar Square Books

If you’re interested in the topic of learning how to knit cables, you’ll definitely want to take a look at The Cable Knitter’s Guide by Denise Samson. This book provides a beautiful and accessible introduction to cable knitting techniques. The book is part knitting stitch dictionary, part knitting technique book and part knitting pattern book. On its pages, you’ll find patterns for knitting cabled throws, warm and lovely socks, classic sweaters, and many other types of projects.


There’s one outstanding reason to choose this particular book over competing titles: The author has posted instructional knitting videos teaching you precisely how to knit each cable. There are QR codes printed in the book. If you scan these with your mobile phone, you’ll instantly be transported to the correct spot to view each video online. It’s a convenient way to see a demonstration of each cable stitch pattern.


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2. Cable Knits From Nordic Lands

Cable Knits From Nordic Lands Published by Trafalgar Square Books

Cable Knits From Nordic Lands by Ivar Asplund, published by Trafalgar Square Books

This book will give you patterns for knitting wearable cabled garments and accessories such as sweaters, vests, hats and more. The author of this book is a gifted knitter and also a talented teacher, and his expertise is evident throughout this book.


One of the things I love most about this book: It is a technique book, a stitch dictionary, and a pattern book, all rolled into one handy volume. The book includes a helpful section introducing you to cable stitch patterns that you could adapt to use in your own knit designs if you have an interest in doing your own design work.

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So there you have it: Those are some of the most important basics you need to know about cable knitting. We hope this information is helpful to you as you seek to improve your knitting skills.

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Posted By: Amy Solovay


This page was last updated on 7-18-2021.