Cable knitting patterns for Beginners

Knitting is a world of its own. Indeed, there's something so therapeutic about this activity that it's no surprise that so many people are drawn to it. It can truly make you forget the rest of the world as you focus all your energy and attention on those needles and stitches to create a beautiful piece.

Isn't it incredible that there's so much you can make if you know the right technique? If you have just been introduced to knitting, you are in for some great time, and we are about to make it even more interesting for you by giving you an insight into cable knitting.

What is cable knit?

Of course, before you go on looking for cable knitting guides to learn some knitting cable tips after seeing the marvelous results, you need to understand it better.

Knitters use the word cabling to refer to the techniques involving crossing a set of stitches over other stitches. With such methods, you can create textured effects, braids, rope-like patterns, and so much more. Once you learn how to knit cables, you can make high-quality mittens and scarves in no time.

Yes, cable knitting is exciting. So let's begin to elaborate more on it and explore a whole new world. As a beginner, you will likely be looking for easy cable knitting patterns free. Excellent idea because this is going to take a little practice!

Let's begin by providing you with some knitting cable tips. If you are working on cable patterns, making a tension square will work immensely well for you. The thing is that the stitches crossed over will draw in the fabric. Therefore, if the cabling is tight, the stitch tension might pose a problem. Confused? Don't worry. You will soon get the hang of it.

If you work with traditional cables, you will have to place a set of stitches on the cable needle temporarily. Hold them at the back or front of your fabric while working another set of stitches. Work your way back to the stitches on the cable needle. This will ensure that the cable needle stitches move to the left and right, thereby creating a textured column. There's no reason to fret. Cable knitting is all about practice.

Typically, cabling is mostly done on the right side of the fabric wherein the stitches on the wrong side are plain to ensure that the overall effect is maintained. Keep in mind that the goal is to ensure that the cable stands out from the rest of your fabric.

How to knit a cable pattern: understanding the abbreviations

Before you learn more about the techniques of cable knitting, you need to understand the abbreviations commonly employed.

Cable stitches typically have a single abbreviation. An excellent example is C4F, wherein C stands for cable, while the number refers to the stitches affected by the cable. The letter reveals the side of the fabric used to hold the stitches, with F used for the front and B for the back. Cables are mostly in even numbers.
Remember that multiple ways can be used to describe cables. Therefore, checking the pattern abbreviations is necessary if you don't want to mess up your knitting projects.

How to knit cables: it's time for stitching.

If you are intrigued with cable knitting and want to create an exciting cable knit pattern, you must learn how to work C4F.

Fortunately, those learning how to cable knit find this one to be the most straightforward technique. In this one, the stitches are twisted to the left, creating a twisted rope effect. This is something you must have seen quite often.

It is best to use smooth wool or acrylic-based DK yarn for this one. A pair of 4 mm needles will be good enough. Now cast on 22 stitches and purl nine stitches on the first row. Knit four stitches before purling nine stitches again. This gives you the right side of the fabric. Now start working on the second row in the same pattern, which will provide you with the wrong side.

When you cable on the next row, purl nine times and then stitch and so on. This is one of the knitting cable tips that will help you out significantly. If you follow this pattern, you can place a stitch marker on either side of the central column and wouldn't be confused about the start and end of the cable panel on each row. After working three rows straight, repeat the cabling on the row on the fourth one, pulling the yarn tightly on each side of the panel.

Continue to practice this until you perfect the technique. It will look uneven initially but don't panic. Cable knitting isn't something you can learn in a fortnight. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you will get the hang of it.

While working on knitting cable patterns for the C4F technique, you have to begin by working the background's stitches in reverse stitch. Go up to where the cable pattern starts before taking the yarn back to the knitting.

Once that's done, you have to start working the cable on the central column. Slip the first couple of stitches, purling them onto the cable needle, and hold them at the front of the fabric.

Now, knit the next stitches using the lefty hand needle and slide the two stitches on the cable needle right up to the end of the needle. Knit them such that they both are now on the right-hand needle.

Bringing the yarn to the front of the knitting, pull it tightly to ensure that ladders don't develop along the side. Purl your next stitch and continue as specified in the cable knit pattern.

Cable knitting stitch: the art of C6B

You need to know this one if you are using the cable knit patterns. You merely have to twist the cables in the other direction. For this technique, a twist has to be created that leans to the right side. Instead of four, this cable has six stitches which give it a chunkier look.

Use the same materials like the ones you used for the previous technique. But this time, after casting on 22 stitches, purl eight stitches on the first row and then knit six stitches and repeat the pattern for the right side of the fabric. Work on the second row in the same manner for the wrong side wherein eight stitches are knit followed by purling six stitches and so on.

Cable knitting starts on the next row with the pattern of eight purls, knitting and then purling again. Don't forget to put stitch markers so that you don't forget where you started off. Work for five rows straight, repeating the cabling row for the sixth one before pulling the yarn tightly on each side of the panel.

Don't proceed with more cable knitting guides until you are confident you can pull this one-off. For this technique, begin by working the background's stitches in the reverse right to where the cable knit pattern begins. Mark this area with stitch markers to avoid confusion later.

Work the cable pattern on the central column, slipping the next three stitches on the cable needle. You then have to take this cable needle to the back of the fabric and knit three stitches before pulling the first one tight.

The cable is completed when you bring your cable knitting needle to the front of the fabric, knitting the three stitches with it. You will then be purling the next stitch before proceeding as per the instructions of the cable knitting pattern.

Easy cable knitting patterns free of cost you must try

Naturally, you can't learn how to knit a cable scarf within a day. But you have to start somewhere. Some knitting cable patterns available easily that you must try include the following

Cable hat

Who doesn't want a hat for the winters, right? So you can make this one your first cable knitting project. Pick a beautiful easy-to knit cable pattern for your first project and get started.

Fingerless gloves

Cable knitting is more than just scarves and hats. You can try something unique by getting patterns for fingerless gloves too. The results will undoubtedly be quite exciting.

Scarves and sweaters

If you are feeling too ambitious and think you can pull this off, you can try cable knitting patterns for scarves. But keep in mind that these will be time-consuming. Maybe a better choice for your second project?

Learn how to cable knit and let the fun begin

Don't let the beginning scare you off. Cable knitting is undoubtedly a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. The only thing you have to do is ensure that you use easy cable knitting patterns initially to master the techniques. Once you have done so, there would be no stopping you. You will then be able to create one masterpiece after the other in no time!