Cable knit is a classic technique for making your home and wardrobe essentials. It’s a little bit tricky at first, but here’s a guide to help get you started on your first cable knitting project!
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Everything You Need to Know About Cable Knit
What is Cable Knit?
Cable knit is a knitting style that uses four vertical stitches twisted into rows to form cables. These cables look like small ropes that cross over each other, depending on your pattern.
What are the Tools You Need?
1. Cable Needles
There are different types of cable needles, so you need to identify first what kind of stitches you will be knitting. These needles are shaped differently; some are hooked and some are bent in a certain way.
If you cannot get your hands on cable needles, you can also use double-pointed knitting needles. Of course, they will be a bit more challenging to use on cable knitting, so make sure to prepare.
2. Knitting Yarn
Just like most sewing projects, choosing the right knitting yarn is a vital step before you begin. Yarn has various types of plies that suit specific patterns, so you need to determine your preferred thickness.
Single-ply is thinner and more appropriate for making smaller trinkets. Double-ply and triple-ply produce more defined stitches, which are perfect for larger accessories.
3. Stitch Holders
Cable knitting for beginners could be very tricky; there’s a chance that your stitches might unravel if you’re not following your pattern correctly.
Having stitch holders around would be handy in keeping these stitches in place while you are working. They also come in different sizes to match your project.
4. Stitch Markers
Did you mess up a certain stitch but you didn’t notice until after a few rows? Use a stitch marker to remember where you made a mistake so you can fix it later!
Stitch markers are also helpful in locking in your stitches to avoid any slip-outs. They come in ring shapes, but some look like mini safety pins for a better lock.
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Where to Use Cable Knit
Cable knitting is often used in making your favorite sweaters, cozy beanies, and fluffy blankets! It’s one of the best activities to learn if you love making personalized gifts for your family and friends.
There are so many items where you can use cable knit to create your own designs! Here are some free patterns you can try for your next projects:
1. Blanket
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We all love cozying up to our fluffy blankets every now and then, but a handmade one will definitely be a lot comfier!
Surprise your friends with their very own blankets by making some for them using this pattern from Knitting Space. You can also make one for yourself to snuggle into during cold nights!
2. Cardigan
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Cardigans are essential in your closet, regardless of the season. Knitting your own means you can wear a different piece to match with a lot of outfits!
Learn how to make your next clothing item by following this pattern from Cascade Yarns. Your wardrobe is about to be filled with the fuzziest cardigans ever!
3. Beanie
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Everybody loves beanies, especially the knitted variety. They’re stylish and super comfortable, and are considered a must during the fall and winter seasons!
How to Cable Knit
Before you proceed, here are some of the basic types of cable knit stitches you need to learn.
1. Rope
Every beginner must go through the standard cable stitch: the rope. It is done by crossing stitches over a column of different stitches.
The rope cable is the basis for most stitches and patterns, so make sure to practice this a lot!
2. Braid
We see braid stitches on clothing items, blankets, and scarves. It is one of the most popular cable knit stitches every Sewper should know how to do!
3. Twist
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The twisted cable is another classic stitch, having eight stitches combined with a stockinette.
For a complete video guide on the basics of cable knitting, here’s a beginner-friendly tutorial from Rokolee DIY:
Learning how to cable knit can be intimidating at first, but it’s actually a lot of fun once you get the hang of it! As long as you know how to properly follow the patterns you have, you’re guaranteed to create something special.
Do you have any other tips for beginners who want to try the cable knit? Share your tricks in the comments below!
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