Tip Tuesday: Adding Texture and Depth to Your Knitting with Cables

Cables are a unique and wonderful way to add texture, depth, and intricate design details to your knitting projects. Contrary to what you might think, cables are easier to make than they appear!

At their core, cables are simply a process of reversing the order of your stitches. For example, instead of knitting stitches 1, 2, and 3 before knitting 4, 5, and 6 a cable requires you to knit 4, 5, and 6 before going back to knit 1, 2, and 3. This creates the beautiful twisted patterns we admire in cable knit designs.

Understanding Cables

Cables are created by temporarily removing a few stitches from your left-hand needle and holding them on a double-pointed needle (dpn) or cable needle. You then knit a set of required stitches before going back to knit the stitches that were placed on the cable needle. The look of your cable is determined by the number of stitches used and whether you hold the stitches in back or in front of your work.
A cable is traditionally worked in knit stitches with purl stitches on either side. In addition to allowing the cable to pop in your work, the end of the purl stitches serves as a helpful reminder for when the cable is about to begin.

How-To Make a Traditional Horseshoe Cable

For example, to create a traditional horseshoe cable, like the one used in The Wren Collection by designer Pam Allen, follow these steps:

• Place a few stitches on your cable needle and hold it in the back of your work.
• Knit the next set of stitches from your left-hand needle, as instructed in the pattern
• Return the stitches from the cable needle to your left-hand needle and knit them.

This gives you one half of your cable. For the second half of the cable:

• Place the next set of stitches on your cable needle and hold it in the front of your work.
• Knit the next set of stitches from your left-hand needle.
• Return the stitches from the cable needle to your left-hand needle and knit them.

How-To Reverse Your Horseshoe Cable

A reverse horseshoe cable is created by simply reversing these steps. Hold the stitches in front for the first half and in back for the second half. This reversal changes the direction of the cable twist, adding a unique variation to your design.
This simple change almost makes the cable appear as though it is traveling in a different direction! 
It can be easy to zone out when you’re knitting up cables. But make sure that you are paying attention to the direction you’re placing your cable needle as you work.
 
Tools for Working with Cables

Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)
Traditionally, dpns are used to hold stitches when creating cables. When reading knitting patterns with cables more often than not you will see the term “dpn” used to refer to any tool you use to hold your stitches. 
While you could in theory use a regular dpn for a cable, there are also cable specific dps. Cable dpns have a divot to prevent stitches from slipping off. However, some knitters find them bulky and cumbersome since they are a straight line. 

Cable hooks
Another option is a cable hook and they look exactly like how they sound. They are one long hook that holds your stitches. These are often still large however instead of the width going horizontally, they go vertically. You do have to watch your stitches with hooks, they can be rather smooth and slippy. If you are working a larger cable this could lead to a stitch falling off. But as long as you go slow and steady this is a wonderful option. 

Cable Needles
For a more compact and crafted option, consider using specialized cable needles. The Copper Cable Needle from Twig & Horn features an expertly sharpened tip that extends past the elegant spiral. This design makes it easy to pick up and transfer stitches as you knit. The smooth finish and intuitive design ensure that yarn glides effortlessly, providing a luxurious knitting experience. While the hand hammered texture will prevent most yarns from popping off as you work. 
Plus, this versatile tool doubles as an elegant shawl pin and a signature stitch marker holder, making it a perfect addition to any knitter’s toolkit.

Nothing!

It is possible to cable without anything at all. Simply manually reorder your stitches before you knit them. For wider cables like the horseshoe cable, this is typically done one half of your cable at a time. Even a more experienced knitter should attempt this process slowly. But as long as your yarn isn’t slippery and you pay attention to your stitch count this will work just fine.

Pro Tip & Alternative Solutions In a pinch, a bobby pin can work for narrow cable projects. It's a simple and accessible solution that many knitters have used successfully. While we wouldn’t recommend it as your main cable tool, it does work wonders for those moments when you’re tools are just out of arms reach. 

Whether you’re using traditional dpns or a beautifully crafted cable needle, the process of creating cables brings so much life to your knitting. With a bit of practice and swatching, you’ll be able to incorporate stunning cable designs into your projects before you know it. 

So grab your needles, choose your favorite tools, and get cabling!