How to Knit a Mock Cable With a Wide Rib

The mock cable stitch nicely counters your basic stockinette stitch. It takes the stockinette stitch and breaks it up with columns of a mock cable (meaning your stitches aren't really cabled; it only appears that way). This stitch is not for someone just learning to knit as it requires the basic knit and purl stitches, as well as how to slip stitches. Try it next time you're working on a hat, scarf, blanket, or dishcloth.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yarn
• Knitting needles

1. Choose your yarn and knitting needles. For best results, check the packaging on your yarn for the recommended needle size.

2. Cast your stitches in multiples of 13 + 8 stitches. For example, if you will be stitching three rows, multiply 13 x 3. Add 8 stitches to the 39 you've calculated for a total of 47 stitches.

3. Knit the first row (which will be the wrong side of your piece) by doing the following: purl 8, *knit 1, purl 3, knit 1, purl 8; repeat from the * to the end of the row.

4. Work up the second row by doing the following: knit 8, * purl 1, slip 2 stitches, knit the 3rd stitch on the left-hand needle, knit the 2nd stitch, then knit the 1st stitch. Slip all 3 stitches off the left-hand needle, purl 1, knit 8; repeat from the * to the end of the row.

5. Repeat these two rows until the piece reaches the desired length.

6. Bind off, preferably using the basic bind-off.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need a refreshers course on how to knit, purl, cast on, or bind off, eHow provides great how-to's to help you out.