How to Knit a Cable Scarf
Cable knitting, which resembles twisted ropes or cables, is a decorative form of knitting where a group of stitches regularly changes places with another group of stitches. It can be a simple two-section twist or more complicated with three or more strands. By twisting and turning cables, knitters can make diverse patterns, adding personality to an otherwise plain piece of knitting. It looks intimidating to the novice knitter, but isn't as complicated as it appears. Besides adding charm, it's also makes knitting more practical. Because of the added thickness, cable knitted clothing is warmer.
This article assumes that the reader already is adept at using cable needles and has mastered the basic cable stitch.
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Things You'll Need
- Large, bulky thick yarn (in which the gauge with size 17 needles is two stitches to an inch)
- Large knitting needles (Size 17)
- Cable knitting needle ("J" shaped for thick yarn)
Instructions
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Simple Pattern for a Cable Knitted Scarf
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1
Decide on a width and then determine the number of stitches to cast. To keep your first project simple, knit a 12-inch wide scarf. As there are two stitches to every inch on size 17 needles, using large, bulky yarn, you would cast on 24 stitches.
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2
For rows one to four follow this pattern: Purl six stitches, knit six, purl six, knit six, purl six, knit six.
For rows two, three and four, knit your knits and purl your purls. -
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3
Beginning the fifth row, purl six stitches and then slip the next three stitches purl-wise, onto a cable needle. Let the cable needle with the stitches hang, dangling down in the front of your knitting. Knit the next stitch on your needle. Pull your yarn tightly and knit the next two stitches. Knit the first stitch on the cable needle. Again, pull the yarn tightly and knit the next two stitches. Put cable needle to one side and purl the next six stitches. Repeat this pattern for the remaining stitches to the end of the row.
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4
For the next three rows (six, seven and eight), knit the knits and purl the purls.
On the ninth row, repeat the cable twist, (as in row 5) using your cable needle. Note that a cable stitch appears. -
5
Reverse the cable stitch. Cables can twist in the opposite direction. To reverse the cable stitches, follow the same steps. However, at the point where you slip the stitches, dangle your cable needle to the back of your work, instead of the front.
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6
Repeat this same pattern, as used in rows one through nine, until you reach your desired length.Cast off stitches and try on your new scarf.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Variations can be created by the twists and turns of the cable, as well as increasing or decreasing the number of rows knitted and purled (ribbing) between twists. If you don't have a cable needle, you can substitute any tool that's thin enough to slip stitches. In fact, some knitters don't use anything (See Resources) Add fringe at both ends for a decorative touch.
Allow for more yarn than needed in a pattern when working with cable stitches. That's because fabric worked in cable patterns are narrower than those worked in a stockinette stitch. There are three shapes of cable needles, depending on the thickness of yarn used. Be sure to correspond the needle with the yarn. For example, for thinner yarn, you would need a thinner cable needle.
Resources
- Photo Credit J Durham
