Picking up a cable needle for every twist and braid in a pattern can really slow you down. Fortunately, when it comes to small cables - think 2/2 cable - there's a way to knit them without a cable needle that is both simple and speedy. With this trick, you'll fly through those cable knits!
How to Knit Small Cables Without a Cable Needle
If you Prefer to Use a Cable Needle...
1
Curved Cable Needles
Nickel-plated steel with a dip in the middle for holding stitches while working a cable.
2
Bamboo Cable Needles
Bamboo that is less slippery than metal, with a nickel-plated center band so it can stick to magnets.
3
Maker's Keep
For holding your cable needles or other small metal tools while you knit.
Instructions
1
Left Crossing Cable
A
When knitting a 2/2 LC, bring the Right Hand (RH) needle to the back and - skipping the first and second stitches - insert it into the third and fourth stitches from right to left.
B
Pinch the base of all four stitches and carefully slide them off the Left Hand (LH) needle. The first and second stitches will be free-floating, the third and fourth stitches will be on the RH needle.
C
Immediately insert the LH needle into the first and second stitches from the front.
D
Place the third and fourth stitches back onto the LH needle.
E
Knit across all four stitches.
2
Right Crossing Cable
A
When knitting a 2/2 RC, bring the RH needle to the front and - skipping the first and second stitches - insert it into the third and fourth stitches from right to left.
B
Pinch the base of all four stitches and carefully slide them off the LH needle. The first and second stitches will be free-floating, the third and fourth stitches will be on the RH needle.
C
Immediately insert the LH needle into the first and second stitches from the back.
D
Place the third and fourth stitches back onto the LH needle.
E
Knit across all four stitches.
3
Voilà!
You’ve just knit cables without a cable needle!
Patterns That Have Small Cables
1
Quinn
Quinn is a cable lover's dream, with many different cable patterns covering the entire cardigan - no filler stitch in sight! Cabling without a cable needle will work great on Quinn's small cables and honeycomb stitches, leaving the cable needle for the big jobs.
2
Kiki
Kiki has ropy cables that run straight down the back and front panels, alternating with textural stitches that make this cardigan extra cozy. The longer length and beautiful pockets make Kiki one of our most popular patterns.
3
Natalie
Natalie's breezy openwork sleeves cleverly contrast the braided and twisted cables running down the body. These features, paired with the deep-U neckline, make Natalie the perfect layering piece for all seasons.
4
Isabelle
Isabelle is the sleeveless sister to Natalie (seen above), with identical cables running down the front and back. If you're looking to wear cables in the summer, look no further than Isabelle!
6
Mishke
Mishke is a playful cardigan with classic fisherman cables twisting all around the uniquely asymmetrical body.
7
River Wrap
If you're looking for an engaging pattern that isn't a sweater, the River Wrap is a gorgeous asymmetrical accessory with cables that gradually decrease in size for a flowing visual effect.
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