Cable and Twist stitches have a shaping effect that in a way is similar to a Rib Stitch, in that they create both relief and depth to any project by creating raised ridges. However, Cable and Twist patterns differ in that these ridges are knitted. The yarn crisscrosses the surface of the fabric to give a braided or lattice effect.
Cable stitches are created by transferring a number of stitches to a Cable Needle, while stitches from the left-hand needle are knitted, passing either in front or behind the cable.
The stitches on the cable needle are either then transferred back to the original needle or knitted directly off the cable needle. Twist stitches are a variation (or mock version) of the cable technique that is produced without the requirement of a cable needle.
Cable stitches create a very dense fabric with little flexibility than normal knitting with a much narrower gauge. They are often associated with Celtic designs particularly Aran knitting named after the islands off the west coast of Ireland.
Whilst the prospect of adding a third needle to your knitting may sound daunting, cable knitting is relatively straightforward and gives brilliant texture to any project, whether it is a pillowcase done in entirely in the Woven Cable Stitch that resembles the basketweave stitch rotated through 45 degrees or the poster child for cable stitches, the Braid Cable Stitch.
If you need a visual, there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube and TikTok like the one below.
@knittingfloetre Cableknitting! #knitting #crafts #diy #knittingtutorial #knittersoftiktok #knitter #yarn #yarnchallenge #foryourpage
Please check out our collection of Cable and Twist Stitches below.
Cable & Twist Stitch Collection
Coiled Rope Stitch
Like it’s name suggests the Coiled Rope Cable Stitch resembles a sturdy looking length of rope.
Wasp’s Nest Stitch
The Wasp’s Nest is a raised 3-dimensional hexagonal texture created by twisting or crossing stitches then knitting them.
Woven Cable Stitch
Resembling the basketweave stitch, rotated through 45 degrees the Woven Cable Stitch is a straightforward repeating pattern.
Wild Oats Stitch
The Wild Oats stitch gives a softly contoured pattern with a low relief.
Trellis Stitch
The stitch gives a very angular, interlocking chainmail texture and is an excellent choice for paneling on large projects.
Crossed Ribs Stitch
A fairly straight-forward variation on the 2×2 Rib stitch, using Cable Six’s to generate a criss-cross effect with the ribbing.
Traveling Sands Stitch
This stitch makes you envision yourself running your hands through the wet sand on a beach after the tide has gone out.
Braid Cable Stitch
Giving a Celtic or Viking feel, this stitch is a common staple for many a wooly jumper.
Twist to the Left Stitch
The Twist to the Left Stitch creates a Twisted Rib pattern that will give your rib stitches a little more variety.
Chain Cable Stitch
The Chained Cable Stitch is a big, bold Cable stitch that will give any project some “density”.
Honeycomb Cable Stitch
This stitch gives a more rugged, raised honeycomb texture and is perfect for thick wooly jumpers or hats.
Minaret Stitch
The Minaret Stitch produces a slender Cable that resembles the domed structure of a mosque’s minaret.
Crossed Ribs with Faggots Stitch
A variation on the Crossed Ribs stitch, adding some openwork to the cables to generate a lighter appearance.
Basketweave Rib Stitch
One of my favorite stitches, a combination of ribbing and twisting generates this beautiful stitch.
Simple Cable Stitch
The Simple Cable Stitch is instantly recognizable, as it adorns many cardigans and jumpers, as panels or as a full pattern.
Twist to the Right Stitch
The Twist to the Right Stitch creates a Twisted Rib pattern that will give your rib stitches a little more variety.
Plaited Cable Stitch
The Plaited Cable stitch generates a very wide pattern, particularly suited when a bold accent is desired.
Crossed Cables Stitch
Similar to the Crossed Ribs Stitch, but with more frequent cabling to produce a more intricate criss-cross effect.
Ribbed Cables Stitch
This stitch generates a Ribbing effect that is twisted to the right.
We are continuously adding new stitches to the collection, so be sure to check back in again! If you wish to request a specific stitch, then please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
Tried all of the above? Then why not check out the full stitch dictionary?
