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
![Coiled Rope stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Coiled Rope Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Coiled-rope-stitch-cta-300x206.png)
Like it’s name suggests the Coiled Rope Cable Stitch resembles a sturdy looking length of rope.
Wasp’s Nest Stitch
![Wasp's Nest stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Wasp's Nest Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Wasps-nest-stitch-cta-300x206.png)
The Wasp’s Nest is a raised 3-dimensional hexagonal texture created by twisting or crossing stitches then knitting them.
Woven Cable Stitch
![](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Woven-Cable-Stitch-CTA-300x206.png)
Resembling the basketweave stitch, rotated through 45 degrees the Woven Cable Stitch is a straightforward repeating pattern.
Wild Oats Stitch
![Wild Oats Stitch example & Title for "How to Knit the Wild Oats Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Wild-oats-stitch-cta-300x206.png)
The Wild Oats stitch gives a softly contoured pattern with a low relief.
Trellis Stitch
![Trellis stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Trellis Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/trellis-stitch-cta-300x206.png)
The stitch gives a very angular, interlocking chainmail texture and is an excellent choice for paneling on large projects.
Crossed Ribs Stitch
![Crossed Rib stitch example & title slide for "How to Knit the Crossed Rib Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Crossed_Ribs-stitch_Title_CTA-300x206.png)
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
![Travelling Sands stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Travelling Sands Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/travelling-sands-stitch-cta-300x206.png)
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
![Braid Cable stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the braid Cable Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Braid-Cable-Stitch-CTA-300x206.png)
Giving a Celtic or Viking feel, this stitch is a common staple for many a wooly jumper.
Twist to the Left Stitch
![Twist to the Left stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Twist to the Left Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/twist-left-stitch-cta-1-300x206.png)
The Twist to the Left Stitch creates a Twisted Rib pattern that will give your rib stitches a little more variety.
Chain Cable Stitch
![Chain Cable Stitch example & Title for "How to Knit the Chain Cable Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/chain-cable-stitch-title-cta-300x206.png)
The Chained Cable Stitch is a big, bold Cable stitch that will give any project some “density”.
Honeycomb Cable Stitch
![Honeycomb Cable stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Honeycomb Cable Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Honeycomb-stitch-title-cta-300x206.png)
This stitch gives a more rugged, raised honeycomb texture and is perfect for thick wooly jumpers or hats.
Minaret Stitch
![Minaret stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Minaret Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Minaret-Stitch-cta-300x206.png)
The Minaret Stitch produces a slender Cable that resembles the domed structure of a mosque’s minaret.
Crossed Ribs with Faggots Stitch
![Crossed Ribs with Faggots stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Crossed Ribs with Faggots Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/crossed-ribs-faggots-stitch-cta-300x206.png)
A variation on the Crossed Ribs stitch, adding some openwork to the cables to generate a lighter appearance.
Basketweave Rib Stitch
![Basketweave Rib stitch example & title slide for "How to Knit the Basketweave Rib Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Basketweave-Rib_Stitch-cta-300x206.png)
One of my favorite stitches, a combination of ribbing and twisting generates this beautiful stitch.
Simple Cable Stitch
![Simple Cable stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Simple Cable Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Simple-Cable-Stitch-cta-300x206.png)
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
![Twist to the Right stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Twist to the Right Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Twist-Right-Stitch-cta-300x206.png)
The Twist to the Right Stitch creates a Twisted Rib pattern that will give your rib stitches a little more variety.
Plaited Cable Stitch
![Plaited Cable stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Plaited Cable Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/plaited-cable-stitch-title-cta-300x206.png)
The Plaited Cable stitch generates a very wide pattern, particularly suited when a bold accent is desired.
Crossed Cables Stitch
![Crossed Cables stitch example & Title Slide for "How to Knit the Crossed Cables Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/crossed-cables-stitch-cta-300x206.png)
Similar to the Crossed Ribs Stitch, but with more frequent cabling to produce a more intricate criss-cross effect.
Ribbed Cables Stitch
![Ribbed Cables stitch example & title slide for "How to Knit the Ribbed Cables Stitch"](https://eknittingstitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Ribbed_Cables_Stitch-CTA-300x206.png)
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?