The Willow Vest & Kids Cable Jumper
Cables are a perennial favourite in knits and knitting patterns. They’re stylish, timeless and add texture and visual interest to your knitting.
But they can be intimidating for those who’ve never cabled. There’s new terminology to understand and counting rows becomes extra important.
So for some tips and tricks, we went to those that know best…our extremely experienced BWM online community, some of whom have been knitting for 60+ years!
We asked them to share their tips and we’ve included some below for any knitter itching to try cables.
Tip 1. It’s not as hard as it looks!
It’s actually quite easy and YouTube has so many great videos for those who need a visual demonstration.
From: Kathsuccs
Tip 2. Use Colour coding on your pattern
Use a highlighter to mark opposite colours for opposite direction cables on your pattern: blue goes front and pink goes back, for example
From: Lauryn B
Tip 3. Use a cable needle (or DPN)
Use a U shaped cable needle - and for smaller ‘holes’ in your work, use a cable needle a size down from what you’re knitting with.
From: Skat Kat
If you don’t have a cable needle, you can use other tools - from a bobby pin to crochet hook or even a circular needle. All work well as long as you keep your tension even.
From: Virginia M
Tip 4. Use a row counter, notebook or spreadsheet
To keep track of which row you’re up to, use a row counter around your neck, or if it’s more complicated, write down each row in a note book and cross off as you go.
From: Mary P
For complicated patterns, set up a spreadsheet.
I create a excel spreadsheet for complicated patterns if a 22 row pattern I do row numbers 1 to 22, then colour code stitch changes in each row, place pattern instructions on bottom of page colour coding rows....then as I knit use highlighter to mark off
From: Skat Kat
Tip 5. Do a swatch square first to get comfortable
Before casting on and committing to a larger piece, do a swatch square to practice the cable first, so you get comfortable with the stitches and the pattern.
From: Krissy T
Tip 6. Cable Terminology isn't always consistent between patterns
Some instructions use the L and R terms, e.g. C4L and C4R. If you see this type of cable name, the L means the cable is going to swing to the left and R to the right.
Other instructions use F and B—for front and back. So here you’re being told not which way the cable turns, but where to hold the cable needle. It’s helpful as a reminder how to work the cable but it doesn't always help you check you've gone the right way.
So a little mnemonic to help you: If you can’t remember how to work a cable, go Right Back to the instructions. If the cable needle is held to the back, the cable leans right. And for Left get a little French... LeFT "Le Front"!
From: Jane P
Bonus Tip. You also need a little bit of patience.
But don’t stress over it, and remember, slow and steady wins the race!
From: Jeanine C
Ready to try cabling but not sure which pattern to start with?
Before you dive into cables, you may want to try a pattern with minimal shaping and that has consistent and a relatively simple cable pattern.
If you’re looking for a pattern with cables to start out with, we’d recommend the Waterfall Scarf & Beanie pattern.
If you’re feeling a little more confident and prefer a garment, the Jodie Cabled Cardigan has just two cabled columns on the front and back, so a great opportunity to get into the rhythm.
When you're ready for your next challenge, jump in to our collection of cable patterns of all kinds.
We hope this gives you a little confidence boost in tackling cables...and be sure to share your work with us on the BWM socials!