Hi There! I’m super excited about this blog article, where I’ll teach you how to knit the cable stitch without a cable needle!
For those of you who prefer to watch to learn, I’ve also included a video here:
Are you addicted to cabling? I love to cable and I love the look of cable designs. I have been cabling for quite a few years, and I have always used a cable needle or a dpn. However, my knitting friend kept asking me if I had tried cabling without a needle. I kept putting it off. Then on a road trip, lo and behold I didn’t have an extra needle with me. So, I was forced to try cabling without a needle. It didn’t take long, and I was addicted.
Seems unreal doesn’t it? But, it actually isn’t. It is a HUGE time saver. No more trying to manage three needles at once. Yes, it can be daunting slipping stitches off the needle, but 99% of the time, it works out great! Especially if you are are using 2 stitch or 4 stitch cables. They are super easy to cable without a needle.
Simple C6B without using a Cable Needle.
1. Place your right needle in front of the first 3 stitches. Slip the right needle into the next three stitches as if to purl. Slide all 6 stitches off the left needle. 3 stitches will fall, and 3 stitches will be on the right needle. The fallen stitches will be to the back.
2. Slip these 3 stitches on to the left needle.
3. Slide the 3 stitches from the right needle back to the left needle. They are now in position to knit with the first 3 stitches to the back. Knit the 6 stitches and you will see the cable appear.
C6F Without Using a Cable Needle.
1. Place your right needle in behind the first 3 stitches. Slip the right needle into the next three stitches.
2. Slide all 6 stitches off the left needle. 3 stitches will fall, and 3 stitches will be on the right needle. The fallen stitches will be in the front. Slip these 3 stitches on to the left needle.
3. Slide the 3 stitches from the right needle back to the left needle. They are now in position to knit with the first 3 stitches to the back. Knit the 6 stitches and you will see the cable appear.
Once you get the hang of cabling without an extra needle, you will find that your knitting takes less and less time. The cables will not slow you down.
Give it a try. Start with a smaller cable for your first attempt. Maybe a C4B or C4F. The fewer stitches in a cable, the easier it is to cable without a needle. I have done 12 stitch cables without a needle, but it definitely requires a lot more care and concentration. I wouldn’t recommend it! A cable needle for large cables is the way to go.
Have you tried this method yet? What do you think of it? If you are trying it for the first time, please let me know if you enjoy it as much as I do! đŸ™‚
Which pattern should I try if I’m new to cables?
Here’s a good beginner pattern if you are new to cabling and looking for something to start with. Headband with a Twist features a cable with a seed stitch surrounding it!
Happy Cabling!
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