The cable stitch looks like twisted rope, or criss-crossed trellises. In addition to being pretty and decorative, they also thicken up fabric, making sweaters and hats warmer.

Steps

1. Cast on 18 stitches.
2. Use the pattern in the next 4 rows as follows: On row one, purl 6 stitches, knit six stitches then purl six stitches again. On the next three rows, knit the knits and purl the purls.
3. Begin on the fifth row, to purl six stitches then slip the first three knit stitches purl wise onto a cable needle.
   
4. Let the cable needle with the stitches dangle to the front of your work.
5. Knit the next stitch on the needle, pull the yarn tight, and knit the next two stitches.
   
6. Knit the first stitch off the cable needle, pull the yarn tight, and knit the last two stitches.
   
7. Put the cable needle to one side and purl the last six stitches.
   • On the next three rows, simply knit the knits, and purl the purls.
8. On the ninth row repeat the cable twist with the cable needle once more.
9. Look and note that magically the cable will appear.
   • Cables can be made to twist in the opposite direction. Just Follow the same steps and at the point you slip your stitches onto your cable needle, dangle it to the back of your work, rather than the front.
      

   

Things You'll Need

• Pair of large Knitting Needles
• Thick yarn
• Cable Needle