As knitters progress and learn new skills, they eventually learn both cable and stranded knitting. Often knitters treat these as two separate techniques, but it is possible to combine them to produce striking garments and items for the home. Cabling in colour is easier than it looks, as it is very obvious which stitches form part of the cable, and which are part of the background.
Different effects can also be achieved. Cables are usually worked against a background of reverse stocking stitch, for improved definition. This can still be the case when working cables in contrasting colours, but the background can also be right side stocking stitch, giving a smoother, less bulky finish to the item.
The following is a stitch pattern sample over a multiple of 10 sts plus 2.
Contrast Cable Lattice Pattern (over a multiple of 10 sts +2):
Abbreviations:
- L “Light” (the background colour)– eg K2L means “Knit 2 in light coloured yarn”
- D “Dark” (the cable colour)
- NB - the yarns are carried using the technique for stranded knitting
- C4B Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the back of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
- C4F Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the front of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
- C3BD Place the next stitch on the cable needle and place at the back of the work. Knit the next two stitches in D, and then knit the stitch from the cable needle in L.
- C3FD Place the next two stitches on the cable needle and place at the front of the work. Knit the next stitch in L, and then knit the two stitches from the cable needle in D.
Pattern
Row 1 K4L, (C4B in D, K6 in L) to last 8 sts, C4BD, K4 in L
Row 2 (and all even rows) Purl, keeping colours consistent from the previous row.
Row 3 K3L (C3BD, C3FD, K4L) to last 9 sts, C3BD, C3FD, K3 in L
Row 5 K2L (C3BD, K2L, C3FD, K2L) to end
Row 7 K1L, (C3BD, K4, C3FD) to last st, K1L
Row 9 K1L, K2D (K6L, C4F in D) to last 9 sts, K6L, K2D, K1L
Row 11 K1L, (C3FD, K4, C3BD) to last st, K1L
Row 13 K2L, (C3FD, K2L, C3BD, K2L) to end
Row 15 K3L, (C3FD, C3BD, K4L) to last 9 sts, C3FD, C3BD, K3L
Row 16 Purl, keeping colours consistent from the previous row.
These 16 rows form the cable pattern.
This stitch pattern was originally used in a pattern for a pair of handwarmers, available here.
Single cable panels are also very effective when worked in contrasting colours and can be used to add beautiful detail to an otherwise plain garment.
It can be seen, therefore, that by combining knitting techniques, it is possible to create beautiful and unique knitted items.
Free pattern offered for private and charity use only.
Not for commercial use without the express written permission of the designer.
Lesley Arnold-Hopkins - Lesley Arnold-Hopkins is a freelance writer whose work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a number of fields. She has an ...
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