Knitting Cables

I knew that there was a way to knit cables without using a cable needle, but I didn't know how. The technique rearranges the stitches on the needle so that you can knit all the stitches at once. It works really well on 2,4, or 6 cables, front or back, but may not work on a bigger cable.

I wouldn't use the technique with a slippery yarn, but with wool, it works great.

Cable knitting technique instructions: I will use a C4F (cable 4 front) as an example.

1. Place right needle in the back of the 3rd and 4th stitch on the left needle as if you were going to knit through the back loops.

2. When those two stitches are on your right needle, let the first 4 stitches slip off of the left needle(be brave-this works!)

3. You now have 2 stitches on your right needle and 2 stitches dangeling in the breeze.

4. Use your left needle to pick up the dangling stitches.

5. Slip (transfer) the two stitches on your right needle back to your left needle.

6. You now have the 4 cable stitches on the left needle. Knit them.

7. Mazel tov! You have knit a cable without a cable needle. You may now knit one of those fantastic cable patterns in this month's Interweave magazine using Berrocco's Pure Merino wool.
If you learn better visually, come into the store and I will show you.