Fall is officially here in the northwest – there is a chill in the air, the days are getting shorter, and everyone I know is either planning out or already starting on their holiday knitting! In the spirit of getting things done on time and adorning our loving friends and family with cozy knits, I will be posting weekly video techniques that you can use to spruce up gifts and finishing tips that will make your projects extra special. We will also be posting about pattern ideas, quick knits, and our own works in progress as we strive to reach the finish line (on time) in our very own Race to Wrapped!
To kick off our Race to Wrapped, I loved the idea of using cables to add texture and interest to projects. And although many beginning knitters shy away from cables because they look too complicated, they are actually quite simple! Cable patterns are almost infinite in their design possibilities, and yes – there are cables that are harder to master then others. But it doesn’t take a lot to let a few cables transform a simple hat or scarf into a project with a classic and sophisticated twist. If you have always loved the way cables look, but weren’t sure where to start, I think you will find our “How to Cable for Beginners” video very helpful, and hopefully inspire you to give cables a try!
In this video, Kerin first covers the basics, explains what cables are, and how to create them. If you are working with cables, chances are that you will be using a chart. And if the thought of combining cables and charts is enough to scare you away – don’t worry, because Kerin covers that too! She explains symbols and names that cables use and how you might encounter cables in charted form. Then, you get to the good stuff – creating cables! First, you will learn how to create simple traveling stitches and twists which are made by using only two stitches. Next you’ll use a total of four stitches to create a 2-over-2 cable. And finally, Kerin shows you how to create a staghorn cable which is worked over a total of 6 stitches.
There are so many ways to add cables into your projects. Try adding cable twists to hats that use a simple k2, p2 ribbing for the brim. Or experiment with cables that travel along the length of a simple scarf. You’ll be surprised at how much a simple accessory can be dressed up with the addition of a cable or two. All you need to get started is a cable needle, which are available in different sizes and shapes. Or try our pretty Harmony Cable Needles, which have small grooves in the center to hold your yarn in place as the cable is worked.
We have even created a cable chart (click here) that uses all of the different cables that Kerin shows in the video, making it easy to follow along! You can even use the chart to create a sampler scarf.
What kinds of projects do you like to see cables used in? Are you starting any gift knitting for the holidays yet?
