Knitting Cables Without a Cable Needle - Oh My!

Knitting cables without a cable needle is easier than you might think. 

In fact you might even think knitting cables is easier now that you don't have to worry about the cable needle.

I used to avoid knitting cables altogether until I found this one cable knitting technique.

And it changed everything! Now I can knit cables without a second thought. Somehow it just seemed easier.

Now I love to knit cables of all kinds. I think taking away that extra knitting tool, (cable needle) made it feel more doable.

And now I want to show you how to knit a cable without a cable needle too.

It makes knitting cable stitches way more fun too

Let's get started.

So as a reminder, knitting cable stitches is a matter of rearranging the order that you knit stitches.  

You're going to cross one set of stitches in front or behind another set of stitches. And the cable needle is used to hold a set of stitches

The problem is, sometimes the stitches fall off the cable needle or the cable needle can be so darn awkward to use.  It was for me. 

But as soon as I learned how to knit a cable without a cable needle it all became a lot easier somehow. 

And the thought of dropping a couple of stitches off your needle sounds scary right? 

But wait, the whole process is really quick and barely noticeable. And you'll be holding them so it works out just fine. Really.

The nice thing is it can also save a lot of time and frustration. Let's get started.

How to Knit A Cable Stitch Without A Cable Needle

Remember: All you're doing is rearranging the order of the stitches on the needle. That's all it is. 

I'm going to show you the 4 stitch right cross cable stitch.

And above are the 4 stitches I am working with.

With your right needle push it through the front of the second 2 stitches on the left needle. 

Those 2 sts will remain on the right needle. What I mean is only the first 2 sts will be off the needle. 

The 2nd photo is just another view.

With your left needle slide those 4 stitches off the left needle.  As I mentioned above the second 2 stitches remain on the right needle and 2 sts will be off the needle. 

It's okay stay calm. They're not going anywhere.

With your left needle quickly slide it through the 2 live stitches.

Gently pull the left needle away from the right needle a bit. Then slip the 2 stitches from the right needle over to the left needle.  

Now the second 2 sts are in the front of the left needle and the stitches are crossed, (rearranged)

Now all you do is knit those 4 stitches (1st photo) and there you have your little cable.

And that's how to knit cables without a cable needle. It's honestly not that difficult and I found it easier than fiddling with the cable needle.  

The cable needle always felt so awkward for me or the stitches would come off so why bother with it?  

What About Left Cross Cables Without a Cable Needle?

If you want to make a left cross cable you'll put your right needle into the second 2 stitches in the back of your knitting.

That's the only difference.

To knit a right cable the right needle goes into the front of the stitches. 

To knit a left cable the right needle goes in the back of the stitches.  

Everything else stays the same.

I hope you will try this cable knitting technique. You just may start to enjoy knitting cable stitches just like I did. 

Still uncomfortable knitting cable stitches without a cable needle?

You may enjoy knitting cables the regular way and I've made a detailed page about that too.

Also I would suggest trying a U cable stitch holder. 

This is a great cable needle to use without worrying about your stitches sliding off.  

In fact it's my favorite when I don't use this method and I find it much more comfortable to use too.

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