Table Of ContentREADY READY SET KNIT
R R
SET E E
Cable patterns:
A A
CABLES
Basic D D
KNIT
Y Y
Bamboo S S
CABLES E E
Simple Serpentine
T T
K K
Squiggles and Bumps
You’ve learned to knit. Now learn to N N
Claw knit cables. These intriguing stitch I I
T T
patterns are easy to master, and
C C
Plaited
they add beautiful texture to your
A A
Projects:
knitted projects.
Hugs and Kisses B B
L L Laptop Cover
Honeycomb * Learn to read charts and understand E E
symbols for knitting all kinds of cables S S Kiss the Baby Sweater
Twisted Chain
* Knit practice swatches of 20 Evening Handbag
Enclosed different cable patterns
Hemp Messenger Bag
Show off your newfound skills
Dancing Circles *
C C
with 10 creative and fun projects
a a Oversized Pillow
r r
Irish Twist r r
Want to learn to crochet or bead? i i Journal Cover with Ribbon Ties
H H
Classic Aran Diamond
a a
Cables and Lace Scarf
m m
Cables and Lace m m
Twining Vines Neckwarmer
e e
t t
Lace t t
Boho Suede Belt
Pineapple and Vines
Cashmere Butterfl y Shawl
Twining Vines
w
UPC
Reversible Rib w
w
.
c
r
Knotted e
a
t
ISBN – 13: 978-1-58923-293-8 iv
e
Butterfl y ISBN – 10: 1-58923-293-3 p
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A o
E LEARN TO CABLE WITH 20 DESIGNS AND 10 PROJECTS $2 £1 $1 m
4 3 9
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5 9 5
C U U
A K S
Carri Hammett N
Provision CPI
Ready Set Knit Cover CD407-24/4239
READYSET
KNIT CABLES
LEARN TO KNIT WITH 20 DESIGNS AND TEN PROJECTS
CARRI HAMMETT
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Copyright 2007
Creative Publishing international
18705 Lake Drive East (cid:129) Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317
1-800-328-3895 (cid:129) www.creativepub.com
All rights reserved
President/CEO: Ken Fund
Vice President/Sales & Marketing: Peter Ackroyd
Publisher: Winnie Prentiss
Executive Managing Editor: Barbara Harold
Acquisition Editors: Linda Neubauer,
Deborah Cannarella
Production Managers: Laura Hokkanen, Linda Halls
Creative Director: Michele Lanci-Altomare
Senior Design Manager: Brad Springer
Design Managers: Jon Simpson, Mary Rohl
Director of Photography: Tim Himsel
Lead Photographer: Steve Galvin
Photo Coordinator: Joanne Wawra
Illustrator: Peggy Greig
Photographers: Rudy Calin, Andrea Rugg, Joel Schnell
Special thanks to Suz Gill, Becky Helbling, and
Robyn Lamb for helping knit some of the projects.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Due to differing conditions, materials, and skill levels, the publisher
Hammett, Carri. and various manufacturers disclaim any liability for unsatisfactory
Ready, set, knit cables : learn to cable with 20 designs and 10 results or injury due to improper use of tools, materials,
projects / Carri Hammett. or information in this publication.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN-13: 978-1-58923-293-8 (soft cover) All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the
ISBN-10: 1-58923-293-3 (soft cover) copyrights hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or
1. Knitting--Patterns. I. Title.
by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including
TT825.H25647 2007
photocopying, recording, taping of information on storage and
746.43’2041--dc22 2006100072
retrieval systems—without the written permission of the publisher.
Printed in China:
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION........................................................................5 DANCING CIRCLES CABLE .............................................58
WHAT IS A CABLE? ..................................................................6 OVERSIZED PILLOW .................................60
STITCH LEGEND .........................................................................9 IRISH TWIST CABLE ...............................................................64
KNITTING CABLES ..................................................................10 CLASSIC ARAN DIAMOND CABLE ...........................66
JOURNAL COVER WITH RIBBON TIES 70
BASIC CABLE .............................................................................22 CABLES AND LACE CABLE .............................................74
BAMBOO CABLE .....................................................................24 CABLES AND LACE SCARF .....................76
SIMPLE SERPENTINE CABLE ............................................26 LACE CABLE ................................................................................78
SQUIGGLES AND BUMPS CABLE................................28 PINEAPPLE AND VINES CABLE .....................................80
LAPTOP COVER .........................................30 TWINING VINES CABLE .....................................................82
CLAW CABLE .............................................................................34 TWINING VINES NECKWARMER ..........84
PLAITED CABLE ........................................................................36 REVERSIBLE RIB CABLE ........................................................86
HUGS AND KISSES CABLE ...............................................38 BOHO SUEDE BELT ..................................88
KISS THE BABY SWEATER ......................40 KNOTTED CABLE ...................................................................90
HONEYCOMB CABLE ..........................................................44 BUTTERFLY CABLE .................................................................92
EVENING HANDBAG ................................46 CASHMERE BUTTERFLY SHAWL ..........94
TWISTED CHAIN CABLE ...................................................50
HEMP MESSENGER BAG ..........................52 ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................96
ENCLOSED CABLE .................................................................56 INDEX ..............................................................................................96
3
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INTRODUCTION
You’ve learned to knit and now you’re ready to try some vertically. The directions for the swatches are written out row-by-row and also shown
in a chart. By knitting each of the swatches, you will realize that there is no mystery to
new techniques. One of the most versatile skills you can learn
making a cable. The swatches provide knitting practice, stimulate
is how to knit beautiful, dimensional designs called cables. your imagination, and when you’re all done you could even sew them together to
make an afghan!
Cables have a wide range of complexity. You’ll notice as you work through the In addition to the swatches, there are 10 fun and unique projects for you to make with
your newfound cable expertise. The projects vary in complexity from a simple cabled
book that some cables are very simple. For instance, the Basic Cable contains
scarf to an evening bag or a journal cover. The projects are created from a wide range
just one unique direction other than knit and purl. Others like the Irish Twist are
of fibers and colors; some projects are made from two yarns combined together.
combinations of several different cables.
I think you’ll find the projects fun to knit as well as vibrant and exciting to look at.
In the Knitting Cables Section of this book you will learn the basic steps used to make
Ready, set, let’s cable!
a cable. These steps will be demonstrated with numerous photographs of cables in
progress. You’ll also find information about techniques such as increases and decreases.
The Stitch Legend on page 9, is a glossary of all the ways to cross or cable stitches.
Each cable has a title, a unique symbol, and a set of directions. Keep in mind that a
cable is more than just the row where the stitches are crossed. There are also rows Carri Hammett is the owner of Coldwater Collaborative, a gem of a yarn shop in Excelsior, Minnesota.
She loves everything having to do with fiber—knitting, weaving and quilting. Carri uses her strong sense
before and after the actual cross that give the cable its unique look—that’s what you’ll
of color and creativity to inspire her customers and design unique, knitted creations. She is also the
learn as you work through the 20 cable designs. The Stitch Legend provides the build- author of Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers.
ing blocks while the cable designs provide the construction diagrams.
Carri lives in Minnesota with her husband; she also has three kids who don’t visit
often enough. She loves to hear from readers. Send her an email at
This book contains directions for 20 different cable designs. Each cable is presented in [email protected].
two ways. It is illustrated in a chart, showing just the stitches necessary to make one
For any of the fabulous yarns used in these projects, visit Carri’s shop or web site:
repeat of the cable design with a few edge stitches. In addition, each cable is used in a Coldwater Collaborative
5 347 Water Street (cid:129) Excelsior, MN 55331
swatch to demonstrate how that cable can be repeated both horizontally and www.coldwateryarn.com
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*
WHAT IS A CABLE? You don’t need to be an expert knit-
66
ter to master cables. To get started, LEFT = FRONT
You already know what a cable looks like. A group of stitches that looks like a
you really only need to know how to RIGHT = BACK
plain rib suddenly twists and becomes more like a rope. Or, several groups of
knit and purl. It’s helpful to understand
stitches cross over each other and look woven or even knotted. These are all Use a trick in order to commit
s ome basic characteristics of cables.
cables. Many knitters are intimidated by cables but they shouldn’t be—cables this rule to memory
(cid:129) Usually, cables are created out of
are easy to knit once you understand the basic technique. Quite simply, a cable (my trick involves politics).
knit stitches with purl stitches on
is created by knitting groups of stitches out of order.
either side. Because the knit stitch is higher
than its purled-stitch background, it accentuates the cable.
Imagine you have four stitches on your left needle that you are getting ready
to knit. From right to left the stitches are numbered 1 through 4. As you are (cid:129) Cables draw the knitting together from side to side.
knitting, you take stitches 1 and 2 off your left needle to wait safely (without
(cid:129) Cables add density and therefore warmth to your knitting.
dropping!) and place them onto a cable needle. While those stitches are out of
(cid:129) Expect to use more yarn to cover the same area with cables compared
the way and on the cable needle, you knit stitches 3 and 4 from the left needle.
to basic stockinette stitch.
Next, knit stitches 1 and 2 off the cable needle. What you’ve done is change
the order in which two groups of stitches have been worked—stitches 3 and 4 TOOLS
first, followed by stitches 1 and 2.
Cable needles are available in many shapes, materials, and sizes but they are
Where you keep the stitches waiting on the cable needle determines the all pointed on both ends. Some are straight with either a dip or a bump in
direction that the cable crosses. If you keep the cable needle in front of your the middle (even a short double pointed needle will do). Others have a short
work while you knit the next (out of order) stitches off the left needle, then handle with a ‘U’ shape at the end, like a fish hook. Cable needles can be made
the cable will cross in a left direction. Conversely, if you put the cable needle from metal, plastic, or wood. In addition, cable
behind your work, then the cable will cross in a right direction. needles come in several sizes based on the diameter
of the needle. The bulkier the yarn, the bigger the
In addition to the direction that a cable slants, it can vary in other ways. cable needle you will need. However, your cable
(cid:129) The number of stitches in a cable can vary from two to 12 or more. You can `needle should always be smaller in diameter
put as few as one stitch on the cable needle to as many as six or even eight. than your knitting needle, otherwise you
might stretch your stitches. The type
(cid:129) The number of rows that are worked between the cable crossing can vary.
you use is a personal choice.
In a simple, classic, interpretation of a basic cable, the stitches and rows are
Try a few different needles;
balanced. For instance, a cable of eight stitches will cross every eighth row.
you’ll soon decide which type
(cid:129) A cable can go straight up and down on your knitting or it can travel—
you prefer.
the entire cable can move—diagonally.
(cid:129) In addition to trading places, knit stitches and purl stitches can change.
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CHARTS
A knitting chart is a graphic format used to visually represent each stitch in Starting at the bottom right corner, the numbers in the squares on each row
a piece of knitting. Each square on the chart represents one stitch and each represent the order in which the stitches are to be worked before progressing
line of squares represents one row of knitting. Symbols for knitting stitches or up to the next row. It helps to understand the exact meaning of right side and
directions are placed inside of the squares. Think of the chart as a road map. wrong side. The right side is the public side, what is seen on the outside of a
If you need to know how to drive somewhere you can either look at a map garment. The wrong side is the private side, the side that is worn next to your
(the chart) or read the written directions for each turn (just like row-by-row body and not seen. Knitting charts depict the work from the right side, the out-
knitting directions). side of your work. All of the projects in this book are knit back and forth.
Read the chart from the bottom to the top. The first row of your knitting is *
represented by the first row of squares on the bottom of the chart. The last
CHARTS FOR KNITTING in the round are always read from right
row of knitting is represented by the squares on the top of the chart. Odd
numbered rows are right side (RS) rows and even numbered rows are wrong to left for every row (that’s because you are always working on
side (WS) rows. Each row is read horizontally before progressing up to the the right side, the public side, of the knitting).
next one. So far, pretty easy but now you need to pay attention. Right side
rows on the chart are read horizontally from the right to the left. Wrong side
rows on the chart are read horizontally from the left to the right. If you are
making a piece of knitting comprised of six stitches and eight rows then you
would read the chart as follows:
Row 8 (WS) 1 2 3 4 5 6
6 5 4 3 2 1 Row 7 (RS)
Row 6 (WS) 1 2 3 4 5 6
6 5 4 3 2 1 Row 5 (RS)
Row 4 (WS) 1 2 3 4 5 6
6 5 4 3 2 1 Row 3 (RS)
Row 2 (WS) 1 2 3 4 5 6
6 5 4 3 2 1 Row 1 (RS)
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SYMBOLS
8 Some helpful information about using charts:
Symbols are placed into the squares on a chart to indicate how a stitch or
(cid:129) Read all the directions and look at the entire chart before you start a
group of stitches should be worked. As you know already, the majority of knit-
project. The charts and directions are helpful companions. If you don’t
ting is created by using either the knit stitch or the purl stitch. The gold stan-
understand a step in the directions or an area on the chart, you can often
dard of knitting patterns is the stockinette stitch, which is knit on the right side
figure it out by using the companion.
(RS) and purl on the wrong side (WS). The ‘symbol’ to represent a knit stitch
(cid:129) Photocopy the chart and enlarge it.
on the right side is actually a blank box that looks like this: Remember that
each square of a chart represents a single stitch. The blank box means to knit (cid:129) The cable symbols in this book are a different color but you might find it
that particular stitch on the right side and purl it on the wrong side. helpful to develop some other color keys to keep track of your knitting.
For instance, highlight the wrong side rows, or the background stitches.
A chart to represent Stockinette Stitch looks like this: (cid:129) Develop a system to keep track of the row you are working in the chart.
Use removable highlighting tape, put tick marks next to the row in the chart,
The directions for the
or move a ruler up the page. A row counter can also be helpful.
Row 8 (WS)
chart read as follows:
Row 7 (RS)
(cid:129) Charts actually look very much like your knitting. The plain boxes mimic
Row 1: Knit. Row 6 (WS)
Row 5 (RS) the flat aspect of a knit stitch while the horizontal line symbol for a purl
Row 2: Purl.
Row 4 (WS)
looks very much like the horizontal bumps of an actual purl stitch. Likewise,
Rows 3 – 8: Repeat rows 1 – 2 Row 3 (RS)
(3 times more). Row 2 (WS) you can easily detect the shape and size of a cable in the chart. Use this as
Row 1 (RS)
another tool.
The symbol to represent a purl stitch is a horizontal line and it means purl on (cid:129) Charts and knitting directions are not always perfect. Learn to think for
RS, knit on WS. yourself and be sure and let me know if you find a mistake.
Combining the two symbols to make a rib results in this chart:
Directions The stitch legend on page 9 explains in detail what each symbol means.
8
Row 1: K2, p2, k2, p2. 7 Mark this page in your book because you will refer to it often. Or make a
Row 2: K2, p2, k2, p2. 6 photocopy of the page for easy reference.
5
Rows 3 – 8: Repeat rows 1 – 2
4
(3 times more). 3
2
1
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STITCH LEGEND Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle Slip next 4 stitches to cable needle and
4-St RPC and hold at back of work, knit next 2 6-St RC hold at front of work, knit next 2 stitches
stitches from left needle, purl 2 stitches from left needle, slip next 2 stitches from
Knit on RS, purl on WS from cable needle cable needle back to left needle, pass cable
needle with remaining 2 sts to back of
Purl on RS, knit on WS Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle work, purl 2 sts from left needle, knit next
4-St LKC and hold at front of work, knit next 2 2 sts from cable needle
Make Bobble (MB) - (page 21) stitches from left needle, knit 2 stitches
from cable needle Slip next 4 stitches to cable needle and hold
K2tog in knit stitches; 7-St LKC at front of work, knit next 3 stitches from
P2tog in purl stitches Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle and left needle, knit 4 stitches from cable needle
4-St LPC hold at front of work, purl next 2
SSK stitches from left needle, knit 2 stitches Slip next 4 stitches to cable needle and hold
from cable needle 8-St RKC at back of work, knit next 4 stitches from
Yarn Over (yo) left needle, knit 4 stitches from cable needle
Slip next 3 stitches to cable needle and
5-St RC hold at back of work, knit next 2 Slip next 4 stitches to cable needle and
stitches from left needle, slip next stitch 8-St LKC hold at front of work, knit next 4 stitches
Slip next stitch to cable needle and from cable needle back to left needle from left needle, knit 4 stitches from
3-St RKC hold at back of work, knit next 2 and purl it, knit remaining 2 stitches cable needle
stitches from left needle, knit stitch from cable needle
from cable needle Slip next 4 stitches to cable needle and
Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle and 8-St RIB RC hold at back of work, (k1, p1) twice
Slip next stitch to cable needle and 5-St RPC hold at of back of work, knit next 3 from left needle, (k1, p1) twice from
3-St RPC hold at back of work, knit next 2 stitches from left needle, purl 2 stitches cable needle
stitches from left needle, purl stitch from cable needle
from cable needle Slip next 4 stitches to cable needle and
Slip next 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at back of work, purl next 4 stitches
8-St RPC
Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle 5-St LPC hold at front of work, purl next 2 from left needle, knit 4 stitches from
3-St LKC and hold at front of work, knit next stitches from left needle, knit 3 stitches cable needle.
stitch from left needle, knit 2 stitches from cable needle
from cable needle Slip next 4 stitches to cable needle and
Slip next 3 stitches to cable needle and 8-St LPC hold at front of work, knit next 4
Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle 6-St RKC hold at back of work, knit next 3 stitches stitches from left needle, purl 4 stitches
3-St LPC and hold at front of work, purl next from left needle, knit 3 stitches from from cable needle.
stitch from left needle, knit 2 stitches cable needle
from cable needle Slip next 4 stitches to cable needle and hold
Slip next 3 stitches to cable needle 9-St RKC at back of work, knit next 5 stitches from left
Slip next 2 stitches to cable needle 6-St LKC and hold at front of work, knit next 3 needle, knit 4 stitches from cable needle
4-St RKC and hold at back of work, knit next stitches from left needle,
2 stitches from left needle, knit 2 knit 3 stitches Slip next 6 stitches to cable needle and hold
stitches from cable needle from cable needle 16-St RC at back of work, slip next stitches to
second cable needle and hold at front of
work, knit next 6 stitches from left needle,
9 purl next 4 stitches from front cable needle
knit next 6 sts from back cable needle
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