Side-by-Side Cable Knitting Stitch Pattern

Today’s stitch is a side-by-side cable knitting stitch, so you’ll be learning a right-leaning cable and a left-leaning cable. Knit them back-to-back to create this beautiful cable stitch! 😍

Swatch of the Side-by-Side Cable Knitting Stitch PatternPin

About the Stitch

The side-by-side cable knitting stitch is a simple 4 row repeat consisting of 2 cables knit back-to-back.

If you’re knitting a stockinette stitch sweater or blanket and you’d like to add a cable, having a few reverse stockinette stiches on either side of the cable gives it more definition, so it stands out.

Work the cable stitch in between the reverse stocking stitch helps the cable “pop.”

This is not a reversible pattern, meaning that the front and back are not the same.

There aren’t any increases or decreases, so you should always have the same number of stitches on the needles.

Skill level : Intermediate / Advanced Beginner Knitters

Yarn, Needles & Notions

Yarn Weight: Super Bulky
Yardage: 75 yards (68 meters)
Suggested Yarn: Millamia Naturally Soft Super Chunky
Needle Size: US 13 (9 mm) Knitting Needles
Cable Needle
Darning Needle / Tapestry Needle / Yarn Needle
Scissors

Note: I like using DPN’s for a small swatch, it’s easier on my hands than full length straight needles.

Yarn Substitutions

You can use any category of yarn you’d like. To get the right gauge, start with the recommended needle size. If you’re stitches are too loose, use smaller needles and if you’re stitches are too tight use larger needles.

Honeycomb Cable Stitch Swatch Instructions

Knit flat using straight needles:

CO 10 STS

Row 1 (WS): *K2, P8*
Row 2 (RS): *P2, K8*
Row 3 (WS): *K2, P8* (repeat row 1)
Row 4 (RS): *P2, C4B, C4F*
Repeat rows 1 – 4 until desired length


Video Tutorial:

*Check out some of my other Cable Knit Stitches.

Honeycomb Cable Stitch Headband Pattern Instructions

(Free Knitting Pattern)

Knit flat using straight needles:

CO 14 STS

Row 1 (WS): K1TBL, K2, P8, K2, K1TBL
Row 2 (RS): WYIF S1PW, P2, K8, P2, WYIF, S1PW
Row 3 (WS): repeat row 1
Row 4 (RS): WYIF S1PW, P2, C4B, C4F, P2, WYIF S1PW
Repeat rows 1 – 4 until it’s about 18” (46cm) long, or desired length

To End:
Repeat rows 1 & 2
BO in the row 3 pattern
Sew the CO & BO edges together
Watch the video tutorial: How to Sew the Seam on a Headband

Cable Stitch Inspiration

This is one of my favorite stitches to create a thick & cozy fabric for just about any project! 

Suggested Project Ideas:

Hats
Sweaters
Headbands
Scarves
Blankets
Shawl

Suggested Trim:

1×1 ribbing
Seed Stitch
Garter Stitch


Abbreviations

*– * – repeat between *asterisks* to the end of the round
BO – bind-off in pattern
CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
C4B – cable 4 back – right cable – slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the back of your work, knit the next 2 stitches off your left needle and then knit the 2 stitches off the cable needle
C4F – cable 4 front – left cable – slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the front of your work, knit the next 2 stitches off your left needle and then knit the 2 stitches off the cable needle
K – knit stitches (K1 means to knit 1 stitch)
K1TBL – knit 1 stitch through the back loop
P – purl stitches (P2 means to purl 2 stitches)
RS – right side of work
S1PW – slip one stitch purl-wise
STS – stitches
WS – wrong side of work
WYIF – with yarn in front


Right Side Rows : Front of Work

front side of swatch of cable knit stitchPin


Wrong Side Rows : Back of Work

back side of swatch of cable knit stitchPin

Side-by-Side Cable Knitting Stitch Pattern

Side-by-side cable knitting stitch. Learning a right-leaning cable and a left-leaning cable to create this beautiful cable stitch!
The side-by-side cable knitting stitch is a simple 4 row repeat consisting of 2 cables knit back-to-back.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes

Equipment

Materials

  • Any Yarn

Instructions

Knit flat using straight needles:

  • CO 10 STS
  • Row 1 (WS): *K2, P8*
  • Row 2 (RS): *P2, K8*
  • Row 3 (WS): *K2, P8* (repeat row 1)
  • Row 4 (RS): *P2, C4B, C4F*
  • Repeat rows 1 – 4 until desired length

Abbreviations

  • *– * – repeat between *asterisks* to the end of the round
  • BO – bind-off in pattern
  • CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
  • C4B – cable 4 back – right cable – slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the back of your work, knit the next 2 stitches off your left needle and then knit the 2 stitches off the cable needle
  • C4F – cable 4 front – left cable – slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the front of your work, knit the next 2 stitches off your left needle and then knit the 2 stitches off the cable needle
  • K – knit stitches (K1 means to knit 1 stitch)
  • K1TBL – knit 1 stitch through the back loop
  • P – purl stitches (P2 means to purl 2 stitches)
  • RS – right side of work
  • S1PW – slip one stitch purl-wise
  • STS – stitches
  • WS – wrong side of work
  • WYIF – with yarn in front