Medallion Cable Knitting Stitch Pattern

Try mixing things up and use this Medallion Cable Knitting Stitch instead of the classic cable knit stitch in your next knitting project.

Welcome to Day 7 of the 21 Days of Cable Knit Stitches Series!
Previous -> Day 6: Crossing Pathways Cable Stitch
Next -> Day 8: Twisted Eyelet Cable Knit Stitch

Learn how to knit the Medallion Cable Knit Stitch in today’s video tutorial + grab the FREE Headband Knitting Pattern below!

About the Stitch

No new cables today, just a new combination of the cables we already know and love. Combined with the seed stitch to get lots of texture and depth which makes a great headband pattern!

The Medallion Cable Stitch is a 16 row repeat, consisting of 2 simple cables which are only used on 2 rows.

If you’re knitting a stockinette stitch scarf or blanket and you’d like to add this cable pattern, having a few reverse stocking stitch background on either side of your cable will give it more definition, so it “pops.”

Even though this cable stitch requires your full attention, it’s easier than it looks!

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 Knitter

Learn how to knit the Medallion Cable Knit Stitch in today’s video tutorial + grab the FREE Headband Knitting Pattern below!

Yarn, Needles & Notions

Yarn Weight: Bulky Yarn
Yardage: 95 yards (87 meters)
Suggested Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Roving
Needle Size: Size US 10.5 (6.5 mm) Knitting Needles
Cable Needle
Darning Needle / Tapestry Needle / Yarn Needle
Scissors

Yarn Substitutions

You can use any 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.

Medallion Cable Stitch Swatch Instructions

Knit flat using straight needles:

CO in multiples of 15 +2
CO 17 STS

Row 1 (WS): *K2, P13* K2
Row 2 (RS): P2 *K13, P2*
Row 3 (WS): *K2, P13* K2
Row 4 (RS): P2 *C6B, K1, C6F, P2*
Row 5 (WS): *K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3* K2
Row 6 (RS): P2 *K3, [K1, P1] x3, K4, P2*
Row 7 (WS): *K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3* K2
Row 8 (RS): P2 *K3, [K1, P1] x3, K4, P2*
Row 9 (WS): *K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3* K2
Row 10 (RS): P2 *K3, [K1, P1] x3, K4, P2*
Row 11 (WS): *K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3* K2
Row 12 (RS): P2 *C6F, K1, C6B, P2*
Row 13 (WS): *K2, P13* K2
Row 14 (RS): P2 *K13, P2*
Row 15 (WS): *K2, P13* K2
Row 16 (RS): P2 *K13, P2*
Repeat rows 1 – 16 until desired length.

Video Tutorial

*Check out some of my other Cable Stitch Patterns.

Medallion Cable Stitch Headband Pattern Instructions (Free Knitting Pattern)

Knit flat using straight needles:

CO 19 STS
Rows 1, 3, 13, 15 (WS): K1TBL, K2, P13, K2, K1TBL
Rows 2, 14, 16 (RS): WYIF S1PW, P2, K13, P2, WYIF S1PW
Row 4 (RS): WYIF S1PW, P2, C6B, K1, C6F, P2, WYIF S1PW
Rows 5, 7, 9, 11 (WS): K1TBL, K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3, K2, K1TBL
Rows 6, 8, 10 (RS): WYIF S1PW, P2, K3, [K1, P1] x3, K4, P2, WYIF S1PW
Row 12 (RS): WYIF S1PW, P2, C6F, K1, C6B, P2, WYIF S1PW
Repeat rows 1 – 16 until it’s about 18” (46cm) long, or desired length.

To End:
BO in the row 1 pattern
Sew the CO & BO edges together
To see how I do it, watch my video: How to Sew the Seam on a Headband

Headband Notes

The CO edge is the width.
I like using circular knitting needles or DPN’s for a small swatch, it’s easier on my hands than full length straight needles.
You can use any category of yarn you’d like, just keep in mind that the thinner the yarn, the narrower your 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:
Medallion Mittens
Sweaters
Headbands
Scarves
Blankets
Shawl

Suggested Trim:
Moss Stitch Border
1×1 ribbing
Seed Stitch
Garter Stitch

Abbreviations : Knitting Techniques

*– * – repeat between *asterisks* to the end of the round
BO – bind-off in pattern
CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
C6B – cable 6 back – slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the back of your work, knit the next 3 stitches off your left hand needle and then knit the 3 stitches off the cable needle
C6F – cable 6 front – slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the front of your work, knit the next 3 stitches off your left hand needle and then knit the 3 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 (hold front)

Right Side Rows : Front of Work

swatch of cable knit stitch

Wrong Side Rows : Back of Work

swatch of cable knit stitch

Medallion Cable Stitch Swatch Instructions Download

The Medallion Cable Stitch is a 16 row repeat, consisting of 2 simple cables which are only used on 2 rows.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes

Equipment

Materials

  • Any Yarn

Instructions

Knit flat using straight needles:

  • CO in multiples of 15 +2
  • CO 17 STS
  • Row 1 (WS): *K2, P13* K2
  • Row 2 (RS): P2 *K13, P2*
  • Row 3 (WS): *K2, P13* K2
  • Row 4 (RS): P2 *C6B, K1, C6F, P2*
  • Row 5 (WS): *K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3* K2
  • Row 6 (RS): P2 *K3, [K1, P1] x3, K4, P2*
  • Row 7 (WS): *K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3* K2
  • Row 8 (RS): P2 *K3, [K1, P1] x3, K4, P2*
  • Row 9 (WS): *K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3* K2
  • Row 10 (RS): P2 *K3, [K1, P1] x3, K4, P2*
  • Row 11 (WS): *K2, P3, [K1, P1] x3, K1, P3* K2
  • Row 12 (RS): P2 *C6F, K1, C6B, P2*
  • Row 13 (WS): *K2, P13* K2
  • Row 14 (RS): P2 *K13, P2*
  • Row 15 (WS): *K2, P13* K2
  • Row 16 (RS): P2 *K13, P2*
  • Repeat rows 1 – 16 until desired length.

Abbreviations : Knitting Techniques

  • *– * – repeat between *asterisks* to the end of the round
  • BO – bind-off in pattern
  • CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
  • C6B – cable 6 back – slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the back of your work, knit the next 3 stitches off your left hand needle and then knit the 3 stitches off the cable needle
  • C6F – cable 6 front – slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the front of your work, knit the next 3 stitches off your left hand needle and then knit the 3 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 (hold front)