How to Knit: Knitted Cable Cast-On including YouTube Tutorial

Learn how to cast on stitches using the cable cast-on technique!

In the knitting world, casting on is one essential skill a knitter must learn to form the foundation row of stitches for a knitting project.  Among the numerous techniques available, the knitted cable cast-on stands out for its neat edge and flexibility, making it a favorite among seasoned knitters and novices.

The cable cast-on in knitting creates a firm and somewhat stretchy edge. Unlike other cast-on techniques, such as the long-tail cast-on, which requires estimating the amount of yarn needed, the knitted cable cast-on allows you to cast on stitches without pre-measuring yarn, making it convenient and versatile.

You'll need two knitting needles and one strand of yarn to perform the cable cast-on.  It's similar to the knitted cast-on, but the needle is inserted between the previous two stitches for each new stitch. This creates a smooth rope-like edge that looks great on many knitting projects.

If you're interested in learning more about the cable-cast technique, watch our video or read this post for a step-by-step tutorial. 

how to do the cable cast-on 

What is a cast-on in knitting?

A cast-on is a technique used in knitting to create the first row of stitches on the needle; the foundation row.  It involves creating loops of yarn onto a knitting needle.  

The cast-on is an important part of the knitting process because it sets the foundation for the rest of the project and determines the stretchiness and flexibility of the knitted piece's edge.

Advantages of the Cable Cast-On

• Easy to work
• Don't have to guess the amount of yarn needed for cast-on
• Firm and stable
• Some stretchiness
• Neat, sturdy rope-like edge
• It can be used to cast-on stitch at the beginning or end of a row of existing stitches

Disadvantages of the Cabe Cast-On

• Slower method because it uses two knitting needles
• Not as elastic as some other cast-on methods

WHAT YOU NEED to learn the cable cast-on

• Knitting Needles (Purchase at Amazon or Joann)
• Yarn (Amazon or Joann)

knitted cable cast-on INSTRUCTIONS :

STEP 1: begin with slip knot

Begin by making a simple slip knot.   Leave a tail of the yarn, approximately 4 - 6 inches long, for weaving in later.

Slide the slip knot on the left hand knitting needle. 

The slip knot counts as your first stitch, and it's included in the final count of cast-on stitches before starting your project.

There are different ways to make a slip knot, so you may want to check out this tutorial.

STEP 2: work the first stitch as a knitted cast-on

With the slip knot securely on the needle, it's time to work the first cast-on, a knitted cast-on stitch.  

Holding the needle with the slip knot in your left hand.  Insert the tip of the right hand needle into the slip knot as if to knit, from front to back, ensuring it's positioned under and in the back of the left needle.

Bring the working yarn (the yarn coming from the ball) over the tip of the right needle and toward the front.

Carefully bring the tip of the right needle under the left needle and through to the front, pulling a loop through the slip knot stitch.

Gradually pull the loop toward you to make a slightly larger loop.

Transfer the loop to the left needle by twisting the right-hand needle up 

and carefully placing the loop next to the slip knot.

Remove the right needle from the new stitch and gently pull the working yarn to tighten the stitch on the needle, ensuring it's snug but not too tight.

You now have two stitches on the left needle.

STEP 3: Making the Cable Cast-On Stitch

Now, let's delve into making cable cast-on stitches. 

With the two stitches on the left-hand needle, insert the point of the right-hand needle into the space between the first and second stitch on the left needle, from front to back.

Wrap yarn counterclockwise around the tip of the right needle as if to knit.

Pull a loop through the space between the two stitches on the left-hand needle.

Keep pulling the loop toward you to make the loop slightly longer.

Transfer the newly formed stitch onto the left needle by twisting the right-hand needle up and carefully placing the loop onto the tip of the left needle next to the last stitch.

Tighten the stitch on the needle by gently pulling on the yarn. Maintain consistent tension throughout to ensure uniformity. You now have the first cast-on stitch and three stitches on the needle.

And repeat!

Continue forming cable cast-on stitch (repeating step 3) by making the new stitch by drawing a loop through the space between the previous two stitches until you have the desired number of cast-on stitches.

Above is a close-up of the cable cast on.

Once you've cast on all your stitches, you're ready to start your project, following the pattern instructions.

TRY OTHER CAST-ON KNITTING TECHNIQUES

• Long-Tail Cast On
• Knitted Cast On (Two Needle Cast On)
• Backward Loop Cast On
• German Twisted Cast On