Step-by-Step Tutorial for the Cable Cast-On in Knitting

The cable cast-on is a versatile and sturdy method for adding stitches to your knitting. It creates a smooth, slightly stretchy edge that's perfect for edges that need some structure, such as button bands or decorative trims. Let’s walk through the steps.

What You'll Need

• Needles: One knitting needle in the size called for in your pattern.

• Yarn: Any yarn you want to use for your project.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make The First Two Stitches

1. Put the tail of the yarn under your left pinky, loop the yarn around your left thumb and then index finger and bring it back to trap the yarn under your pinky, keeping the yarn taut. 

2. Insert the needle from behind and beneath the yarn between your index finger and thumb and then over the yarn between your thumb and pinky.

3. Bring the tip of the needle into the loop that is now formed around your thumb.

4. Bring the needle tip over the yarn on the right and pull up a loop.

5. Take the loop back through the loop at your thumb.

6. Slip the loop off your thumb and pull the tail to tighten up the loop on the needle
   (Tip: If you're adding stitches mid-project, you can skip these initial stitches and start with the next step directly.)

Step 2: Insert Needle Between Stitches

1. Transfer the needle with these two initial stitches to your left hand.

2. Insert the tip of the right-hand needle between the first stitch on the left-hand needle and the working yarn — between the stitches, not into the loop of the stitch.

Step 3: Wrap the Yarn and Pull Through a Loop

1. Wrap the working yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle as if to knit.

2. Use the right-hand needle to pull the yarn through the space between the stitches, creating a new loop on the right-hand needle.

Step 4: Place the Loop on the Left Needle

1. Transfer the new loop from the right-hand needle onto the left-hand needle.

2. Insert the left-hand needle tip into the loop from front to back so that the new stitch is positioned correctly.

Step 5: Repeat

1. Repeat Steps 2–5 until you have the desired number of stitches cast on.

2. Always insert the needle between the last two stitches on the left-hand needle.

Tips for Success

• Tension: Keep your tension even, but not too tight, as overly tight stitches can make knitting the first row difficult.

• Neat Edges: The cable cast-on creates a decorative edge, so take your time to ensure the stitches are consistent.

• Practice: This method can feel awkward at first but becomes much easier with practice.

Applications for Cable Cast-On

• Adding stitches in the middle of your work (e.g., for buttonholes or shaping).

• Projects that need a firm edge, like shawls, sweaters, or decorative borders.

Now you’re ready to try the cable cast-on! 

Happy knitting! 🧶