How to Use a Wooden Cable Needle for Beginners

Do you like those twisted stitches on hats or scarves? These stitches are known as cables that look scary, especially to beginners when they start their knitting journey. But with an appropriate wooden cable needle, you can easily create these fashionable twists in your creations. If you are new to knitting, this blog will show you how you can effectively use these needles in your projects.


Cable Needles - A Tale of Twisted Stitches

Cable needles are tiny tools that hold stitches while you change the order of stitches in which you knit or purl them with your knitting needles and help you to create twisted patterns. In cable knitting, these rearrangements make a distinct and braided design. Although these needles come in various materials, shapes, and sizes. 



But we recommend working with wooden cable needles, especially for beginners. With Lantern Moon needles, you get the luxury of a smooth and warm feel that allows you to transfer stitches quickly while you focus on creating beautiful cables. You get a set of needles in 3 sizes: US3, US6 & US8. Knitters who have used those needles loved the ergonomic feel, precision, and elegant appearance of these needles.


How Cable Needles are Used in Projects?

Let's break it down into simple, beginner-friendly steps:


Step 1: Knit to the cable section

Knit until you reach the row that requires cable stitches.


Step 2: Slip stitches onto the cable needle

Now, with your wooden cable needle, slip the required number of stitches (depending on the pattern) without knitting them. These are the stitches that will be crossed.


Step 3: Hold the needle in front or back

Suppose you are working on a pattern that says C4, which means (cable 4 back), hold the needle with the stitches behind your work.

If it says C4F ( cable 4 front), hold the needle with the stitches in front of your work.


Step 4: Knit the Next Stitches

Continue knitting the next stitches on the pattern while your cable needle holds the stitches for you.


Step 5: Time to knit the held stitches

Lastly, start knitting the held stitches on the cable needle, making a twisted pattern. You can refer to our blog on cable knitting without a cable needle.

Weave any loose ends with a finishing needle for a neat and polished look.


When to Use a Cable Needle?

These needles are mainly used to hold stitches while working on the cable or intricate designs. Let's find out when you can use them:

You can create cable patterns on scarves, cardigans, hats, or scarves.

The pattern, which involves working on a large number of stitches, these super tiny needles will be your best tool.

With slippery yarn, a cable needle will provide a better grip and prevent stitches from dropping.

Additionally, cable needles or crochet hooks can be used to fix the knitting errors.


How to Knit with Circular Needles and Cables

Many cable patterns are knitted on circular needles, such as hats, sweaters, or cowls. Let's see how to manage them all:

• Use stitch markers to keep track at the start of the round, so that you won't get confused.
• When working with Double-Pointed Knitting Needles and Cables

Follow the same steps as flat knitting when working with cable patterns on double pointed knitting needles, but be careful at the start of the stitch, as you are working on a round project.


Things or Points to keep in mind

Working with cable needles always fascinates, especially for beginners. Here are some tips that guide you to work with these needles easily:

Before you start knitting your final cable pattern, make a gauge swatch to get used to handling the cable needle.

Make sure you have the right size of needle, either it should be smaller or the same size as the knitting needles, for consistent tension. But if by mistake, you use a large needle, it will stretch the stitches and cause uneven work.

Make sure you slip the stitches purlwise, and ensure they are properly organised on the needle.

Invest in Lantern Moon knitting accessories containing a set of 3 cable needles, which help you determine the best size for you.

Cable knitting opens a world of possibilities for beginners, and you can make textured, eye-catching designs for your friends and loved ones. Furthermore, a wooden cable needle, especially one from Lantern Moon, gives you the control, comfort, smoothness, and style to learn and create quickly.

Summary: Do you want to knit a cable pattern? But don't know how to use a cable needle. These needles hold the knitting stitches while you are knitting a cable pattern. For beginners, we recommend working with a wooden knitting needle, as these are comfortable, smooth, and warm to touch. In this tutorial, we will guide you in using the cable needle, how to work in rounds, and tips for working smoothly.