Lace + Cable Knitting = A Beautiful Stitch That Doesn't Curl

A Lace + Cable knitting stitch combination that makes people stop and stare!

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At first glance it looks like a classic cable — those beautiful twisted columns that every knitter loves.

But look closer and you’ll see something different: delicate little eyelets nestled inside and at the base of each cable, giving the whole fabric an elegant, almost architectural quality.

And here’s the part that surprises everyone: there’s no cable needle involved. Not a single one.

The cable effect comes entirely from a central double decrease — an SSK and a K2tog working together — while the yarn overs create those beautiful lace details at just the right moments.

Six rows to memorise, intuitive enough to click into rhythm fast, and the result is something that looks far more complex than it actually is.

It also lays completely flat — because the wrong side looks like ribbing, which naturally balances the tension and keeps the fabric beautifully stable.

Year-round, any project, any yarn weight. This is the stitch that does it all.

Materials

For this swatch I used:

US 8 (5 mm) bamboo needles (this set comes with the most used sizes and a lovely case) #ad

And 100% Cotton Yarn (worsted weight, smooth, great for sensitive skins) #ad

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ABOUT THE LACE + CABLE KNITTING STITCH PATTERN

No cable needle needed — ever! The cable effect comes entirely from decreases and yarn overs
This stitch lays flat — the WS ribbing structure naturally balances the tension
The 6-row repeat is more intuitive than it looks — after a few repeats it becomes very easy to read your knitting
In the video tutorial, you’ll learn two types of yarn over: before a knit stitch and before a purl stitch — a valuable technique that opens up a whole world of lace patterns
Use smooth yarn for the clearest stitch definition — the lace eyelets show up beautifully in wool, cotton, linen and their blends
Rule of Thumb: Knit a small swatch before starting a larger project.

Abbreviations

CO: cast on

st (s) = stitch (es)

K: knit one

P: purl

yo: yarn over

sl1kw: slip one stitch knitwise (pass one stitch onto the right-hand needle as if to knit)

k2tog: knit two stitches together

psso: pass the slipped stitch over

ssk: slip, slip, knit. Slip one stitch as if to knit, slip the next as if to knit, place both back onto the left-hand needle, knit them together through the back loop

BO: Bind off

How to Knit This Lace Cable Knitting Stitch

Stitch Multiple

CO multiples of 5 + 2 + 2 (edge sts). For example: 5 * 3 = 15 + 2 = 17 + 2 (edge sts) = 19 sts.

Instructions

Row 1: K1 (edge), *P2, K3*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, 3 sts, P2, K1 (edge)

Row 2 (and every oven row): P1 (edge), *K2, P3*. Repeat to last 3 sts, K2, P1 (edge)

Row 3: K1 (edge), *P2, yo, sl1kw, k2tog, psso, yo*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, 3 sts, P2, K1 (edge)

Row 5: K1 (edge), *P2, K1, yo, ssk*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, 3 sts, P2, K1 (edge)

Row 6: as per row 2.

Repeat rows 1 – 6 until the desired length is reached.

How to Bind Off

Bind off working each st as it presents after row 5 (WS).

WHAT MAKES THIS LACE + CABLE KNITTING STITCH SPECIAL

Most lace stitches and most cable stitches are beautiful on their own. But combining both in a single pattern — without a cable needle — is genuinely rare.

Here’s what’s happening in the fabric:

The cable effect comes from a central double decrease — the SSK leans left, the K2tog leans right, and together they create that beautiful twisted column shape without crossing any stitches over a cable needle.

The lace effect comes from the yarn overs — deliberately placed inside and at the base of each cable to create those delicate little eyelets that give this stitch its unique character.

The flat lay comes from the wrong side — which looks like a beautiful ribbing and naturally counterbalances the tension of the RS, keeping everything perfectly stable without a border.

The result? A stitch that looks like it took years to learn — but actually knits up in six intuitive rows 😊

WHERE TO USE THIS STITCH 🧶

The versatility of this stitch is genuinely impressive — here’s where it really shines:

Scarves and wraps — the flat lay and elegant texture make it a dream for accessories. No borders needed 😊

Blankets and throws — the cable columns give large projects a structured, sophisticated look without the complexity of traditional cables.

Baby items — blankets, cardigans and hats all benefit from that delicate lace-cable combination. Elegant without being fussy.

Hats and cowls — the ribbing-like WS means this stitch works beautifully in the round too.

Socks — the fine eyelet detail adds a touch of elegance to a simple pair of socks.

Sweaters, tops and cardigans — the year-round versatility makes it perfect for garments in any season.

SPRING/SUMMER: Cotton, bamboo, linen and their blends — light, breathable and the eyelets really open up beautifully.

AUTUMN/WINTER: Merino wool, alpaca, cashmere, silk and their blends — warm, luxurious and the cables have beautiful depth.

Never loose track of your knitting again! Download my Free Row-Stitch Tracker HERE →

This is the other side of the work:

TIPS FOR KNITTING THIS STITCH

1. Read your knitting: After a few repeats, the pattern tells you exactly what comes next — the eyelets show you where the yarn overs went, the lean of the decreases tells you which row you’re on. Trust your fabric!

2. Learn both yarn overs: This stitch teaches you something genuinely useful: the difference between a YO before a knit stitch and a YO before a purl stitch. Master these and a whole world of lace opens up to you.

3. Count after the decrease rows: Check your count after the first few repeats until the rhythm clicks.

4. Smooth yarn is your friend The lace eyelets and cable columns both need clear stitch definition to look their best. Avoid very fuzzy or fluffy yarns — the detail will disappear into the halo.

If you prefer a clean, printable version without ads or scrolling, you can download the PDF file here.

That PDF is perfect for keeping in your project bag or printing for easy reference.

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A big hug, and happy knitting,

Carolina – So Woolly

P.S. If you enjoy this kind of lace cable knitting stitches, check my Snowdrops Eyelets Pattern (you’ll love it).