Cables Made Easy: How to Knit the Links Stitch + Video

In this tutorial, “cables made easy”, you’ll learn how to knit the Links stitch, step by step.

It’s an easy eight-row repeat pattern; we’ll make the cross in just one row.

The remaining seven rows are knit and purl rows. Easy as pie: If you can knit and purl, you can knit cables!

What’s a Good Beginner Project for Cables?

If I were starting to knit, a dishcloth would be my first option.

In general, I think that accessories are a good choice. For example, a hat would be great because it’s a quick project.

(I’m planning to share a Cable Hat Pattern this Winter 😉

A snug cowl like this one is also great.

Perhaps a pillow or cushion cover, something that doesn’t require hours and hours to complete.

Even a chunky scarf!

However, if you have more experience, bigger or more involved projects such as blankets, sweaters, cardigans, and vests, are ideal to show off a lovely cable pattern.

Why Cables Made Easy?

Because I know that cable knitting can sound intimidating, but the truth is that it only takes 2 steps (apart from knitting and purling), to create the cable.

Using a tool like a third needle of the same size, a cable needle, a stitch holder, or even a Bobby Pin (a hair pin), will help us to “move” 2- 3 (or more) stitches at the front or at the back of the work #ad

When we move a couple of stitches to the front of the work, we make a left cross.

And when we move them to the back of the work, we make a right cross.

Those 2 steps (crosses), combined in different ways, create amazing designs that can be as simple as today’s pattern (the Link stitch), or as complex as an Aran sweater.

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Tips for Better Results

Before starting your swatch, take a look at my favorite tips when knitting cables.

If I can think of one more tip, I’d add that if your tension is tight, use a needle size larger than the recommended on the label for the yarn you’ll be working with.

Finally, don’t get nervous or stressed, just practice 😀

If the written instructions look complex to you, no worries, this why I make a video for every pattern I share.

You’ll find the link at the bottom of this post. Remember, I call it “cables made easy” for a reason!

And, practice makes perfect, my little Woolly! Maybe, the first intent doesn’t look as you wished, but if you persist, you’ll get there.

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

st: Stitch

sts: Stitches

RS: Right side of the work

K: Knit

P: Purl

C4F – Cable 4 Front. Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle (hold it at the front of the work). Knit the next 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, and knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

C4B – Cable 4 Back. Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle (hold it at the back of the work). Knit the next 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, and knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

BO: Bind Off

WS: Wrong side of the work

I made this swatch using 100% Superwash Merino Wool (worsted weight, medium, or nº 4) #ad