Simple 4 Stitch Cable Knitting Stitch Pattern

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This cable knitting stitch is a simple 4 stitch cable. The cable pattern is knitted over four stitches, and to complete the cables you will need to learn how to use a cable needle.

This stitch pattern is knitted on 4 stitches and 6 rows.  Normally with a cable pattern, the stitches either side of the cable are knitted in reverse stocking stitch to make the cable stand out.

Simple 4 Stitch Cable | © Deborah Mason & Knitting Naturally

To use stocking stitch you will need to know how to cast on, cast off and how to form knit stitches, how to form purl stitches and how to use a cable needle.  You could get someone else to do the casting on and off for you if you are just starting out, but believe me, eventually you will want to learn how to do these two steps yourself if you are going to keep knitting.

Instructions for the Simple 4 Stitch Cable Knitting Stitch Pattern (Left Slopping)

Right and Left Sloping Simple 4 Stitch Cable | © Deborah Mason & Knitting Naturally

This simple cable is knitted over 4 stitches.  To separate the cable from the fabric, you would normally place 2 or more purl stitches on either side of the cable. By doing this you make the cable stand out more and it will appear to rise up and above the fabric around it.

1st row (right side) : Knit.
2nd row: Purl.
3rd row: Knit.
4th row: Purl.
5th row: C4B.
6th row: Purl.

Repeat these 6 rows.

C4B: Slip the next two stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches off the cable needle.

Instructions for the Simple 4 Stitch Cable Knitting Stitch Pattern (Right Slopping)

1st row (right side) : Knit.
2nd row: Purl.
3rd row: Knit.
4th row: Purl.
5th row: C4F.
6th row: Purl.

Repeat these 6 rows.

C4F: Slip the next two stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work. Knit the next two stitches, then knit the two stitches off the cable needle.

Ideas for Where You can Use this Knitting Stitch Pattern...

This is a quite simple cable pattern but it is really quite effective.  I have used it in the past down the centre of the sleeves of an other wise plain jumper to add a little interest or on either side of a larger more complex cable on the front and back of a jumper.  

You just need to be careful if you are adding the cable as a feature on one of your favourite patterns, you may need to add a stitch or two as the cable causes the knitted fabric to be narrower than plain stocking stitch and without the adjustments your garment may end up being to narrow. 

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