Introduction: Knit Cables!

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The intention of this instructable is to explain how to perform the cable stitches of a specific knitting pattern: Lion Brand Yarn Covetable Cable Scarf. This pattern was the first one I ever tried knitting cables, and I thought I would share a link to the free pattern and instructions on how to use the cable needle, since I didn't have anyone to show me :-)

Materials:
1 Pair size 13 knitting needles
1 cable needle
1 Large blunt-eye (upholstery) needle
4 skeins yarn, according to pattern requirements (NOTE: I tried a softer yarn than what they recommend with the same thickness, but it did not come out nearly as nicely as the Vanna's Choice yarn.  So, if you choose a different yarn, be sure it has some body to it and is not too soft).

Pattern: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90292AD.html

Once you have all your materials, knit and perl your first 4 rows of the pattern.  The next step in this instructable explains how to do the first type of cable stitch in row 5.

Step 1: T3F (Twist 3 Front) Part 1

Once you reach row 5 of the pattern, you will have to do your first T3F stitch. Insert the straight end of the cable needle into the next two stitches that you would knit with your knitting needles. Pull the stitches off the knitting needle and onto the cable needle.

Step 2: T3F (Twist 3 Front) Part 2

Lay down the cable needle in FRONT of your knitting. The "front" in Twist 3 Front is what that means.

Step 3: T3F (Twist 3 Front) Part 3

Now perl the first stitch on your knitting needle.

Step 4: T3F (Twist 3 Front) Part 4

Bring the cable needle up and insert your knitting needle into the first stitch. Knit and pull the knitted stitch off the cable needle. Repeat with the next stitch on the cable needle.

Step 5: T3F (Twist 3 Back) Part 1

The next cable stitch you will have to do is the Twist 3 Back. Insert the straight end of the cable needle into the next stitch on your knitting needle and pull it off the knitting needle.

Step 6: T3B (Twist 3 Back) Part 2

Lay the cable needle in BACK of your work

Step 7: T3B (Twist 3 Back) Part 3

Knit the next stitch on your knitting needle.

Step 8: T3B (Twist 3 Back) Part 4

Pull the cable needle up and perl the stitch on the cable needle. Pull out the cable needle.

Step 9: C3B (Cable 3 Back) Part 1

Insert the straight end of the cable needle into the next stitch that you would knit with your knitting needles. Pull the stitch off the knitting needle and onto the cable needle.

Step 10: C3B (Cable 3 Back) Part 2

Lay the cable needle in BACK of your work.

Step 11: C3B (Cable 3 Back) Part 3

Knit the next two stitches on your knitting needles.

Step 12: C3B (Cable 3 Back) Part 4

Pull the cable needle up and knit the stitch on the cable needle. Pull out the cable needle.

Step 13: C3F (Cable 3 Front) Part 1

Insert the straight end of the cable needle into the next two stitches that you would knit with your knitting needles. Pull the stitches off the knitting needle and onto the cable needle.

Step 14: C3F (Cable 3 Front) Part 2

Lay down the cable needle in FRONT of your knitting.

Step 15: C3F (Cable 3 Front) Part 3

Knit the next two stitches on your knitting needles.

Step 16: C3F (Cable 3 Front) Part 4

Pull the cable needle up and knit the stitch on the cable needle. Pull out the cable needle.

Step 17: Your Finished Project

Once you've gone through a full cycle of rows 1-14, you will have one finished cable.  Keep going!  Your finished project will be admired and appreciated by any recipient of your work (mine was a friend turning 95).  Or, wear your piece of art and stay COZY warm in full style!  I hope this tutorial takes some mystery out of knitting cables.  Blessings in your yarn arts ventures!