The Cable Rib Stitch

The Cabled Rib knitting stitch pattern is a little twist on traditional ribbing. This stitch would add some wonderful texture to the border of a garment.

Don’t let the word “cable” freak you out. Check out my complete knitting stitch tutorial below.

No time right now? Pin this unique knittin g stitch pattern for later!

*This post contains affiliate links (only for products I love, use and spend my own money on obviously). This means I earn some yarn money if you make a purchase through one of these links (of course at no extra cost for you!), which I promise to use to create more awesome patterns like this one. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.

What to Make with the Cable Rib Stitch

The cable rib stitch is a fun variation on a simple 1×1 ribbing. You can use it anywhere you would use a simple ribbing such as the cuffs and borders of a sweater, the border of a hat, etc.

It’s also a great stitch to make a blanket square with!

I’ve used it for example in my Cable Rib Hat (check out the free knitting pattern here)

Charity Cozy Fall KAL

This blanket square knitting pattern is part of the Charity Cozy Fall MAL.

20 unique knit square designs are released throughout the month of October 2022 to form a cozy fall blanket.

You can find all the knit square patterns here

Cozy Fall Charity KAL

Knit Stitch Pattern Bundle

This easy knitting stitch pattern is part of a fun stitch exploration. You can find all 10 stitches here.

Or grab the convenient PDF bundle with all stitch patterns here.

Before You Start

Materials

4.5 mm/ US 7 knitting needles. I use circular needles for convenience but you can use straight needles. Confused about all these types of knitting needles? Here’s a complete overview that will answer all your questions.
Worsted weight Zeeman Royal yarn (100% acrylic, 241m /264yd, 100g)
Tapestry needle to weave in the ends – I love this set as it has different eye sizes for different yarn thicknesses and it comes in a small tube which is very convenient so I don’t lose them.
Cable needle

Because the yarn I used is not available everywhere, and I know how painful it is to try to find equivalent yarn which will give you the same effect I have selected a few equivalent yarns for you. I haven’t tried them out myself, but they look so pretty, check them out!

Lion Brand Wool-Ease They have this yarn in about 20 colors, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with more than one.
La Mia Just Wool
elann Wool Mate
RED HEART Super Saver Yarn. This yarn also exists in more than 60 colors.

Size

The pattern is written for 2 sizes: 15 (20) cm / 6 (8)” square. Pictures show the small size.

You can easily adapt the size to your desired project size. The stitch is a multiple of 4 + 3.

Gauge

The gauge for this pattern, in stockinette stitch, is 23 st by 27 rows for a 10 cm by 10 cm square (4” by 4”).

Confused on how to make or measure gauge? Check out my detailed post all about knitting gauge.

Abbreviations & Instructions

st = stitch
k = knit
p = purl

Repeat instructions between [ ] the indicated number of times or until the end of the round/row.

The final number of stitches is indicated at the end of the round/row between < >.

Special Stitches and Techniques

For videos and a detailed explanation on how to knit cables refer to this tutorial.

The Actual Knit Stitch Pattern

Cast on 35 (47) stitches.
Row 1: [k1, p1] across, k1.
Row 2: [p1, k1] across, p1.
Row 3 – 4: Repeat Row 1 and 2.
Row 5: K1, p1, [put 1 st on the cable needle and keep it in front of your work, p1, k1, k1 from your cable needle, p1] until last st, k1.
Row 6: P1, k1, [p1, put 1 st on the cable needle and hold it at the back of your work, k1, p1 from the cable needle, k1] until last st, p1.
Row 7 – 10: Repeat Row 1 and 2 twice.
Repeat Rows 5 to 10 until you reach 15 (20) cm / 6 (8)”.
Cast off and weave in the ends.