20+ Free Cable Knitting Patterns to Cosy Up Your Wardrobe and Home

There is something about cable knitting patterns that turns even a simple project into something heirloom worthy. The twists and crosses add depth, texture, and that timeless quality you see in classic Aran sweaters and cosy cabled throws. This collection brings together favourite cable designs from the Knitting with Chopsticks blog alongside beautiful free patterns from other knitters and designers I love.

You will find sweaters, cardigans, hats, headbands, scarves, cowls, mittens, blankets, and even a couple of stitch tutorials so you can practise the cables on their own. Yarn weights range from worsted and aran through to super bulky and jumbo, with patterns suitable for advanced beginners through to confident cable knitters.

No time right now? Pin these free cable knitting patterns for later!

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Cosy Cable Knit Sweaters and Cardigans

A cabled sweater is the sort of project that gets pulled out of the wardrobe year after year. These three free cable knitting patterns lean cosy and oversized, with simple shapes that let the cables do all the talking.

Easy Cable Sweater by Knitting with Chopsticks

This is my classic worsted weight cable pullover, designed to be the sweater you reach for whenever the air turns cool. The braided cable down the front frames the body beautifully without overwhelming the rest of the knit.

It comes in sizes XS through 3XL, worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up with set in sleeves. Worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn gives the cables clean definition, and the pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner who has knit a sweater before.

Find the easy cable knit sweater pattern here >>

Coziest Cable Cardigan by Mama In A Stitch

Jessica’s cardigan is exactly what the name promises, a generous, snuggly piece that knits up faster than you would expect for a cabled garment. The bold cable panels run vertically up the fronts and back for a flattering line.

Sizes S through XL are included, with bust circumferences from 43 to 55 inches for that intentionally roomy fit. The pattern uses chunky #5 weight yarn worked in three rectangular panels, which keeps shaping and finishing simple.

Find the cosy cable knit cardigan pattern here >>

Chunky Cable Knit Sweater by Handy Little Me

Louise’s forest green pullover is a fast, satisfying knit thanks to its jumbo weight yarn and giant 15 mm needles. A single bold cable panel runs up the centre front and back, balancing simple stockinette with a real wow moment.

It is graded across six sizes from XS through XXL, knit flat in pieces and seamed for sturdy structure. The detailed instructions and beginner-friendly cable repeat make it a brilliant first cabled sweater.

Find the chunky cable knit sweater pattern here >>

Free Cable Knitting Patterns for Hats and Headbands

If you have been hesitant to try cables, an accessory is the perfect first project. These hats and headbands knit up quickly, use a small amount of yarn, and let you practise the technique without committing to a sweater’s worth of stitches.

Cable Rib Hat by Knitting with Chopsticks

This hat uses my Cable Rib Stitch (the tutorial is further down in this post) for an allover textured beanie that looks far more intricate than it is. The fold-up brim adds extra warmth around the ears.

Worked in worsted weight yarn on US 8 needles, it fits a standard adult head and is a great unisex make. The whole project comes together in an evening or two once you have the rhythm.

Find the cable rib hat knitting pattern here >>

Glintpine Cable Knit Hat and Headband by Knitting with Chopsticks

Glintpine is a two-in-one set with matching hat and headband options sharing the same braided cable motif. The cables run vertically and meet at a tidy crown, giving a polished, gift-worthy finish.

Both pieces use aran or worsted weight yarn and are sized for adult heads. They are a quick make and one of my most popular accessories on the blog.

Find the glintpine cable hat and headband pattern here >>

Keystone Cable Knit Hat by Marly Bird

Marly’s Keystone hat was designed to be a confidence-building cable knit, and it shows. The bold central cable is flanked by gentle ribbing for a stretchy, cosy fit that suits all sorts of head shapes.

It is worked in worsted weight wool (Marly used Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted) and includes a clear stitch chart alongside written instructions. A solid choice if you have been wanting to graduate from a plain rib hat to your first cabled one.

Find the keystone cable hat pattern here >>

Friendship Cable Headband by Brome Fields

Jennifer’s Friendship headband is the kind of quick gift that knits up in a single afternoon. A simple cable runs across the front for a polished, intentional look that suits everything from school runs to ski trips.

The pattern is sized for both adult and baby, uses around 40 to 50 yards of super bulky yarn, and includes a step-by-step video tutorial. A lovely advanced beginner project to test the cable waters.

Find the cable knit headband pattern here >>

Cable Knit Scarves, Cowls, and Mittens

Long, narrow projects like scarves and rectangular cowls are wonderful canvases for cables because the rhythm of the repeats becomes meditative. Mittens give you a small canvas where every cable cross feels like a little win.

Braided Bridge Cable Scarf by Knitting with Chopsticks

Braided Bridge is my long-form love letter to cables. Three braided cable columns run the entire length, framed by garter edges to keep the fabric flat and tidy without blocking heroics.

It uses worsted weight yarn and is worked flat, making it a relaxing project for evenings when you want texture without a chart. Skill level: confident beginner who has tried at least one simple cable.

Find the braided cable scarf knitting pattern here >>

Peter Cable Scarf by The Knit in the Womb

Amanda’s Peter scarf has the kind of classic look that never goes out of style. A diamond cable panel runs down the centre, framed by neat side edges that drape beautifully over a coat or jumper.

The pattern uses worsted weight yarn on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, which gives the cables crisp definition without making the scarf bulky. It is knit flat in a traditional rectangle, no short rows or seaming required.

Find the free cable knit scarf pattern here >>

Easy Cable Cowl by A Box of Twine

Stacie’s Easy Cable Cowl is a brilliant first cable project. After two rounds of ribbing, six pattern rounds repeat their way around the cowl until you reach your desired length, then a final ribbed border closes things off.

It uses about 85 yards of bulky weight yarn worked on US 13 (9 mm) circular needles, so the project flies. A perfect way to learn cabling in the round.

Find the easy cable cowl knitting pattern here >>

Cable Knit Mittens by Handy Little Me

If you want to try cables in the round on a small canvas, these mittens are the answer. A classic single cable runs along the back of each hand, set against simple stockinette so the texture pops.

They are worked in super bulky roving weight yarn, which means the project knits up almost as fast as a hat. Sized for an adult woman with notes for adjusting if needed, and rated for intermediate knitters.

Find the chunky cable mittens knitting pattern here >>

Classic Cabled Hat and Mittens Set by Knifty Knittings

If you love a matching set, Lindsey’s hat and mitten combo is a delight. Alternating cable sections add visual interest, and the fold-up brim on the hat means extra warmth right where you need it.

The set uses super bulky single-ply roving (Bernat Roving in the original) and works up beautifully fast. Both pieces are written for adult sizing.

Find the classic cable hat and mittens pattern here >>

Free Cable Knitting Patterns for Blankets and Throws

Cable knit blankets are a category all of their own. The repeats are long enough to memorise, the project is satisfyingly substantial, and the finished throw becomes one of those forever pieces that lives on the back of the sofa.

Quartet Cable Blanket by Knitting with Chopsticks

Quartet is my chunky cabled throw with four columns of bold cables running the length of the blanket. It is the sort of squishy, generous knit you want pulled across your lap on a cold evening.

Worked in bulky weight yarn on big needles, it knits up surprisingly fast for its size. The full pattern includes both written instructions and a chart so you can follow whichever you prefer.

Find the quartet cable blanket pattern here >>

Forest Cables Blanket Section by Knitting with Chopsticks

Forest Cables is one of my sampler blanket sections, designed to be knit on its own as a square or pieced together with other sections into a full blanket. The cables look like rows of evergreens marching up the panel.

It is worked in worsted weight yarn and finishes as a 12 inch square. A wonderful way to practise cable patterns one square at a time.

Find the forest cables blanket section pattern here >>

Cool Cables Knit Throw by Leelee Knits

Lisa’s Cool Cables throw is the most intricate looking blanket on the list, with multiple cable columns that twist and intertwine across the surface. The result is sophisticated but very approachable thanks to her clear instructions.

It is offered in two finished sizes (smaller and larger), worked in worsted weight 100 percent merino yarn for a luxurious hand-feel and excellent stitch definition. A beautifully gift-worthy throw.

Find the cool cables knit throw pattern here >>

Endless Cables Chunky Knit Throw by Mama In A Stitch

Two single 8-stitch cables run the length of this lapghan, set against a chunky stockinette background that looks endlessly cosy. It is the kind of throw you finish in a few weekends and use for years.

The blanket measures 34 by 50 inches and uses super chunky yarn (the original used Color Clouds, with Wool-Ease Thick & Quick held double as a substitute). Knit, purl, and basic cable crosses are all you need.

Find the chunky cable throw blanket pattern here >>

Cable Knit Squares and Baby Blankets

Sometimes you want all the cosy cable feeling on a smaller scale. Squares are perfect for sampler blankets, and a cabled baby blanket makes the most beautiful, heirloom-quality gift for a new arrival.

Of Cables and Bobbles Knit Square by Knitting with Chopsticks

This is one of my fan-favourite sampler squares. Crossing cables alternate with little bobbles for a pattern that has all the cosy Aran energy of a fisherman’s sweater, scaled down to a tidy 12 inch square.

Worked in worsted weight yarn, the square pieces beautifully into larger blankets or stands alone as a thick, textured cushion cover. A great way to practise multiple cable techniques in one short project.

Find the cables and bobbles knit square pattern here >>

Cuddly Cable Knit Baby Blanket by Leelee Knits

This is the cabled baby blanket of dreams. Lisa’s design uses a soft worsted weight yarn so it stays drapey and snuggly rather than stiff, perfect for a newborn who will be wrapped up in it for naps.

The pattern uses about 700 yards of worsted weight yarn on US 10 (6 mm) circular needles. Cable holders, a tapestry needle, and your usual notions are all you need.

Find the cuddly cable knit baby blanket pattern here >>

Chunky Cable Knit Throw Blanket by Handy Little Me

Louise’s chunky cable throw is the kind of make that turns into family heirloom material. A simple 6-stitch cable repeats across the entire blanket, framed with garter edges that lie flat without blocking.

Two finished sizes are included, with the larger version measuring 70 by 66 inches in super bulky yarn on giant 25 mm needles. Even cable beginners can take this one on with confidence.

Find the chunky cable knit blanket pattern here >>

Bonus: Learn the Cable Stitches

If you are completely new to cabling, or just want to swatch a stitch before committing to a full project, these two stitch tutorials are the place to start. They walk you through the cross step by step with photos and charts.

The Horseshoe Cable Stitch by Knitting with Chopsticks

The horseshoe cable is one of the most recognisable cable patterns out there, with two cable crosses curving outward to form an upside-down U. It is the cable you see on classic Aran sweaters for a reason.

This tutorial walks you through the row-by-row instructions and includes a chart you can plug into any plain stockinette panel. Use it to add cables to a hat, scarf, or even the back of a cardigan.

Find the horseshoe cable stitch tutorial here >>

The Cable Rib Stitch by Knitting with Chopsticks

The cable rib stitch is a clever twist on standard ribbing where each rib column is gently cabled at regular intervals. The fabric stays stretchy like a rib but reads as cabled, which is brilliant for hats and cuffs.

This tutorial breaks down the simple two-row repeat with photos and a chart. It is the very stitch I used for my Cable Rib Hat earlier in this list.

Find the cable rib stitch tutorial here >>

Whatever cable design speaks to you, I hope you find one (or three) that you cannot wait to cast on. Cables look far more complicated than they actually are once you settle into the rhythm of the crosses, and these patterns are a lovely way to build that confidence with rewarding, wearable, snuggle-worthy results. Bookmark this page so you have it handy whenever cable season rolls around again.

Before you cast on, make sure you have my free Yarn Jargon Cheatsheets on hand. They cover all the abbreviations, needle sizes, and yarn weights you will ever need. Get your free copy here.