Cable Cast On
A close cousin of the knitted cast on, the cable cast on inserts the right needle between the last two stitches on the left needle rather than into the last stitch itself. The result is a more decorative, slightly firmer edge that mimics the look of a cable.
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How it differs from the knitted cast on
After the first two stitches, every subsequent stitch is created by inserting the needle between the previous two stitches and pulling a loop through. This produces a noticeably tighter, more structured edge with a visible twist between stitches.
Best uses
It is the standard cast on for buttonhole bands, button loops, and any edge that needs to be sturdy without the elasticity of ribbing. It also works well for the centre cast on of garter-stitch shawls and for cast-on rows in cables.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Tension
Because each new stitch is anchored between two existing stitches, the cable cast on rarely loosens during the first row. If your edge usually looks sloppy, this method may be the easiest fix.
Limitations
Avoid it as the bottom edge of garments worked top-down or for any project that needs to stretch significantly — the firmness that helps buttonholes works against you on a sock cuff or shawl cast on.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | cast on |
| LH/RH | left-hand / right-hand needle |
Tips
- Use the cable cast on whenever a pattern says "cable cast on" mid-row to make new buttonholes.
- For perfectly even tension, work the cast on with a needle one size up.
- The first two stitches are made the same way as the knitted cast on — only the third stitch onward differs.
In depth
The "cable" in cable cast on refers not to a cabled pattern but to the visual rope-like twist created between each stitch. The technique was originally developed for buttonholes because the firm edge resists the wear of buttoning and unbuttoning over years.