Cable Needles: Types and Use
A cable needle is a small auxiliary needle used to hold stitches off the main needle while cabling. Several types exist: straight, U-shaped, J-shaped, and hooked.
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Straight cable needles
Small straight needles with points at both ends. Hold a few stitches; slip back to the working needle when needed. The most common type.
U-shaped and J-shaped
Bent cable needles that "hang" from the work, holding stitches in place without you needing to hold the cable needle. Especially useful for left-handed knitters or for cables where the held stitches drape under their own weight.
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Hooked cable needles
Small needles with a hooked end. The hook prevents stitches from sliding off, especially useful for slippery yarns or large-diameter needles.
Sizing
Choose a cable needle one or two sizes smaller than your working needle. Larger cable needles stretch the held stitches; smaller cable needles hold them at consistent tension.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| cn | cable needle |
Tips
- Use a cable needle one or two sizes smaller than your working needle.
- For slippery yarns, choose a hooked cable needle.
- For 2/2 and smaller cables, learn to cable without a needle for speed.
In depth
Cable needles are functionally just small holders that keep stitches in place while you knit other stitches in front or behind. The choice of type is largely personal preference; most cable knitters keep one or two of each shape and switch based on the cable size and yarn.