Mock cable: How to knit this decorative, stretchy braid without a cable needle
Mock cable is a cable-like decorative stitch that doesn’t require a cable needle. This pattern is designed for a stitch count divisible by five. Watch the video to learn how to knit a mock cable!
The mock cable looks like a traditional cable knit, but it’s worked without a separate cable needle. You can knit a mock cable in different ways with various stitch counts; it can be divisible by three, four, or five. This pattern is written for a stitch count divisible by five.
In this pattern, you’ll create the mock cable by working four rows in rotation: on the first and second rows, you’ll slip stitches, pass them over, and make yarn overs. On the third and fourth rows, you’ll knit a regular rib as the intermediate rows.
The number of intermediate rows affects how dense the pattern is. With two intermediate rows, it’s decorative and tight. If you want a subtler texture, try three or four intermediate rows.
The elasticity of the mock cable makes it a great choice for ribbing in socks, mittens, or hats.
How to knit the mock cable stitch:
Cast on a number of stitches that is divisible by five. Start with two or three rows of knit 3, purl 2 ribbing. The mock cable pattern appears on the knit stitches in the following rows.
Row 1: *Slip 1 stitch without knitting it, knit 2, pass the slipped stitch over the 2 knitted stitches, purl 2*. Repeat from * to * until the end of the row.
Row 2: *Knit 1, yarn over, knit 1, purl 2*. Repeat from * to * until the end of the row.
Rows 3–4: *Work the intermediate rows in knit 3, purl 2 ribbing*. Repeat from * to * until the end of the row.
Repeat rows 1–4 until the mock cable is the length you want.
Tip!
If you want to avoid the hole created by the yarn over, knit the yarn over through the back loop on row 3.
