Beginner Cable Knitting with Lia
Learn how to knit cables in this hands-on workshop: discover different styles of cables & how to knit them, how to read cable charts & patterns, the tips & tricks of experienced cable knitters & how to bring out the beauty of your finished fabric
Discover the joy of knitting with cables in this hands-on, fun workshop. Knitting cables is a popular technique that creates a three-dimensional texture by crossing sections of stitches over each other. Cables add three-dimensional texture & visual interest to your knitting as well as having practical benefits such as creating a denser, warmer fabric to make your finished projects, like garments & blankets, feel cozier and squishier.
Cables look fabulous on a whole variety of knitting projects, such as jumpers and cardis, scarves and shawls, socks, hats, blankets and cushions. Cables can be as simple as a few single twisted stitches, or can be a complex design worked over an entire garment... and everything in between.
Cables may be used with other knitting techniques like lace, ribbing, colourwork & reverse stockinette to create a huge variety of designs... we've even seen intarsia cables! You can knit cables in yarn made from a wide variety of fibres in various weights - from wool, alpaca and mohair through to linen and cotton.
Above: Stunning textured projects featuring cables: Kerrytown by Annie Lupton, and Pirouette Sweater by Yeon Hwa Lee (knitted using two strands of mohair held together) has a cabled yoke and a cable design on the hems. Calla Sweater by Natasja Hornby uses cables to create a design resembling Calla Lilies.
Come along to this fun class to explore and practice cable knitting techniques. Starting with the basics of cable knitting, you'll learn a variety of different types of cables and how to knit them, how to make sense of cable charts and patterns, and how to select cable patterns. We'll explore the equipment you need to work your cables, find out about the best types of yarn to use for cables and learn how to block your cable knitting to finish your projects beautifully.
We'll have plenty of finished projects to look at in class so you can see how cables are used and then you can decide what your first cable project is going to be!
Whether you're starting with a specific pattern in mind or love the idea of knitting cables but don't know where to start, this workshop will guide you and give you the skills and confidence needed to make some of the thousands of patterns with cables. Once you've learned how to knit cables you'll never want to stop!
We'd love to see your finished projects...share them on socials #skeinsisters
Images
There are so many ways you can use cables in knitting. Here are some of our faves:
- A contemporary take on a traditional Aran sweater: Rosemary Fisherman Sweater by POISON GRRLS knitted in Spinning Yarn Weaving Tales Dooish colour 3045 Heath
- Top of the Crown-shy beanie by Ysolda Teague, knitted in Joyful DK colour Revenge.
- Milo by Georgie Nicholson has a cute cable trim on the front.
- Close up of Kenzo jacket by Olga Buraya-Kefelian knitted in a worsted/10ply weight wool.
- Deb is wearing the Cozy Winter shawl by Melanie Mielinger in Madelinetosh Farm Twist Copper Pink (would also be gorgeous in Tosh DK); close up of the cable pattern combined with lace.
- Beeswax Cowl by Amy van de Laar uses single stitch cables to create a layered beeswax texture in DK weight yarn.
- Curling Mist Socks by Helen Stewart has all over cables.
- Your teacher Lia wearing her cabled Winters Beach Cardi by Andrea Mowry.
Important info for this class
Duration: 3 hours
Skills required: you should know how to knit, purl, and cast-on and off (this is NOT a learn to knit class).
Materials
You will need to bring:
- Light, plain-coloured, smooth wool or wool blend DK/8ply or worsted/10ply yarn (so you can see your stitches easily).The Fiddlesticks Peppin range is ideal.
- 4mm or 5mm knitting needles (to match your yarn): straight or circular.
- A cable needle or small double pointed needle
Preparation:
We will make a cable swatch during the class. Please make a start on your swatch at home by completing the following before the class:
- Loosely cast on 25 stitches
- R1: k1, p4, k6, p3, k6, p4, k1
- R2: k5, p6, k3, p6, k5
- R3-4: repeat rows 1 and 2 once more
Do not break yarn or cast off as you'll keep knitting in the class - keep the stitches on your needles and bring your swatch with you.
Your teacher: Lia Weitzel
Lia (she/her) lives on Wan land in Sydney’s Inner West. She started knitting in earnest at 18 years old, after her mum received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Lia’s mum spent many hours in the chemo chair teaching her all kinds of stitches and techniques.
Lia has continued the family tradition of crafting and 15 years (and ~30 kilometres of yarn) later, her favourite clothing items to knit are jumpers and cardigans. She gravitates most towards textured knitting – think cables, lace, baubles and ganseys.
Lia has spent several years working in local yarn stores in Sydney (Australia) and Rotterdam (The Netherlands). She is excited to share the joy of knitting with you and to help you expand your knitting skill set!
Terms and conditions
- Full payment is required prior to the start of the class to confirm your spot.
- Minimum numbers - All classes require a minimum of two people in order to go ahead and, depending on the class, a maximum of 6. If your class or workshop does not have the minimum number of students, the class will be postponed and you will be notified within three days of the class date if it has been cancelled or changed.
- We cannot be held liable for travel or any other costs in the event of a cancellation.
- If your class is postponed or cancelled you can use the amount paid to transfer to another event/activity, use it as a store credit, or be issued a full refund.
Cancelling a class
- Up to 7 days before the class - you are able to cancel, postpone or swap a class up to 7 days prior to the class date and can receive a full refund.
- 7 days-24 hours before the class - we are able to offer a credit but we cannot guarantee a full refund unless another booking fills your spot.
- Less than 24 hours before the class - no credit or refund available.
Please see our general Classes & Workshops page for our FAQ.
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