The mock cable stitch is a very simple stitch pattern that will give you a cable stitch look and you won't need to use a cable needle.
The nice thing is it's super easy to knit.
Faux cables are a wonderful alternative to knitting cables if you aren't ready to tackle them or you simply want something a little different.
They're also great if you simply want to add some textured stitches to your knitting. And they'll certainly add some eye candy to your knitting projects.
Theres a couple of ways to knit mock cables. One very simple way is by creating a twisted stitch like the cable stitch pattern above.
Another way is made by slipping a stitch over two or three stitches to create the knit cable look.
And by making a simple yarn over you'll create a pretty eyelet stitch in the middle of the faux cable. This cable look is called the eyelet mock cable.
Whichever way you choose to knit these faux cables I think you'll find them much easier and fun to knit.
Both faux cable stitch patterns are nice and stretchy and create a type of rib stitches.
You can even use these stitch patterns to replace the plain rib stitches on the cuffs and bottoms of sweaters plus they're really pretty as an allover stitch too.
You can also use the faux cable for hats, scarves, socks and just about anything. The eyelet cable is fancier and adds a lovely touch of lace to your knitting.
So pull out that ball of yarn and give these faux cable stitches a try. I think you're going to enjoy making these.
Note: At the bottom of the mock cable pattern I've included a knitting video showing you exactly how to create the twisted stitch for the first pattern.
Multiple of 4 + 2 sts
If you’d like to try knitting a square you can cast on 6, 10, 14 or 18 stitches.
Row 1 (WS): K2, *P2, K2, repeat from * across row
Row 2: P2, *K2tog, leaving both stitches on the left needle. Then knit into first stitch on left needle again and slide both sts off needle, p2 rep from * across (See video below)
Row 3: K2, *P2, K2, repeat from * to end of row
Row 4: P2, *K2, P2, repeat from * to end of row
Repeat these 4 rows until desired length. Bind off on row 4.
***Here's a right twist knitting video showing you how to knit the faux cable***
Multiples of 5 sts + 2
If you'd like to make a square cast on 7, 12, 17 or 22 stitches
sl 1 = slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back of work
psso = pass slipped stitch over the 2 knitted stitches for this pattern. This creates the cable look.
k = knit
p = purl
rep = repeat
yrn = yarn round needle (if yarn is already in front of work, wrap yarn around needle again, leaving it in front of work)
**Note** The stitch count doesn't stay the same on every row but don't worry, it'll even out all on it's own. You just need to follow the pattern.
Row 1 (RS): P2, *slip 1, k2, psso , p2; rep from * to end.
Row 2: K2, *p1, yrn, p1, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 3: P2, *k3, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 4: K2, *p3, k2; rep from * to end.
Repeat rows 1 – 4 until you have reached your desired length.
So, do you want to try a knitting pattern using the faux cable? Great! I found three patterns.
Pretty headband pattern designed by Michelle Moriarty
Faux cable scarf designed by Piper's Girls of Piper's Quilts & Comforts
Neckwarmer pattern designed by Sarah Beckman