Does the thought of knitting cables have you completely confused and totally tied up in knots? In this hands-on workshop, explore the basics of this classic knitting technique, from deciphering charts to practicing all sorts of cable crossings. Learn expert tricks to make your cabled fabrics beautiful—not to mention fun and easy to knit!

Technique Requirements: knit/purl, cast on/bind off

Swatch #1: With smooth, light-colored worsted-weight yarn and appropriate-size needles, CO 26 sts. Row 1 (RS): *P2, K2. Repeat from * across, ending row with P2. Row 2: *K2, P2. Repeat from * across, ending row with K2. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approx 1" from beg, ending after WS row. Do not cut yarn. Place sts onto holder. Swatch #2: With smooth, light-colored, worsted-weight yarn and appropriate-size needles, CO 26 sts. Complete same as Swatch #1. Swatch #3: With smooth, light-colored, worsted-weight yarn and appropriate-size needles, CO 15 sts. Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1. Repeat from * across, ending row with K1. Row 2: *P1, K1. Repeat from * across, ending row with P1. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approx 1" from beg, ending after WS row. Do not cut yarn. Place sts onto holder.

Homework swatches, extra white or cream-colored smooth, worsted-weight yarn; two size 5 double-pointed needles; scissors.