Create an Elegant Willow Cable Stitch — Step-by-Step Pattern & Tips

The Knitted Willow Cable Stitch is a charming textured pattern that mimics the graceful curves of willow branches. It adds an elegant, organic look to scarves, hats, blankets and other accessories. This guide gives a clear row-by-row pattern, materials list and helpful tips so you can try the stitch with confidence.

Knitting materials and tools:

• DPN 4 mm (UK 8 or US 6)
• XL Baby Wool, Gazzal (Medium) – 100% Eco Wool. 100 grams -193 yards per skein

Common abbreviations of knit stitches:

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sel s – selvage stitch: always slip the first stitch knitwise, work to the last stitch, purl the last stitch
• Cable 2 Back (C2B): Slip next 2 stitches to the extra needle and hold in back of work, k2 from the left-hand needle, k2 from the extra needle.
• Cable 2 Front (C2F): Slip next 2 stitches to the extra needle and hold in front of work, k2 from the left-hand needle, k2 from the extra needle.

Willow cable knit stitch instructions:

Cast on a multiple of 13 sts, plus 2 selvage stitches. Cast on 28 sts.

Row 1: sel s, *p2, k2, p2, k1, p2, k2, p2 – repeat from *, sel s.

Row 2: sel s, purl all stitches, sel s.

Row 3: Repeat Row 1

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Row 5: Repeat Row 1

Row 6: Repeat Row 2

Row 7: Repeat Row 1

Row 8: Repeat Row 2

Row 9: sel s, *p2, C2F, k1, C2B, p2 – repeat from *, sel s.

Row 10: Repeat Row 2

Repeat Rows 1-10 to form pattern.

Helpful tips:

• Work a small swatch first to check tension and see how the cable pattern behaves in your yarn.
• Use a cable needle to make the C2F and C2B crosses neat; keep stitch tension even when slipping to the extra needle.
• Blocking the finished piece can open up the texture and make the willow pattern more defined.