Cabling Needle

[toozak]

I feel like this should have a simpe enough reply.

I would -love- to start cabling. Can I use a DPN as a cable needle? Are they the same thing? Am I overanalyzing this?

While we're on this topic, what is a great beginner project that has some nice pretty cables?

Comments

[jennofavalon]

There is this great "Irish Hiking Scarf" that I did for my first cable knit. It came out great:) I wish I had the link.. but google it. I am sure its out there.:)
in terms of a cable needle, I use a bobby pin. lol It works better for me.
But good luck:)

[annilita]

I actually prefer dpns when I'm cabeling, because then I can use one that's the same size as my working needles.. Just make sure you slide the stitches far enough along so that they won't pop off until you are ready for them.

[antithiscully]

I'm making an accent pillow for a friend with a basic cable pattern (looks like the same one as the Irish hiking scarf mentioned above) -- a scarf would be infinitely easier, but I seem to subconsciously hate myself :P

[lissa_7866]

yes you absolutely can use a dpn as a cable needle. It is the only way I do it. My grandmother taught me to do it that way. Just remember to put the stitches on one end and take the off the other end, and while you aren't using them, hold them in the middle of the needle so they don't fall off. One stupid thing I do all the time though, is when I pick up my knitting after I have taken a break or something, I grab the dpn by mistake instead of the regular needle without looking and just start knitting away. then after several stitches, you know what happens. My stitches start falling off the other end. Hopefully nobody else is careless enough to do that trick, but I just thought I would confess, lol.

[mamadeb]

You can use dpns as cable needles - I've done it.

Or you can do without entirely. Go here.

I'm working on a cable lace shawl now, and I did my first one using a dpn, but I did the others without. I've been having a harder time counting than doing cables.