Stitches

If I put point protectors on double pointed knitting needles, can I use that as a cable needle? Will it work?

I want to start cabling, but I've been investing a lot of money into needles. I'm trying to find a way to cable without buying actual cable needles. The point protectors would be there to prevent the stitches from slipping off. If that is not a viable option, what type of cable needles do you recommend: the U-Shaped or straight ones with a dip? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Yes, you can use the double pointed needles with the protectors on the ends to prevent them from slipping off. Actually even a pin will do or stitch holders shaped like a pin. To save money buy only the double pointed needles. You can use the protectors to use as a single needle or without for double pointed. They are also shorter and easier to work with than the real long needles. If you buy the cable needles the straight ones with a dip work well. Any questions, write me.
2. You don't need cable needles. A double-pointed needle will work fine. So will a toothpick or a skewer from the kitchen. I do a lot of cabling, and I don't use a cable needle of any kind. There are tutorials on the internet for the process. One of the best ones is by "Grumperina" at http://www.grumperina.com/cables.htm. She uses static photos and a written narrative to explain the process of making 6-stitch cables (3 stitches over 3 stitches), either right-twist or left-twist. Here's another one showing a slightly different method: http://bagateller.tripod.com/tips/cable.html And one of the several YouTube videos, this one using English method (throwing the yarn with the right hand): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6DB6WhAKvY YouTube, continental method (yarn in left hand): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej8guoX9Ffs&feature=related YouTube, a companion video for the Leisure Arts book, I Can't Believe I'm Knitting Cables!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8lBbKlQ3e8&feature=related
3. you can actually use a double pointed needle that is smaller than the needle you use. you can even cable with a cable needle. http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_3594971,00.html this site can give you some cable to start out on. http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_3502276,00.html
4. you really don't need cable needles you can use anything that can hold the stitches off or you can even knit without it. i have came across tutorials on youtube. if you're a beginner it might be harder you can also use a safety pin. i have seen my grandma using safety pins when she is knitting cables.
5. Of course you can http://www.toboc.com/Exporter.aspx?pid=625119&cid=2&rid=106160
6. You don't need a cable needle. I just use another double point needle, or whatever I have handy. I've used those round toothpicks (I use fine yarns), or you can use a large pin, or a short circular needle works well too. But I don't normally use any cable needle when doing cables. You don't need to. Why? Just knit into the second stitch and then the first, and then take both off the left needle. This only works when doing 1/1 cable, or a 2/2 cable. Anything larger, I just use another needle. All you want is to put a couple stitches on hold temporarily, so you can do that anyway you want. Did you watch the YouTube videos? Did you see the one where she just slips the stitches off the needles and then puts them back on in the switched position? That works too. It's not cheating -- you use whatever works for you.