Simple Way to Cross Two Stitches With and Without a Cable Needle

Simple Way to Cross Two Stitches With and Without a Cable Needle

Whether you know them as two-stitch cables, 1×1 cables, crossed stitches or twisted cables, these little design elements are perfect for forming all kinds of geometric patterns, like the ones used in the gorgeous Japanese stitch patterns.

Depending on the pattern, the mini-cables with stitches crossed to the left are called “cross two left” (C2L), “cross two front” (C2F), “twist two left” (T2L), “twist two front” (T2F), “left 1/1 cable” (1/1LC) or “two-stitch left cable” (2-st LC).

All these names mean the same thing – switching the position of two stitches so that they form a diagonal line slanting to the left.

When we want the stitches to form a diagonal line that slants to the right, we make “cross two right” (C2R), “cross two back” (C2B), “twist two right” (T2R), “twist two back” (T2B), “right 1/1 cable” (1/1RC) or “two-stitch right cable” (2-st RC).

We can make these twisted cables just as we make other types of cables – with the help of a cable needle. Or, we can cross the stitches first and then knit them one by one. In this case, there is no need for a cable needle.

In this tutorial, we’ll take a look at both options – crossing two stitches with and without a cable needle.

As you see, these mini-cables look the same whether we cross them with the help of a cable needle or not. Feel free to use either of these methods when you add two-stitch cables to your project.


The full step-by-step photo tutorial about this method, is a part of the Knitting Collection #5Once you order your copy of this collection, you will instantly receive a “big PDF” (336 pages!) with this and 46 other tutorials included in the collection.

You will also receive three knitting patterns as a special bonus, so go ahead and get it all right now before you forget 😊


Do you like to use different stitch patterns in your projects?

If you enjoyed this tutorial,
here’s something else you might find helpful:

“Matching Cast Ons and Bind Offs” Book

Discover six pairs of cast on and bind off methods that form identical edges on projects worked flat and in the round.

“Neat Side Edges” Book

Learn twelve ways to make side edges of a knitted project nice and tidy. Plus, ways to fix side edges, and a way to improve edges of finished projects.


Happy knitting!

Maryna Shevchenko - www.10rowsaday.com

Simple Way to Cross Two Stitches With and Without a Cable Needle | 10 rows a day
Simple Way to Cross Two Stitches With and Without a Cable Needle | 10 rows a day
Simple Way to Cross Two Stitches With and Without a Cable Needle | 10 rows a day
Simple Way to Cross Two Stitches With and Without a Cable Needle | 10 rows a day