The Oval Twist Cable Knitting Stitch creates elongated oval motifs outlined with small twisted stitches. The centre of each oval is worked in smooth stockinette stitch, giving the finished fabric the appearance of flat cables framed by textured ribs.
Worked over a multiple of 9 stitches plus 3 with a 12-row repeat, this textured knitting stitch creates plenty of visual interest without traditional cable crossings. It is a lovely choice for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, hats, cushion covers and decorative knitted panels.
Pattern Details
- Stitch Multiple: Multiple of 9 + 3 stitches
- Row Repeat: 12 rows
- Techniques: Knit, purl, twisted stitches and knit/purl twists
- Worked Flat: Yes
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- ktbl: knit through the back loop
- ptbl: purl through the back loop
- t2R: twist 2 right
- t2L: twist 2 left
- t2Rp: twist 2 right using knit and purl stitches
- t2Lp: twist 2 left using purl and knit stitches
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
How to Work the Twists
t2R: Knit into the front of the second stitch on the left needle, then knit into the back of the first stitch. Slip both stitches off the left needle together.
t2L: Knit into the back of the second stitch on the left needle, then knit into the front of the first stitch. Slip both stitches off the left needle together.
t2Rp: Knit into the front of the second stitch on the left needle, then purl into the front of the first stitch. Slip both stitches off the left needle together.
t2Lp: Purl into the back of the second stitch on the left needle, then knit into the front of the first stitch. Slip both stitches off the left needle together.
Oval Twist Cable Stitch Pattern
Cast on a multiple of 9 stitches + 3.
Row 1 (RS): p1, *ktbl, p3, t2R, p3; repeat from * to last 2 sts, ktbl, p1.
Row 2: k1, *p1 tbl, k3, p2, k3; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1 tbl, k1.
Row 3: p1, *ktbl, p2, t2R, t2L, p2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, ktbl, p1.
Row 4: k1, *p1 tbl, k2, p4, k2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1 tbl, k1.
Row 5: p1, *ktbl, p1, t2R, k2, t2L, p1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, ktbl, p1.
Row 6: k1, *p1 tbl, k1, p6, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1 tbl, k1.
Row 7: repeat Row 1.
Row 8: repeat Row 2.
Row 9: p1, *ktbl, p1, t2Lp, k2, t2Rp, p1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, ktbl, p1.
Row 10: repeat Row 4.
Row 11: p1, *ktbl, p2, t2Lp, t2Rp, p2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, ktbl, p1.
Row 12: repeat Row 2.
Repeat Rows 1–12 for the pattern.
Helpful Knitting Notes
The small twists gradually move outward and inward over the 12-row repeat, outlining the elongated oval shapes in the fabric. The stitches inside each oval are worked mainly in stockinette stitch, giving the motifs a smooth centre surrounded by more strongly textured stitches.
The pattern changes from t2R and t2L in the first part of the repeat to t2Rp and t2Lp later in the pattern. These knit-and-purl twists allow the outline of the oval to move neatly between the stockinette centre and the surrounding purl background.
The twisted stitches running between the motifs create a firm vertical rib that separates one column of ovals from the next.
All of the twist stitches are worked directly from the left needle, so no cable needle is required.
Keep your tension reasonably relaxed when working the twists. This makes it easier to insert the needle into the second stitch and helps the oval outlines sit neatly on the surface of the fabric.
Choosing Your Cast-On Number
Use:
9 × number of repeats + 3 stitches
- 1 repeat: 12 sts
- 2 repeats: 21 sts
- 3 repeats: 30 sts
- 4 repeats: 39 sts
- 5 repeats: 48 sts
- 6 repeats: 57 sts
Using This Textured Stitch
A smooth yarn with good stitch definition will make the oval outlines particularly clear. The stitch works well as an all-over textured fabric, but it could also be used as a feature panel surrounded by simpler stockinette or reverse stockinette stitch.
The original design uses a single twisted rib between each column of ovals. For a wider separation between motifs, additional rib or reverse stockinette stitches could be added between the patterned sections.
