Cable stitch holders are useful tools in crochet, especially when creating cable designs. They temporarily hold stitches while you work on other parts of the cable, allowing you to shift the order of the stitches. Here's how to use them:
Understanding Cable Stitch Holders
Cable stitch holders come in various sizes, so select one that matches your yarn or crochet hook size (1:12). Clover's double-ended stitch holders securely remove stitches (2:36).
Steps to Use a Cable Stitch Holder
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a cable stitch holder for crochet:
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Identify the Cable Stitch: Crochet to the point where you need to create the cable.
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Slip Stitches to the Holder: Identify the stitches that need to be cabled. Slip these stitches off your hook and onto the cable stitch holder.
- For example, if you're working a "front cable 4," you'll slip the next 2 stitches onto the cable needle and hold it in the front of your work.
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Work the Next Stitches: Crochet the number of stitches indicated in your pattern after the cable.
- Continuing the "front cable 4" example, you'll crochet the next 2 stitches.
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Transfer Stitches Back: Now, carefully slip the stitches from the cable holder back onto your crochet hook.
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Work the Held Stitches: Crochet the stitches that were held on the cable holder.
- In our example, you'll crochet those 2 stitches from the cable needle.
Tips for Using Cable Stitch Holders
- Tension: Maintain even tension while transferring stitches to and from the holder to avoid loose or tight stitches in your cable.
- Size Matters: Use a cable holder that's appropriate for your yarn weight. Too small, and it will be difficult to transfer stitches; too large, and the stitches may slip off.
- Placement: Decide whether to hold the cable in the front or back, based on your pattern instructions.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful cable designs in your crochet projects using a cable stitch holder.
