Inside: Free patern for the loom knit Rope Cable Cowl including written instructions and tutorial videos. This design has 3 rope cables betwen columns of ribbing.
Keep off the chill with the Rope Cable Cowl! This beautiful loom knit pattern uses a simple cable close together to create the traditional twisted rope design.
Pattern includes written instructions and links to fully captioned tutorial videos demonstrating the cables and seaming.
Loom Knit Rope Cable Cowl
By Kristen Mangus
An ad-free downloadable PDF of this pattern is available for purchase in my GoodKnit Kisses online store, Etsy or Ravelry at the links below:
MATERIALS
(Materials list may contain affiliate links to products I used to make this project. Using these links costs you nothing, but helps support GKK.)
Yarn
Bulky (#5) weight yarn
Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek Chunky (211 yds/5 oz., 193 m/142 g) in colors Mustard and Sage used in samples. 1 ball of yarn.
Loom
⅝” large gauge (LG) loom with at least 42-44 pegs (See NOTES.)
KB Flexee Loom Chunky used in sample.
*Because of the cables, I recommend using the Flexee Loom for this pattern as it is flexible and makes cables without a cable needle. You can substitute another loom but WILL need a cable needle.
Notions
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers as needed
GAUGE 4 sts x 5.5 rows = 1” (2.5 cm) in 2×2 ribbing
SKILL LEVEL Beginner+
MEASUREMENT Approx. 6.5” wide x 29” long* (16.5 x 73.5 cm)
ABBREVIATIONS
2/2LC = 2 over 2 Left Cable
2/2RC = 2 over 2 Right Cable
K = U wrap knit
Rep = Repeat
Sl = Slip stitch
St(s) = Stitch(es)
For a refresher on loom knitting basics see the blog posts below to get started:
13 Questions for Beginner Loom Knitters
How to Loom Knit Basics (cast on, knit, purl, & bind off)
How to Loom Knit Basic Stitch Patterns (garter st, seed st and ribbing)
How to Loom Knit in the Round
NOTES
This cowl is worked as a flat panel and seamed together when finished. It features a single cable repeated every 6 rows. If you prefer more spacing between the cables, add 2 or 4 extra rows using the instructions for Rows 4-8 and work fewer repeats.
Start chain cast on from right to left to work left leaning cables. If you prefer right leaning cables, cast on from left to right and use a 2/2RC.
Flexee Loom setup: This pattern uses only 42 pegs (21 links), but you should add 1 extra link to allow the links to line up correctly for the cables. This setup will give you 44 pegs but you will not use the 2 end pegs.
Start with 3 DARK rounded links and connect 2 LIGHT rounded links. Next 5 DARK followed by 2 LIGHT. Next add again 5 DARK followed by 2 LIGHT. Now connect 3 DARK rounded links. Place marker (shown in silver in photo) on the second peg of the 1st dark link to mark the beginning of the row. This is where you will end your cast on and begin Row 1. The LIGHT links will be used for the cable. Connect loom in the round and do not use the two extra pegs.
NOTE: I suggest using ONLY the rounded Flexee Loom links but if you don’t have enough you should be sure to use them for cable stitches and for a couple links before and after the cable. This will make it much easier to move the stitches when cabling. Feel free to add more links and connect in the round if it helps you to hold the loom easier while knitting.
Cast on: I recommend the chain cast on or E wrap flat cast on.
U-Wrap knit: I recommend using the u-wrap knit stitch in this pattern. Using an E-wrap knit stitch does not create a smooth cable and will increase the size of the headband. (See image.)
Slip stitch: To slip a stitch, bring the working yarn behind the peg and move on the next peg.
Cable Instructions: Instructions are written specifically for the Flexee Loom Links, but additional notes are given in parentheses () for how to use a traditional loom and cable needle.
Right vs. Left Cables: Beginning the cable from the left side produces a LEFT leaning cable and an approach from the right side makes a RIGHT leaning cable. Since the cable stitches have a specific direction the instructions are the same for both right and left handed loom knitters.
2/2LC: 2 over 2 Left Cable*– Knitting from left to right, remove next 2 pegs (1 link) from loom and hold to back (or place first 2 sts on cable needle and hold back). Connect loom and knit next 2 sts (or work next 2 sts and move forward to empty pegs). Bring yarn to front, disconnect next link and connect held loom link back on loom (or place sts back on empty pegs). Knit next 2 sts. Using loom tool tug each cabled stitch to make sure the tension is even. This is a left leaning cable. TIP: Knit the first stitch on the held stitches before moving to ease tension as needed. Stitches will be tight on next row but will ease up by next cable row.
*Instructions in parentheses above are for using a traditional loom and cable needle instead of the Flexee Loom Links.
Ribbing: 2 x 2 ribbing (knit 2, purl 2) is used in this pattern as the border for the cable.
Bind off: I recommend the basic bind off in-pattern. “In pattern” means you knit the knits and purl the purls as you work your bind off.
INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 42 stitches from right to left.
Set Up for Cables:
Rows 1-2: Sl. K2, P2. *K4. P2, K2 (twice). P2. Rep from * once to last 9 sts. K4, P2, K3.
Cable Pattern:
Row 3: Sl. K2, P2. *2/2LC. P2, K2 (twice). P2. Rep from * once to last 9 sts. 2/2LC, P2, K3.
Rows 4-8: Sl. K2, P2. *K4. P2, K2 (twice). P2. Rep from * once to last 9 sts. K4, P2, K3.
Rep Rows 3-8 until approx 28.5” (72.5 cm) or until desired length.
NOTE: Pull downward firmly to relax stitches then release before measuring.
Rep Rows 3-4 once more.
Finishing:
Bind off in pattern leaving long tail for seaming.
From right side, sew ends together without twisting the cowl using technique shown in video below or preferred technique. Seaming technique shown in video seaming BO to CO edges.
Weave in ends.
Block cowl.
Loom Knit Rope Cable Cowl Tutorial Videos
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The following tutorial videos demonstrate the 2/2RC and 2/2LC cables and how to seam the cowl using the mattress stitch. Since cables are worked in a specific direction a right and left handed version is not needed. Work the cables as shown.