Common Cable Abbreviations and Symbols

Nalhcib 6/15/2025
Most Common Cable Abbreviations and Symbols - FREE PDF!

To help knitters easily understand written instructions and charts in cable patterns, we’ve compiled a list of common cable abbreviations and symbols. Each one comes with a clear explanation of the specific cable technique it represents and what it tells you to do.

Language of Cable Knitting - For new knitters who love cables

A Few Words Before We Begin

Most cable patterns only use basic stitches: Knit and Purl. Some patterns may also include Slipped stitches, Lace stitches, Brioche techniques, or incorporate Increases or Decreases into the cable stitches. These are considered more complex types of cables.

In this guide, we’ll show you common abbreviations and symbols, and provide a detailed overview of how CABLES work —covering techniques that use a cable needle, as well as methods for knitting cables without it. It’s especially quick with smaller cables of three or four stitches, so you may consider cabling without a cable needle. This skill can help you work cable-heavy projects much faster and lets you create a cable anywhere—even if you forgot to bring a cable needle. Once you’ve done it a few times, it’s as easy as pie. However, this technique isn’t easy to master and may be risky for beginners.

Tips to Help You Create Perfect Cables

  1. Keep in mind that maintaining even tension as you slip and knit will help keep your cables neater. Snugly knitting the first stitch after completing a cable can help reduce any gaps in your fabric.
  2. When working cables without a cable needle, the hanging stitches will stay in the front or back, and you can hold them in place with your left thumb and forefinger.
  3. Remember that all cables follow a certain logic and consistency. If a cable looks off, it likely means a mistake was made. Take your time with each step—don’t rush.
  4. And finally, be patient!

Here’s a clear and simple guide to help you understand the Language of Cable Knitting with ease.

Some patterns may name cables as Right/Left or Back/Front. So, it’s good to know that Right = Back and Left = Front.
Knitting Symbols: 2-Stitch Cables Knitting Symbols: 3-Stitch Cables Knitting Symbols: 5-Stitch Cables Knitting Symbols: 8-Stitch Cables
Knitting Symbols: 4-Stitch Cables Knitting Symbols: 6-Stitch Cables Knitting Symbols: 10-Stitch Cables

flower2-Stitch Cables

1/1 Left cross 1/1 Left Purl cross 1/1 Right cross 1/1 Right purl cross
Abb Explanation Basic Steps to Work
1/1 RPC 1 over 1
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 1 from left needle, then purl 1 from cable needle.
1/1 LPC 1 over 1
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at front, purl 1 from left needle, then knit 1 from cable needle.
1/1 RC 1 over 1
Right Cross		 Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 1 from left needle, then knit 1 from cable needle.
1/1 LC 1 over 1
Left Cross		 Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at front, knit 1 from left needle, then knit 1 from cable needle.
Cable-Knitting-Symbols Cables 2 Back and Front

flower How to Knit 2-Stitch Cables

2-Stitch Cables with only 1 stitch crossing over another are often called Twisted Stitches or Right Twist (abbreviated RT) and Left Twist (abbreviated LT) and are very easy to complete without a cable needle. These little twists should not be confused with the twisted stitches made by knitting into the back loop of a stitch, which is a totally different technique with the same name.
We will show you two different methods to accomplish the 2-Stitch Cables without a cable needle.

Twisty Method
1/1 Left Cross, commonly known as Cable 2 Front or Left Twist, which is also quite popular.

    3 Simple Steps to work the Left Twist

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle into the back loop of the second stitch and knit through it, leaving both stitches on the LH needle.
  • Step 2: Bring the RH needle around to insert it knitwise into the first stitch and knit that stitch normally.
  • Step 3: Drop both stitches off the LH needle.
1/1 Right Cross, also known as Cable 2 Back (common name) or Right Twist.

    3 Simple Steps to work the Right Twist

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle knitwise through the front of the second stitch and knit through it, leaving both stitches on the LH needle.
  • Step 2: Insert the RH needle through the first stitch knitwise and knit that stitch normally.
  • Step 3: Drop both stitches off the LH needle.
Normally Method
Cable 2 Front

    5 Steps to work the Cable 2 Front without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Keep the yarn at the back of the work, insert the RH needle purlwise through the next stitch and slip it onto the RH needle.
  • Step 2: Knit the next stitch on the LH needle.
  • Step 3: Insert the LH needle purlwise through the front of the slipped stitch on the RH needle.
  • Step 4: Slide two stitches off the RH needle. Pass the RH needle tip back into the loose back stitch.
  • Step 5: Knit the slipped stitch.
Cable 2 Back

    5 Steps to work the Cable 2 Back without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Keep the yarn at the back of the work, slip the next stitch purlwise onto the RH needle.
  • Step 2: Knit the next stitch on the LH needle.
  • Step 3: Insert the LH needle through the back of the slipped stitch on the RH needle.
  • Step 4: Slide two stitches off the RH needle. Pass the RH needle tip purlwise into the loose stitch.
  • Step 5: Knit the slipped stitch.

flower3-Stitch Cables

2/1 Left Purl Cross 2/1 Left Cross 2/1 Right Cross 2/1 Right Purl Cross
Abb Explanation Steps to Work
2/1 LC 2 over 1
Left Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 1 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle.
2/1 LPC 2 over 1
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 1 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle.
2/1 RC 2 over 1
Right Cross		 Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 2 from left needle, then knit 1 from cable needle.
2/1 RPC 2 over 1
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 2 from left needle, then purl 1 from cable needle.
1/2 Left cross 1/2 Right Cross 2/1 Left Cross 2/1 Right Cross

flower How to Knit 3-Stitch Cables

2/1 Left Cross also known as Cable 3 Front or 2/1 Left Cable.

5 Steps to work the Cable 3 Front without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle purlwise through the next three stitches and slip them to the RH needle.
  • Step 2: Bring the LH needle across the front of your work and insert it into the 2nd and 3rd stitches on the RH needle.
  • Step 3: Slide both stitches off the RH needle, then pass the RH needle back into the one loose back stitch.
  • Step 4: Slip one stitch from the RH needle over to the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 5: Knit all stitches.
2/1 Right Cross also known as Cable 3 Back or 2/1 Right Cable.

    5 Steps to work the Cable 3 Back without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Keep the yarn at the back of the work. slip the next stitch purlwise onto the RH needle.
  • Step 2: Knit the next two stitches on the LH needle.
  • Step 3: Insert the LH needle through the back of the slipped stitch on the RH needle.
  • Step 4: Slide all three stitches off the RH needle, then pass the RH needle tip purlwise into the two loose stitches.
  • Step 5: Knit the one slipped stitch.

flower4-Stitch Cables

2/2 Left Cross 2/2 Left Purl Cross 3/1 Left Cross 3/1 Left Purl Cross
2/2Right Cross 2/2 Right Purl Cross 3/1 Right Cross 3/1 Right Purl Cross
Abb Explanation Basic Steps to Work
2/2 LC 2 over 2
Left Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 2 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle.
2/2 RC 2 over 2
Right Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 2 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle.
2/2 LPC 2 over 2
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 2 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle.
2/2 RPC 2 over 2
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 2 from left needle, then purl 2 from cable needle.
3/1 LC 3 over 1
Left Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 1 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/1 RC 3 over 1
Right Cross		 Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 3 from left needle, then knit 1 from cable needle.
3/1 LPC 3 over 1
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 1 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/1 RPC 3 over 1
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 3 from left needle, then purl 1 from cable needle.

flower How to Knit 4-Stitch Cables

Let's Knit Cables: Back and Front Cable 4 Back and Cable 4 Front
2/2 Left Cross, also known as Cable 4 Front (common name) or Left Cable.

    5 Steps to work the Cable 4 Front without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle purlwise through the next four stitches and slip them to the RH needle.
  • Step 2: Bring the LH needle across the front of your work and insert it into the 3rd and 4th stitches on the RH needle.
  • Step 3: Slide both stitches off the RH needle, then pass the RH needle back into the two loose back stitches.
  • Step 4: Slip the three stitches from the RH needle over to the LH needle, purlwise.
    Now, that the hard part is done, the cable is crossed. All 4 stitches are ready to knit, in the new correct order.
  • Step 5: Knit all stitches.
How to knit Cable 4 Front
2/2 Right Cross, also known as Cable 4 Back (common name) or Right Cable.

    4 Steps to work the Cable 4 Back without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle across the front of your work and through the 3rd and 4th stitches on the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 2: Slide the four stitches off the LH needle, then pass LH needle tip quickly back into the 2 loose stitches.
  • Step 3: Slip these stitches from the RH needle over to the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 4: Knit all stitches.

Estonian Cable Symbols

flower5-Stitch Cables

3-2 Left Cross 3-2 Left Purl Cross 3-2 Right Cross 3-2 Right Purl Cross
Abb Explanation Basic Steps to Work
3/2 LC 3 over 2
Left Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 2 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/2 LPC 3 over 2
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 2 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/2 RC 3 over 2
Right Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 3 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle.
3/2 RPC 3 over 2
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 3 from left needle, then purl 2 from cable needle.

flower How to Knit 5-Stitch Cables

3/2 Left Purl Cross, also known as 3/2 Left Purl Cable.

    6 Steps to work the 3/2 Left Purl Cross without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle purlwise through the next five stitches and slip them to the RH needle.
  • Step 2: Bring the LH needle across the front of your work and insert it into the 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches on the RH needle.
  • Step 3: Slide both stitches off the RH needle, then pass the RH needle tip back into the two loose back stitches.
  • Step 4: Slip these stitches from the RH needle over to the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 5: Purl two stitches.
  • Step 6: Knit three stitches.
3/2 Right Purl Cross, also known as 3/2 Right Purl Cable.

    5 Steps to work the 3/2 Right Purl Cross without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle across the front of your work and through the 3rd and 4th stitches on the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 2: Slide the 5 stitches off the LH needle, then pass LH needle tip quickly back into the back 2 loose stitches.
  • Step 3: Slip these stitches from the RH needle over to the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 4: Knit 3 stitches.
  • Step 5: Purl 2 stitches.

flower6-Stitch Cables

3/3 Left Cross 3/3 Left Purl Cross 3/3 Right Cross 3/3 Right Purl Cross
Abb Explanation Basic Steps to Work
3/3 LC 3 over 3
Left Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 3 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/3 RC 3 over 3
Right Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 3 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/3 LPC 3 over 3
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 3 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/3 RPC 3 over 3
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 3 from left needle, then purl 3 from cable needle.
4/2 LC 4 over 2
Left Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 2 from left needle, then knit 4 from cable needle.
4/2 RC 4 over 2
Right Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 4 from left needle, then knit 2 from cable needle.
4/2 LPC 4 over 2
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 2 from left needle, then knit 4 from cable needle.
4/2 RPC 4 over 2
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 4 from left needle, then purl 2 from cable needle.
2/2/2 LRC 2 over 2 over 2
Center		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 2, slip 2 stitches from cable needle to left needle and move cable needle to back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle.
2/2/2 RRC 2 over 2 over 2
Center		 Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, slip 2 stitches to second cable needle and hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from front cable needle, knit 2 from back cable needle.
Horseshoe-cables chart Cable Knitting Symbols

flower How to Knit 6-Stitch Cables

Working 6-stitch cables is more challenging than working 4-stitch cables. However, as long as you hold your knitting firmly, there should be no risk of anything going wrong.

3/3 Left Cross, also known as Cable 6 Front (common name) or 3/3 Left Cable.

    5 steps to work the Cable 6 Front without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle purlwise through the next 6 stitches and slip them to the RH needle.
  • Step 2: Bring the LH needle across across the front of your work and insert it into the 4th, 5th, and 6th stitches on the RH needle.
  • Step 3: Slide both stitches off the RH needle, then pass the RH needle tip back into the three loose back stitches.
  • Step 4: Slip the stitch from the RH needle over to the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 5: Knit all stitches.
3/3 Right Cross, also known as Cable 6 Back (common name) or 3/3 Right Cable.

    4 Steps to work the Cable 6 Back without a Cable Needle

  • Step 1: Insert the RH needle across the front of your work and through 4th, 5th, and 6th stitches on the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 2: Slide the six stitches off the LH needle, then pass LH needle tip quickly back into the back 3 loose stitches.
  • Step 3: Slip these stitches from the RH needle over to the LH needle, purlwise.
  • Step 4: Knit all stitches.
How to knit Cable 6 Back

flower7-Stitch Cables

4-3 Left Cross 4-3 Left Purl Cross 4-3 Right Cross 4-3 Right Purl Cross
Abb Explanation Basic Steps to Work
3/4 LC 3 over 4
Left Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 4 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/4 RC 3 over 4
Right Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 3 from left needle, then knit 4 from cable needle.
3/4 LPC 3 over 4
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 4 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
3/4 RPC 3 over 4
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 3 from left needle, then purl 4 from cable needle.
4/3 LC 4 over 3
Left Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 3 from left needle, then knit 4 from cable needle.
4/3 RC 4 over 3
Right Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 4 from left needle, then knit 3 from cable needle.
4/3 LPC 4 over 3
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 3 from left needle, then knit 4 from cable needle.
4/3 RPC 4 over 3
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 4 from left needle, then purl 3 from cable needle.

flower How to Knit 7-Stitch Cables

4/3 Left Cross, also known as or 4/3 Left Cable, 4/3 Left Knit Cross

    4 Steps to work the 4/3 Left Knit Cross

  • Step 1: Slide the four stitches  from the LH needle onto onto a cable needle and and leave it hanging at the front of your work
  • Step 2: Going back to your knitting needles, Knit three stitches from the LH needle
  • Step 3: Pick up your cable needle and hold it in your left hand, being careful not to twist it. 
  • Step 4: Using the RH needle, knit four stitches.
How to knit Cable 6 Back
4/3 Right Cross, also known as or 4/3 Right Cable, 4/3 Right Knit Cross.

    4 Steps to work the 4/3 Right Knit Cross

  • Step 1: Slip the three stitches from the LH needle onto a cable needle and leave it hanging at the back of your work.
  • Step 2: Knit four stitches from the LH needle.
  • Step 3: Slide the stitches from your cable needle back onto the LH need.
  • Step 4: Knit three stitches.
Alternatively, from step 3, you can slide the stitches from your cable needle back onto the LH needle, then knit those stitches as normal. This is another option.

flower8-Stitch Cables

4-4 Cables 4-4 Cables
Abb Explanation Basic Steps to Work
4/4 LC 4 over 4
Left Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, knit 4 from left needle, then knit 4 from cable needle.
4/4 LPC 4 over 4
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 4 from left needle, then knit 4 from cable needle.
4/4 RC 4 over 4
Right Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 4 from left needle, then knit 4 from cable needle.
4/4 RPC 4 over 4
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 4 from left needle, then purl 4 from cable needle.
3/2/3 LRC 3 over 2 over 3
Center		 Slip 5 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 3, slip 2 stitches from cable needle to left needle and move cable needle to back, knit 2, knit 4 from cable needle
3/2/3 RRC 3 over 2 over 3
Center		 Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, slip next 2 stitches to second cable needle and hold in front, knit 3, knit 2 from front cable needle, knit 3 from back cable needle.

flower How to Knit 8-Stitch Cables

4/4 Left Purl Cross, also known as 4/4 Left Purl Cable.

    4 Steps to work the 4/4 Left Purl Cross

  • Step 1: Slide the four stitches from the LH needle onto a cable needle and leave it hanging at the front of your work.
  • Step 2: Purl four stitches from the LH needle.
  • Step 3: Pick up your cable needle and hold it in your left hand, being careful not to twist it. 
  • Step 4: Using the RH needle, knit four stitches.
4/4 Right Purl Cross, also known as 4/4 Right Purl Cable.

    4 Steps to work the 4/4 Right Purl Cross

  • Step 1: Slide the four stitches from the LH needle onto a cable needle and and leave it hanging at the back of your work
  • Step 2: Knit four stitches from the LH needle
  • Step 3: Slide the stitches from your cable needle back onto the LH need. 
  • Step 4: Purl four stitches.

flower10-Stitch Cables

10 Stitch Cables
Abb Explanation Basic Steps to Work
5/5 RPC 5 over 5
Right Purl Cross		 Slip 5 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 5 from left needle, then purl 5 from cable needle.
5/5 LPC 5 over 5
Left Purl Cross		 Slip 5 stitch to cable needle and hold at front, purl 5 from left needle, then knit 5 from cable needle.
5/5 RC 5 over 5
Right Cross		 Slip 5 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 5 from left needle, then knit 5 from cable needle.
5/5 LC 5 over 5
Left Cross		 Slip 5 stitch to cable needle and hold at front, knit 5 from left needle, then knit 5 from cable needle.

That covers some of the most common cable symbols you will encounter in knitting patterns. To deepen your understanding of abbreviations and symbols, explore a comprehensive list of 128 cable knitting abbreviations and symbols. [link]
By familiarizing yourself with a broader range of symbols and abbreviations, you'll be well-equipped to tackle even the most complex cable patterns with confidence.

When you’re no longer confused about making cables, explore different patterns in our Cable Stitch Patterns. [Link]

PDF File – 48 Cable Knitting Symbols

If you find this file helpful, feel free to share it with knitters.
[ Click here to download the PDF]

2-stitch-Cables 2-Stitch Cables: 1/1LC, 1/1LPC, 1/1RC, 1/1RPC
3-Stitch Cables: 2/1LC, 2/1LPC, 2/1RC, 2/1RPC 4-Stitch Cables: 2/2LC, 2/2LPC, 2/2RC, 2/2RPC 5-Stitch Cables: 3/2LC, 3/2LPC, 3/2RC, 3/2RPC
6-Stitch Cables: 3/3LC, 3/3LPC, 3/3RC, 3/3RPC 7-Stitch Cables: 3/4LC, 3/4RC, 4/3LC, 4/3RC 8-Stitch Cables: 4/4LC, 4/4LPC, 4/4RC, 4/4RPC
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Nalhcib

Posted by Nalhcib

Henlo Henlooo!

I am Nal—a busy woman looking for something to love in this world once more -). I don’t have much time or focus to create and knit intricate patterns. Therefore, I hope the simple patterns on my blog will still be enough to ignite your passion for knitting and inspire you to create your own unique items.

Happy knitting!

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