The 10 Most Popular Interweave Knits Cable Knitting Patterns of All Time

As you might imagine, over the 25+ years that Interweave Knits has been in print, we’ve published a lot of cable knitting patterns. In fact, a quick search on Ravelry turns up over 700 results from Interweave Knits alone!

Whether subtle or bold, allover or in panels, braided or twisted, cables are one of the most satisfying ways to add texture to your knitting. Brush up your cable knitting skills and check out these wildly popular cable knitting patterns from the pages of 20+ years of Interweave Knits.

Don’t be afraid to choose a pattern that looks challenging! Fixing mistakes in a knitted cable isn’t as difficult as you might think, and a few basic cable knitting tips will help you get a great result, even on a more complex cable pattern.

Without further ado, here are ten of your favorite cable knitting patterns, each of which brings something a little different to the table. Which one is calling your name? Don’t forget—you can get access to all these patterns and complete digital issues for one low price when you subscribe to Interweave+.

All-Time Favorite: Slippery Slope Socks

General Hogbuffer | Interweave Knits Spring 2016

It’s no surprise that these clever cabled socks are the all-time most popular of the cable knitting patterns published in Interweave Knits! Cables and self-striping yarns don’t always play nicely together, but by making use of both slip-stitches and cables, you can create solid lines that move over a striped ground to form a geometric yet sinuous design.

Infinite Cable Intro: Tucker Sweater

Amanda Scheuzger | Interweave Knits Fall 2015

A distinctive infinite cable pattern travels horizontally around the yoke of the otherwise minimalistic Tucker Sweater. This clever cable is fun to work and fits neatly into the upper body circumference across sizes, and the rest of the sweater will knit up in a flash with lots of plain stockinette.

Delightfully Asymmetrical: Tangled Up In Gray Pullover

Sloane Rosenthal | Interweave Knits Fall 2017

Reach for the Tangled Up in Gray on cold mornings when you want a classic sweater with a bit of a twist! The intriguing asymmetric motif on the front flows from ribbing into simple twisted cables that slowly unravel to flow into the ribbed collar. On the back, ribbing again twines itself into cables and back again to create an inverted V that emphasizes the waist.

Bewitching Texture: Telluride Aran

Amy Herzog | Interweave Knits Winter 2014

The Telluride Aran is a wonderful example of honeycomb cables: touchably textured and visually fascinating. Still more cables outline the honeycomb front panel, providing lots of variety to the knitter as you work! When it comes time to wear your gorgeous pullover, you’ll appreciate the tailored fit achieved by set-in sleeves and subtle waist shaping.

Stunning Twisted Stitches: Tree Boughs and Trails Hat

Clare Lakewood | Interweave Knits Holiday 2017

The Tree Boughs & Trails Hat combines cables with twisted stitches for unbelievable definition. It’s one of several gorgeous cabled hat patterns in Interweave Knits, Holiday 2017, but is by far the most popular. An unusual leaf stitch pattern hints at branches of trees, paired with a clever cable pattern that resembles trails meandering through snowy woods.

Classic Cardigan: Plaits and Links Cardigan

Kathy Zimmerman | Interweave Knits Winter 2012

This gorgeous cardigan is absolutely covered in cables, without ever looking crowded. A cropped silhouette with a richly textured band and hem livens up the classic aesthetic of a cabled cardigan. Be sure to use a yarn that provides lots of stitch definition to make the different kinds of cables and the interstitial seed stitch sections really pop.

Updated Classic: Charlestown Pullover

Cheryl Chow | Interweave Knits Spring 2017

Start with cabled saddle shoulders and then work your way seamlessly down in this Aran and gansey mash-up. It’s classic pullover design that still looks decidedly modern. The undulating single cables on each side are especially intriguing, with an almost zig-zag-like look. You’ll definitely want to use lifelines in this challenging, varied pattern, but the results are well worth it!

Cables as Shaping: Roosevelt Cardigan

Amanda Scheuzger | Interweave Knits Fall 2014

The Roosevelt Cardigan was inspired by shawl collar menswear cardigans, but shapely traveling cables in an hourglass shape make this design feel feminine. Deep front pockets are tucked under the cable patterning for a seamless look. Yet more cables adorn the sleeves, with simple rope cables running up the sleeves and cabled ribbing providing visual interest at the cuffs.

Beautifully Textured: Donegal Sweater

Moira Engel | Interweave Knits Winter 2017

This handsome shawl-collar pullover is a wildly popular unisex knitting pattern. It’s ready to be layered over anything from a shirt and tie to a dress. The traveling cable stitch makes this pattern a standout, providing intriguing texture on the front and back center panels that recalls diamond lattice windows. Very classy!

Ultra-Wearable: Roam Tunic

Amy Christoffers | Interweave Knits Fall 2012

This streamlined tunic creates an elongated silhouette, emphasized by cables which extend all the way from turtleneck collar to ribbed hem on both front and back. Chunky cables are modernized by a slim fit and a fun kangaroo pocket that leaves those long lines uninterrupted. Knitters on Ravelry of all shapes and sizes have made gorgeous versions of this cabled tunic. Will you be next?

That’s a lot of cable knitting inspiration! I am personally gravitating towards the Roam Tunic. I love the flatting lines created by those v-shaped cables. Also, I’m all about anything that can be worn over leggings while still leaving my behind completely covered.

As always, we’d love to see your cabled Interweave patterns on Facebook and Instagram! And be sure to subscribe to Interweave Knits to always get the newest cable knitting patterns straight to your mailbox.

Which of these patterns are you adding to your knitting queue? Did we miss any Interweave Knits cable knitting patterns you think should have made this list?

Andrea Lotz is Interweave’s digital editor and a passionate yarn lover with a weakness for indie-dyed yarn. She makes plenty of time for knitting between home renovation projects, gardening, and baking!

Originally posted on March 22, 2018; updated on September 7, 2023.