Learn to Knit the Horizontal Cable

Also known as the Vikkel Braid or Estonian Braid

In an upcoming pattern, which I teased in this post yesterday, I’ve been knitting the horizontal cable or braid. This technique creates a fun little horizontal line across your project.

This unique cable has a few different names. You might have seen this technique called the Estonian Braid or the Vikkel Braid. It also is sometimes a combination of the different names.

Whatever you call it, it creates a horizontal row of “knitting” across your work. And I’m in love with this simple little skill.

Oh and it doesn’t require the use of a cable needle or DPN!

It’s a couple of steps that you’ll easily master and be able to incorporate into other projects like mittens and hats. Technically this is a type of cable, as it involves rearranging the order of your stitches, stretching one across your knitting.

I’ve used this technique to outline one of the sections in my triangular shawl. Because of the shape of the shawl, my horizontal cables are more like diagonal lines. I have a feeling that I’ll be adding this little skill to many more of my future projects.

Here’s a video tutorial for the Horizontal Cable

How to knit the Horizontal Cable Step By Step:

Set Up: To start the braid, you’ll first need to cast on one stitch using either cable or knitted cast on. This is only done at the very start of the row.

Step 1: Knit through the back of the second stitch
Step 2: Knit the first stitch as normal.
Step 3: Slip both stitches off of the left hand needle.
Step 4: Transfer the first stitch from the right hand needle to the left.

Repeat these simple steps until you reach the end of the row.

Note, if you are working this skill in the round you may need an additional step or technique to finish the round and make the cable look seamless. This tutorial is for working the horizontal braid flat or back and forth.