A textured motif in knitting where the physical order of stitches on the needle is rearranged before they are worked. This crossing of stitch groups creates a raised, three-dimensional rope or braid effect on the surface of the fabric. The technique requires moving a set of stitches to a temporary holder, knitting the next set, and then knitting the held stitches. It drastically reduces the horizontal stretch of the finished piece.
Heard on the job
I'm working a six-stitch cable down the center front of this sweater to give it some texture.
Insider tip
Because cables pull the fabric inward, a cabled garment requires significantly more yarn and a wider cast-on than a plain stockinette piece of the same finished width.