Cabled Neck Wrap

Cabled Neck Wrap by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton

What is Being Made

The Cabled Neck Wrap is a knitted accessory designed as a lightweight, versatile piece measuring approximately 10 inches wide by 28 inches long. This wrap is ideal for draping around the neck for warmth and style, suitable for various seasons depending on fiber choice. The finished dimensions make it practical for layering over shoulders or wrapping snugly around the neck area.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft. The design features prominent cable work as its primary decorative element, making it an excellent introduction to cable knitting techniques for beginners. Cable knitting involves crossing groups of stitches over one another to create twisted, rope-like textures that add visual interest and dimension to the finished piece.

Stitches and Cable Details

The Cabled Neck Wrap employs several key stitching techniques:

• Stock stitch (Stockinette stitch) forms the base fabric, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Garter stitch elements appear in the edge stitches for stability
• C2F (Cable 2 Front) cables are worked by placing 2 stitches on a cable needle, holding them at the front of the work, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. These cables are crossed every 6 rows throughout the pattern for consistent rhythm
• C5F (Cable 5 Front) cables create larger twisted elements by placing 5 stitches on a cable needle, holding at front, knitting 5 stitches, then knitting the 5 stitches from the cable needle
• Slip stitches worked purl-wise add texture and help define the cable pattern sections
• Reverse stockinette stitch (purl stitches on the right side) creates contrast between cable sections

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Cabled Neck Wrap is designed to use sport weight yarn, specifically one 50-gram hank of Cornelia Hamilton's Affetto Seta in the Rose colorway, which provides 262 yards (240 meters) of yardage. This yardage is sufficient to complete the entire project.

Knitting needles required are US 9 / 5.5 mm needles. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, which helps ensure the finished measurements are accurate.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it accessible to knitters who are new to cable work. While cables may seem intimidating, this project introduces them in a manageable way with clear instructions and a straightforward repeat pattern that builds confidence in this fundamental technique.