Corkscrew Lace Cable Stitch

Meet the Stitch

If you’re drawn to patterns that look like they’ve been swirling in motion since the cast-on, meet the Corkscrew Lace Cable—a stitch that dances diagonally across your fabric with surprising grace.

You might have seen it in modern shawls or accent panels on cardigans, but this beauty deserves center stage. Elegant yet punchy, it’s one of those stitches that makes people go, “Wait, how did you do that?” Stick around and I’ll show you how this spiraling stitch can bring life to your next project.

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Why This Stitch Rocks

What sets the Corkscrew Lace Cable apart is its movement. Unlike vertical cables or lace panels, this stitch sweeps across your knitting like a gentle breeze, blending yarn-overs and decreases with traveling stitches. The result is sculptural and airy—perfect for adding texture without bulk.

Personally, I love how deceptively simple it is. Once you get into the rhythm, it flows. And bonus: the openwork means it blocks like a dream and feels lighter than traditional cables. It’s like giving your fabric a twist—literally.

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What to Watch For

A few things to keep in mind when working this stitch:

• Biasing and curling: The diagonal motion can bias the fabric slightly, especially in swatches. Blocking helps—but expect a little slant in narrow panels.
• Stitch count awareness: You’re moving stitches and throwing in yarn-overs, so a row counter or stitch markers can be your best friend.
• Tension control: Because of the traveling stitches and eyelets, uneven tension might make the slanty cables look lumpy. Relax, and keep your hands loose.
• Splay after the last cable twist: I intentionally left them in my swatch, so that you could see. The best way to avoid this is to work a decrease either right before or right after you transition to a more basic stitch.

Perfect Projects for This Stitch

This stitch shines in accessories like:

• Scarves and cowls—especially when knit flat and blocked to show the diagonal flow.
• Hats—great for creating a twisty band or full-body texture.
• Shawl borders or lacey yoke inserts on garments.

Try it in a wool or wool blend, preferably with some bounce to show off the cables. DK and worsted weights give you structure, while fingering yields a more airy, delicate result.

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Try It Now: Stitch Breakdown

Corkscrews Lace Cable Written Instructions

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k6, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1. (18 sts)
Row 2 and all WS rows: K1, p16, k1.
Row 3: K2, yo, cdd, yo, k1, 3/3 RC, k1, yo, cdd, yo, k2.
Row 5: K1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k6, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k1.
Row 7: K2, yo, cdd, yo, k8, yo, cdd, yo, k2.
Row 9: K1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, 3/3 RC, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1.
Row 11: Repeat row 7.
Row 12: K1, p16, k1.

Who’s It Good For?

Corkscrews Lace Cable is best for adventurous beginners or intermediate knitters. You need to be comfortable with both basic lace and basic cables. And with the added twist of doing them AT THE SAME TIME.

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Knotions’ Take: Design Twist

Use this stitch in just one diagonal panel of a simple stockinette pullover to draw the eye—or as twisted columns down a pair of mitts. Want more drama? Mirror the slant in alternating panels for a zig-zag rhythm. And don’t be afraid to let it lean—this stitch loves asymmetry.