Tilted Cable Ladder

Because straight cables are so last season.

Meet the Stitch

Say hello to Tilted Cable Ladders—the cable stitch that said, “What if we took the rules… and gently shoved them sideways?”

This stitch plays with traditional cables but tilts them on a diagonal for a dynamic, slanted effect. It’s not your grandma’s cable (unless your grandma was a total badass).

You might’ve spotted similar vibes in high-end knitwear collections or fancy socks that lowkey scream “I have my life together.” Now it’s your turn.

Stick around, because if you love texture and drama with a dash of rebellion, this is the stitch you need in your life.

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Why This Stitch Rocks

• Visual Energy: The tilt gives a feeling of motion and makes any piece instantly look more sophisticated.
• Unexpected but Wearable: Eye-catching without being “what even IS that??”
• Seriously Satisfying to Knit: Once you get the rhythm, it’s like dancing with your needles.
• Modern Vibe: Perfect for when you want cables but without the heavy traditional feel.

I personally love this stitch because it’s sneaky—classic enough to be cozy, but edgy enough to look like you paid $300 for your sweater at a boutique.

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What to Watch For

• Blocking is Your BFF: This stitch can crinkle and crumple straight off the needles. A good wet block makes those ladders stand up and strut.
• Row Counting Matters: Get distracted for a second, and your ladders will suddenly be climbing a very different wall. Keep a row counter handy or make tally marks.
• Tension Check: Cable stitches naturally pull fabric tighter. If you’re a tight knitter, consider going up a needle size—or accept your fate and block aggressively later.

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Perfect Projects for This Stitch

• Chunky statement scarves: Like a cable scarf, but more interesting.
• Modern cardigans: Use it on panels or sleeves for a sharp update.
• Cozy throws: Big texture = big impact.
• Pillows: A whole couch covered in Tilted Cable Ladders? Instant decor upgrade.

Yarn Recommendations

Stick with smooth yarns—wool, wool blends, even cotton. You want those textures to pop. DK to bulky weight shows it off best.

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Try It Now: Stitch Breakdown, both Chart and Written

Tilted Cable Ladders Stitch (worked over a multiple of 11 stitches and 24 rows)

Row 1 (WS): P5, k1, p5. (11 sts)
Row 2 (RS): K1, (yo, k2tog) × 2, p1, k5.
Row 3: P4, k2, p5.
Row 4: K1, (yo, k2tog) × 2, p2, k4.
Rows 5 – 12: Repeat rows 3 – 4.
Row 13: Repeat row 1.
Row 14: K5, p1, (ssk, yo) × 2, k1.
Row 15: P5, k2, p4.
Row 16: K4, p2, (ssk, yo) × 2, k1.
Rows 17 – 24: Repeat rows 15 – 16.

Repeat Rows 1-24 to build your tilted ladder masterpiece.

Swatch details:

• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (100% Peruvian Highland Wool, Worsted weight)
• Needles: US 6 (4mm)
• 3 Repeats plus a 3-stitch garter edge and 4 rows of garter at both the top and bottom.
• Blocked for crisp, sassy texture reveal.

(Swatch photo below, showing all that lovely ladder (NOT laddering) action.)

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Knotions’ Take: “Design Twist”

Feeling spicy?

Try using Tilted Cable Ladders only down the sleeves of a basic pullover—or even just as an asymmetrical side panel on a sweater or cardigan. I dare you to try not to play with it every chance you get.

You could also rotate the ladders the opposite way halfway through a project for a wild zigzagging effect. (Very “I make my own rules.” Very cool.)

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TL;DR Recap

• Best for: Textured accessories, edgy sweaters, modern home decor
• Difficulty: Intermediate (basic cable confidence required)
• Why try it: Bold texture + a refreshing twist on classic cables = major bragging rights

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Your Turn!

Ready to tilt your world sideways?

Tag your swatches and projects with #KnotionsStitchopedia so we can cheer you on!

Question for you: Would you work Tilted Cable Ladders into a full sweater—or go for statement accessories instead? Tell us in the comments.