06/27/24 • Knitting • Intermediate

How to Knit Openwork Lace – Easy Drop Stitch Cable Pattern

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your knitting projects, the Dropped Stitch Cable pattern is the perfect choice. It’s time to learn How to Knit Openwork Lace – Easy Drop Stitch Cable Pattern with the help of you BiCrafty Bestie, Marly Bird.

Collage featuring two women modeling knitted tops with knit dropped stitch patterns. The top left image showcases a green knit top, while the top right displays a pink knit top. Below them is a close-up of a hand holding an orange knit piece. Text overlay reads "Drop Stitches" and "How to Knit Dropped Stitch Cable Pattern". Marly Bird

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This stunning stitch pattern can be used for a variety of projects, such as my Savannah Shutters top, a swimsuit cover-up, or a beautiful scarf. Its unique texture and drape highlight the beauty of silky yarns, making your creations truly stand out.

Here at MarlyBird.com, I’ve been a fan of drop stitches and use them in a variety of projects. You might remember doing a version of a drop stitch pattern on the very first Turkey Trot poncho pattern, or one of the very first youtube videos I did showing dropped stitches for this free pattern by Red Heart.

>> Get the Savannah Shutters Knit Top on Etsy <<

The Dropped Stitch Cable pattern is versatile and adaptable, suitable for any size needles or weight of yarn. However, it shines brightest when used with yarns that have silk, bamboo, or rayon in their blend. These fibers allow the fabric to drape gracefully and showcase the vibrant colors beautifully.

Fall in LOVE with Dropped Knit Stitches

What is not to love about these fun yarn over and drop stitches. It might be a bit nerve wracking at the start but once you let that stitch fall off the knitting needle and you see the beautiful (intentional) ladders that appear you will be mesmerized!

These dropped stitches enhance the drape and flow of silky yarns. They are also perfect for a variety of projects, from garments to accessories. And, the stitch pattern is easy to adapt to different yarn weights and needle sizes.

As mentioned, a great example of how a designer uses drop stitches to create openwork lace fabric with a highly textured yarn is the poncho I designed for the very first Turkey Trot mystery make-along (event held every Thanksgiving Day weekend).

back view of the 2019 turkey trot mystery make-along poncho by Marly Bird. Showing off the drop knit stitches.

Materials needed for the drop stitch cable pattern

Any size knitting needles – choose a needle that works best with the yarn weight you choose to use for your project.
Any weight of yarn (preferably with silk, bamboo, or rayon blended with a touch of wool or cotton) – this stitch pattern really highlights the beauty of the yarn. The drop stitch pattern allows for the texture and shine of the yarn to be on display. Plus, the drape of the overall fabric works best with the yarn has a bit of cellulose fiber in it.

Here are some yarn suggestions for this stitch pattern. I like the look and feel of these yarns coupled with openwork lace knit patterns like this one:

Knit Picks, Gloss DK weight yarn

Knit Picks, Galileo DK weight yarn

Knit Picks, Samia Fingering weight yarn

Madelinetosh, Pashmina Sport weight yarn

Or, if you have that extra special ball of yarn like Qiviut and you are looking for a simple yet dramatic knit pattern for it, this stitch pattern is the one for you. As a matter of fact, I used this exact yarn for one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever knit.

A smiling woman with long dark hair stands outdoors, wrapping herself in a large, textured red scarf with an intricate openwork lace design. She is wearing a long-sleeved dark top and blue jeans. The background is slightly blurred, showing a mix of green trees and sunlight. -Marly Bird

The drop stitch technique can be worked with basic knit cables like the cable 4 back or the cable 4 front, or with even more complex cables like those used in the Trail Hoodie pattern. As long as you keep the intended drop stitch outside of the cable pattern, you can achieve this look.

Split image of a person wearing a knitted cream-colored hoodie. Left side shows the front view with the person smiling, hood up, and buttoned front. The right side reveals intricate drop stitch cable knitting patterns on the back. Outdoor background with trees. -Marly Bird

Knit Openwork Lace – Easy Drop Stitch Cable Pattern

For the easy drop stitch cable pattern instructions, I’m giving you a pattern for a simple and easy Drop Stitch Cable Pattern that uses the cable 4 back stitch + 1 stitch that will be dropped.

The stitches used in this pattern are listed below:

Knit (k)
Purl (p)
Yarn Over (yo)
Cable 4 Back (C4B) – Slip 2 sts onto cable needle and hold in back, k2 from left hand needle, k2 from cable needle.

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I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.

I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

Dropped Stitch Cable Pattern Flat Instructions

These are the instructions used in the video tutorial. Please note: the number of rows may change depending on the actual pattern; this pattern has 7 rows between each cable row where other pattern might only have 3, 5, or more.

Worked in the Rows, begins with multiple of 4 stitches + 4 (does not include any edge stitches).

Set-up Row: K4, * yo, k4; repeat from * to end.

Row 1: Purl.

Row 2: C4B, *k1, C4B; repeat from * to end.

Rows 3, 5, 7, 9: Purl.

Rows 4, 6, 8: Knit.

Row 10: C4B, *k1, C4B; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rows 3-10 only for Drop Stitch Cable pattern, ending after a Row 3.

Final Row: K4, *drop next st off needle, k4; repeat from * to end.

Dropped Stitch Cable Pattern In The Round Instructions

These are the instructions are similar to those used in the video tutorial to knit a flat swatch. Please note: the number of rows may change depending on the actual pattern; this pattern has 7 rows between each cable row where other pattern might only have 3, 5, or more.

For working the dropped stitch cable pattern in the round, the stitch multiple is 4 stitches.

Set-up Round: K4, * yo, k4; repeat from * to end.

Round 1: Knit.

Round 2: C4B, *k1, C4B; repeat from * to end.

Rounds 3-9: Knit.

Round 10: C4B, *k1, C4B; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rounds 3-10 only for Drop Stitch Cable pattern, ending after a Round 3.

Final Round: K4, *drop next st off needle, k4; repeat from * to end.

Drop Stitch Cable Pattern Video Tutorial

To help you get started, I’ve created a detailed video tutorial where I guide you through each step of knitting the Dropped Stitch Cable pattern flat. You can find the video here.

The Dropped Stitch Cable pattern is a beautiful addition to any knitter’s skill set. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a beginner looking for a new challenge, this pattern offers endless possibilities for creating elegant and unique projects.