Review: A must-have for cable lovers

This post contains affiliate links.

I was preparing some design submissions for 2019 last week and needed my most trusted cable stitch dictionary, which seemed to have disappeared (given the mess in my studio, this is not such a surprise). I found myself calling, “Norah, where are you??” So, I think it’s time I shared my thoughts on Norah Gaughan’s utterly amazing Knitted Cable Sourcebook.

Let me just preface this by saying, I. love. cables. Ever since I learned how to cable without a cable needle, they’ve been my favorite thing to knit.

I also love Norah Gaughan. Designer popularity waxes and wanes, but she’s been in the game for decades and she’s a cable genius. (I really hope Santa brings me her other new book, Norah Gaughan: 40 Timeless Knits for Christmas!)

So, last year when I found out that Norah was publishing a cable stitch dictionary, I was, needless to say, ecstatic, and pre-ordered it immediately.

I certainly wasn’t disappointed. This book is overflowing with gorgeous, unique cable patterns, which Norah explains not only how to knit (of course), but how to expand on and/or vary. In total, the book includes 152 charted cable stitch patterns—most with written instructions!— to use in designing or customizing your own knits.

And it’s so much more than just a stitch dictionary. The entire first chapter is dedicated to explaining the essentials behind cable knitting—terminology, tools, reading charts and troubleshooting. She’s even included a unique system to make substituting cable stitch patterns easier.

Oh, and did I mention the book also includes 15 new knitting patterns?

My favorite thing about this book, though, is that she explains how she developed these stitch patterns. Not only is it a peek inside her process, which is fascinating, it also helps you understand how to go about creating your own unique cable stitch patterns, which is invaluable for designers or anyone who wants one-of-a-kind handknits.

Frankly, this book is a work of art, and if you are at all interested in cabled knits, you need it on your bookshelf. (Grab it from Knit Picks for just $19.45!)