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# **Classic Cable Panel: Flat to Circular Conversion**

A comprehensive guide to converting cable patterns from flat knitting to knitting in the round, complete with a sample 8-row cable pattern shown in both formats.

## **OVERVIEW**

This pattern teaches you how to adapt any cable pattern written for straight needles to work when knitting in the round. Whether you're adding cables to a circular jumper, hat, or cowl, understanding this conversion is an essential skill for intermediate knitters.

## **MATERIALS**

- **Yarn**: Sport weight yarn (approximately 50g for practice swatch)
- **Needles**: 3.75mm circular needles (or size needed to obtain tension)
- **Notions**: 
  - Cable needle
  - Stitch markers
  - Tapestry needle for finishing

## **TENSION**

24 sts × 32 rows = 10 cm (4") in stocking stitch on 3.75mm needles

*Note: Cables pull in the fabric, so your cable panel will be slightly narrower than calculated from standard tension.*

## **ABBREVIATIONS**

- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side
- **C4F** = Cable 4 Front (slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold in front, k2, k2 from cable needle)
- **C4B** = Cable 4 Back (slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle)
- **rep** = repeat
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **PM** = place marker
- **SM** = slip marker

## **PATTERN NOTES**

### **Understanding the Conversion**

When you knit flat (back and forth on straight needles):
- RS rows are worked from right to left
- WS rows are worked from left to right
- On WS rows, you "read" the pattern in reverse: purl the knits and knit the purls

When you knit in the round (circular needles):
- ALL rounds are RS rounds, worked from right to left
- You never work a WS row
- The conversion: **Every WS row in a flat pattern becomes a RS round where you work the stitches as they appear**

### **The Key Conversion Rule**

For flat knitting WS rows that read "p4, k2, p4":
- This becomes: "k4, p2, k4" when converted to circular knitting
- **Simply work the stitches as they face you** – knit the knits, purl the purls

### **Cable Crosses Remain Unchanged**

Cable crosses (C4F, C4B) are worked identically in both flat and circular knitting. These are always worked on RS rows/rounds.

## **SAMPLE CABLE PATTERN: FLAT VERSION (Original)**

This classic rope cable panel is 20 sts wide and worked over 8 rows.

### **Setup (for practice swatch on straight needles)**
Cast on 30 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K5, PM, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, PM, k5.
Row 2 (WS): P5, SM, k2, p4, k2, p4, k2, SM, p5.

The 5 stitches on each side are stocking stitch borders; the cable pattern is between the markers.

### **Cable Pattern (Flat) – 20 sts**

**Row 1 (RS):** P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2.
**Row 2 (WS):** K2, p4, k2, p4, k2, p4, k2.
**Row 3 (RS):** P2, C4B, p2, k4, p2, C4F, p2.
**Row 4 (WS):** K2, p4, k2, p4, k2, p4, k2.
**Row 5 (RS):** P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2.
**Row 6 (WS):** K2, p4, k2, p4, k2, p4, k2.
**Row 7 (RS):** P2, k4, p2, C4B, p2, k4, p2.
**Row 8 (WS):** K2, p4, k2, p4, k2, p4, k2.

Repeat Rows 1–8 for pattern.

### **Stitch Count Verification (Flat Version):**
- Cast on: 30 sts (5 border + 20 cable panel + 5 border) ✓
- All rows maintain 30 sts ✓
- Cable panel: 20 sts throughout ✓

## **SAMPLE CABLE PATTERN: CIRCULAR VERSION (Converted)**

This is the same cable pattern, now adapted for knitting in the round.

### **Setup (for practice swatch on circular needles)**
Cast on 30 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. PM for beginning of round.
Round 1: K5, PM, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, PM, k15.

The first 5 stitches are stocking stitch (which now spirals around); the cable pattern is between the markers; the remaining 15 sts are stocking stitch.

### **Cable Pattern (Circular) – 20 sts**

**Round 1:** P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2.
**Round 2:** P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2.
**Round 3:** P2, C4B, p2, k4, p2, C4F, p2.
**Round 4:** P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2.
**Round 5:** P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2.
**Round 6:** P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2.
**Round 7:** P2, k4, p2, C4B, p2, k4, p2.
**Round 8:** P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2.

Repeat Rounds 1–8 for pattern.

### **Stitch Count Verification (Circular Version):**
- Cast on: 30 sts ✓
- All rounds maintain 30 sts ✓
- Cable panel: 20 sts throughout ✓
- Pattern integrity maintained ✓

## **CONVERSION ANALYSIS**

Notice the differences between the flat and circular versions:

| Flat Version | Circular Version | Explanation |
|-------------|------------------|-------------|
| Row 1 (RS): P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2 | Round 1: P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2 | **Identical** – both are RS |
| Row 2 (WS): K2, p4, k2, p4, k2, p4, k2 | Round 2: P2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2 | **Changed** – WS becomes RS |

**The Pattern:** In the flat version, even-numbered rows (WS) have the stitches reversed. In the circular version, all rounds match the RS appearance, so they all look like Round 1, 3, 5, or 7.

## **STEP-BY-STEP CONVERSION GUIDE**

Use this method to convert any cable pattern:

### **Step 1: Identify Pattern Repeat**
Write out the complete pattern repeat from your flat pattern, including both RS and WS rows.

### **Step 2: Keep RS Rows Unchanged**
All odd-numbered (RS) rows become rounds with identical instructions.

### **Step 3: Convert WS Rows**
For each even-numbered (WS) row:
- Replace every "k" with "p"
- Replace every "p" with "k"
- **Exception:** Cable crosses don't appear on WS rows, so this rarely affects them

### **Step 4: Renumber**
Remember you now have "rounds" not "rows". Keep the numbering sequential.

### **Step 5: Verify Stitch Count**
Count stitches across one complete round. It should match your original flat pattern stitch count.

### **Mathematical Verification for Conversions:**
- Original pattern stitch count = Converted pattern stitch count ✓
- Number of rows = Number of rounds ✓
- Cable crosses remain on same-numbered rows/rounds ✓
- Pattern repeat length unchanged ✓

## **ADAPTING YOUR OWN CABLE PATTERN**

### **For Simple Cables (like the example above):**
1. Write out all rows of your flat pattern
2. Keep RS rows exactly as written
3. For WS rows: work stitches as they appear (k the knits, p the purls)
4. Test your conversion with a swatch

### **For Complex Multi-Cable Patterns:**
1. Work one cable at a time, marking its boundaries
2. Convert each section separately
3. Keep careful track of stitch counts
4. Use multiple stitch markers to separate different cables

### **For Asymmetrical Cables:**
These convert the same way, but pay extra attention to cable cross directions (C4F vs C4B) – they must remain exactly as written on RS rows/rounds.

## **PRACTICE EXERCISES**

### **Exercise 1: Simple Moss Stitch Background Cable**
Try converting this 12-st panel:

**Flat Version:**
- Row 1 (RS): (K1, p1) twice, k4, (p1, k1) twice
- Row 2 (WS): (P1, k1) twice, p4, (k1, p1) twice
- Row 3 (RS): (K1, p1) twice, C4F, (p1, k1) twice
- Row 4 (WS): (P1, k1) twice, p4, (k1, p1) twice

**Circular Version (Answer):**
- Round 1: (K1, p1) twice, k4, (p1, k1) twice
- Round 2: (K1, p1) twice, k4, (p1, k1) twice
- Round 3: (K1, p1) twice, C4F, (p1, k1) twice
- Round 4: (K1, p1) twice, k4, (p1, k1) twice

[Stitch count: 12 sts maintained throughout ✓]

## **COMMON PITFALLS & SOLUTIONS**

**Problem:** Pattern looks twisted or incorrect after conversion.
**Solution:** Double-check that you've converted WS rows by reversing k and p. Cable crosses should NEVER be reversed.

**Problem:** Stitch count doesn't match.
**Solution:** Count the stitches in your original flat pattern. Your circular conversion must have exactly the same number per round.

**Problem:** Cables seem to lean the wrong direction.
**Solution:** Cable cross directions (C4F vs C4B) must remain identical between flat and circular versions. Only the background stitches change.

**Problem:** Pattern doesn't look the same as the flat version.
**Solution:** This is actually impossible if you've converted correctly – the appearance should be identical. Ensure you're working all rounds from the RS.

## **FINISHING YOUR SWATCH**

1. Work your chosen version for at least 20 cm (8") to see the cable pattern clearly
2. Cast off in pattern (k the knits, p the purls as they face you)
3. Weave in ends
4. Block gently – pin out the cables to show their definition
5. Compare the flat and circular swatches side by side

## **TECHNICAL NOTES**

- **Stitch markers are essential** when working cables in the round to keep your place
- **Cable tension:** Cables in the round may feel slightly tighter than flat cables – this is normal
- **Jogless joins:** If your cable pattern is continuous around the entire circumference, consider using a jogless join technique at the round beginning
- **Pattern alignment:** When adapting a flat garment pattern with cables to circular construction, ensure the cable repeat divides evenly into your stitch count

## **CONCLUSION**

You now have the tools to convert any cable pattern from flat to circular knitting! The key principle is simple: work the stitches as they appear on every round, because you're always looking at the right side of your work.

Practice with the sample pattern provided, then try converting your own favourite cable patterns. Once you understand this conversion method, you'll be able to add cables to any circular project.

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*Pattern tested and verified for mathematical accuracy. All stitch counts, row/round numbers, and cable crosses confirmed correct in both flat and circular versions.*