How to machine knit a reversible cable edge scarf on an LK150

A reversible cable edge is made by 8 stitches of 1 x 1 ribbing, then do a cable crossing every 16 rows. This creates an interesting finish on both sides of the stockinette stitches.

Since LK150 knitting machine does not have automatic patterning ability like a punch card or electronic device, we have to select needles by hand and reform any ribbing stitches.

The beginning and ending edges are made of 8 rows of ribbing. The first and last 8 stitches (edge stitches turning into cable stitch) are 1 x 1 ribbing, and the center stitches are 2 x 1 ribbing. Depending on how wide you want the scarf to be and how many stitches you cast on, the ribbing pattern can be adjusted accordingly.

Watch the video of Part 1 Cable edge scarf - reformed ribbing and cable crossing

Watch the video of Part 2 Cable edge scarf - Fixing mistakes and binding off

Basic pattern

Below is a simple pattern you can adapt according to different yarns and machines.

Yarn: medium weight (worst weight), around 160 gram.

Tension: Upper mast: 7, Lower carriage: 8

Cast on 60 stitches (L30 to R30)

E-wrap cast on (or any types of cast on)

Knit 8 rows (hang weight)

Pick out stitches to reform as seen in the video - from the edge: 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, ….

(the 2, 4, 6, 8th stitches from the edge, and every 3rd stitches in the center)

Reform these stitches to create ribbing (drop down the stitches and latch-up with a latch-up tool)

Knit another 8 rows

Reform only the edge stitches (2, 4, 6, 8th stitches from both edges) of these 8 rows.

Cable crossing: Take off the outer 4 edge stitches on the 3 prong and 1 prong transferring tools, transfer the next 4 stitches to the 4 empty needles. Then transfer the 4 stitches we are holding back to the 4 empty needles.

Pull out all the cable needles (and maybe plus 1 or 2 stitches, does not matter.)

** Return counter to “000” and knit 16 rows (make sure the carriage is set to plain knitting: Russel lever on 2).

Reform only the edge stitches (2, 4, 6, 8th stitches from both edges) of these 16 rows

Do a cable crossing (same as above, remove the outside 4 stitches first to create a symmetrical cable crossing).

Pull out all cable needles to prevent dropping stitches. **

Repeat from ** to ** until a little shorter than the length of the scarf you like. Make a cable crossing every 16 rows.

After the last cable crossing:

Knit 8 rows

Reform the edge stitches to create 1 x 1 ribbing, but no cable crossing this time.

Knit 8 rows

Reform edge (1 x 1 ribbing) and center stitches (1 x 2 ribbing) to match the beginning 8 rows.

Bind off (any bind off method will work. I use sewing bind off. Cut a length of yarn that is 3-4 times the width of the knitting and thread the yarn with a tapestry needle. Thread from “the back to front” 2 stitches forward and “front to back” 1 stitch back. Continue until the end).

Lightly steam to block the scarf to even out the stitches.

Variation: Infinity scarf and hand-knit

You can modify this pattern into an infinity scarf. Start cast on with Waste Yarn so there are live stitches in the beginning of the scarf. Skip the center ribbing for beginning and ending edge. Place the beginning live stitches on to the stitches of the last row. Bind off together.

Or, you can take off the scarf from the machine with a waste yarn or long circular needle, and then bind off by hand using the Kitchener stitch or 3-needle bind off.

It is also very easy to convert this pattern into a hand knitting pattern. You can add 8 rows of 1 x 1 ribbing in the center for reversible cable to add more interest.