Getting Started with Lace and Cables: Tips for Casting On and Setting Up Your First Repeat

Shaina Scott
Jun 12
3 min read

A beige knitted lace pattern on needles rests on a brown wood table, next to a spool of yarn and a white candle on a cork coaster.

Starting a new knitting project is always exciting—but it can also be a little intimidating, especially when lace or cable charts are involved. Whether you're a confident beginner or a seasoned stitcher, getting off to a strong start can make all the difference in how smoothly the rest of your project goes.

In this post, we’re walking through essential tips for casting on, setting up your stitch pattern, and working through that first chart repeat with confidence.

✨ Choose the Right Cast-On Method

When working with lace or twisted stitches, it's important to start with a cast-on that offers enough flexibility without flaring out or feeling sloppy. For a project like the Clematis Scarf, which begins with a decorative edge and flows directly into patterning, try one of the following:

Long-Tail Cast-On (tutorial) – A classic choice that balances elasticity and structure.
Cable Cast-On – Slightly firmer, great for creating a clean edge.
German Twisted Cast-On (tutorial) – Adds a bit more stretch and polish, especially nice for socks or other garments.

🧵 Tip: Practice your chosen method on a swatch first so you know how it behaves with your yarn.

📋 Set Up with Confidence

Before you dive into the lace or cable work, take a few minutes to set yourself up for success:

Read through the Abbreviations – Especially if you're working from charts, familiarize yourself with special stitch instructions like 2/2/2 LPC or twisted k2tog.
Highlight Pattern Sections – Use highlighters or washi tape to mark the different chart sections if your pattern uses mirrored halves.
Use Stitch Markers – Place markers between each repeat or major motif. This makes it easier to track where you are (and catch mistakes before they grow).

🔖 Tip: If your chart doesn’t include row numbers on both sides, draw them in! It makes reading flat charts much easier.

🔁 Tackling the First Repeat

The first full repeat of a lace or cable pattern is always the slowest—but it's also the most important. Here's how to make it a smooth ride:

1. Go Slowly

Take your time to read each symbol and corresponding instruction. Use a magnetic board, sticky notes, or digital chart keeper to follow row by row.

2. Count Often

After every RS (right-side) row, count your stitches. It’s much easier to fix an error right away than 10 rows later.

3. Check Your Work

Look at your knitting—not just your chart. Lace and cables create visible textures and shapes, so you’ll often notice if something looks off just by glancing.

🧶 Tip: If the pattern is symmetrical, compare the left and right sides of your fabric as you go.

📚 Extra Support

Some patterns—like the Clematis Scarf—include both chart and written instructions, as well as video tutorials for trickier techniques. Don’t hesitate to lean on those resources when you're setting up.

Also, check if your pattern designer offers a companion resource page or knit-along thread on Ravelry. These can be goldmines for answering questions and seeing how others are approaching the pattern.

💡 Final Thoughts on Getting Started with Knitting Lace and Cables

The best way to build confidence in your lace or cable knitting is by preparing carefully and embracing the first repeat as a learning curve. Once you’ve worked through it once or twice, you’ll find your rhythm—and then it’s all about enjoying the process.

So go ahead: cast on, settle in, and let the stitches bloom. 🌿