
Claw Stitch Pattern | Knit with Aabhar
Pattern Description
Claw Stitch Knitting Pattern is a cable pattern that you can knit with or without cable needles. All you need to know is knit, purl, and how to make cable stitches.
It is knitted over 9 stitches and 4 rows. Just like the Small Double Cable and Staghorn Cable pattern, there are two variations – Upwards Claw and Downwards Claw. Other than the directional difference, the knitting of the two is similar, with only one difference in Row 3. And with this small change, you can completely change the direction of the claw.
Although it may look complicated, it is quite simple and creates a beautiful texture on the fabric. You can use it along the sleeves of a pullover, on the front of a jumper, and more. You need to remember to account for some shrinking of the fabric whenever you are knitting cables, as they will slightly reduce the width of the knitted fabric.
Video Tutorial
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Pattern Details
Skill Level
Easy
Row Count
4
Pattern Repeat
A panel of 9 stitches

Abbreviations
This free knit pattern is written in US terms. You can also check out other common knit abbreviations.
CN | Cable needle |
CO | Cast on |
C4L | Cross 4 Left (sl 1 to CN, hold in front, k3, k1 from CN) |
C4R | Cross 4 Right (sl 3 to CN, hold in back, k1, k3 from CN) |
k | Knit |
p | Purl |
RS | Right side |
WS | Wrong side |
Making cable stitches without using a cable needle:
C4R (Cross 4 Right) –
- Slip next 3 stitches off the left needle, hold them in back of work
- Transfer next stitch from left needle to right needle
- Pick up the 2 slipped stitches on the left needle
- Transfer the stitch from right needle back to left needle
- Knit all 4 stitches
C4L (Cross 4 Left) –
- Slip next stitch off the left needle, hold it in front of work
- Transfer next 3 stitches from left needle to right needle
- Pick up the slipped stitch on left needle
- Transfer the 3 stitches from right needle back to left needle
- Knit all 4 stitches
Pattern Instructions
CO a panel of 8 stitches.
Upwards Claw Stitch Pattern
Row 1: | (RS) – Knit. |
Row 2: | Purl. |
Row 3: | C4R, k1, C4L. |
Row 4: | Purl. |
Downwards Claw Stitch Pattern
Row 1: | (RS) – Knit. |
Row 2: | Purl. |
Row 3: | C4L, k1, C4R. |
Row 4: | Purl. |
Repeat this free knit pattern (4 rows) until you have reached the desired length for your work.
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Check out other easy-to-learn beginner-friendly ‘Cable‘ knitting patterns:

