While stitches can be removed from the needle and left dangling while other stitches are knit, a more comfortable method is to use some sort of temporary stitch holder. So grab a toothpick, or any small diameter rod like tool, and join in the cable adventure! Let those dangling no tool cables for later!

 

Historically Irish knits were made by sailors while at sea and each famiy had their own signature cable pattern. If things went wrong at sea, and a sweater washed ashore, identification could be made.

 

Shown to the left are side by side cables crossing away from each other. The result is a giant braided cable.