Lace knitting and cable knitting are two distinct techniques in knitting, each creating unique and beautiful textures. Here are some key differences between lace knitting and cable knitting:

1. Stitch Patterns:

   • Lace Knitting: In lace knitting, the focus is on creating open and decorative patterns by using increases and decreases in stitches. These patterns often involve yarnovers (creating new stitches) and various decreases to form holes and intricate designs.
   • Cable Knitting: Cable knitting involves crossing stitches over each other to create braided or twisted patterns. This is achieved by using a cable needle or other methods to change the order of stitches.

2. Texture:

   • Lace Knitting: Lace patterns create a delicate and open fabric. The resulting fabric is often lightweight and airy, making it suitable for items like shawls, doilies, and lacy garments.
   • Cable Knitting: Cable patterns produce a dense and textured fabric. The cables create raised motifs that stand out from the background, providing a more substantial and structured feel. Cable knitting is commonly used for sweaters, scarves, and blankets.

3. Techniques:

   • Lace Knitting: Lace patterns typically involve yarnovers, knit and purl stitches, and various decreases (such as knit two together or slip, slip, knit). The patterns often require careful attention to detail and are well-suited for more experienced knitters.
   • Cable Knitting: Cable patterns involve working stitches out of order to create twists. This is done by using a cable needle to hold stitches while others are worked, then reintroducing the held stitches. Cable knitting requires a good understanding of stitch manipulation but is accessible to knitters with varying skill levels.

4. Tools:

   • Lace Knitting: Lace knitting usually requires a set of needles appropriate for the yarn weight and the lace pattern. It may involve the use of stitch markers to help keep track of pattern repeats.
   • Cable Knitting: Cable knitting often requires a cable needle, a short, double-pointed needle used to temporarily hold stitches while creating the twists. Some knitters prefer to cable without a cable needle using a technique called "cabling without a cable needle."

5. Common Applications:

   • Lace Knitting: Lace patterns are often used for decorative items like shawls, wraps, and delicate garments.
   • Cable Knitting: Cable patterns are commonly used in sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and blankets to add a touch of texture and visual interest.

In summary, while both lace and cable knitting involve creating intricate patterns, they differ in the types of patterns produced, the resulting fabric texture, and the techniques and tools used during the knitting process.