The Left and Right Twists are simple, no fuss, decorative stitches similar to a 1x1 cable. This technique allows you to switch the positions of two stitches without the use of a cable needle or having to do the pinch and shuffle.
Like most things in knittings, there is usually more than one way to do things, but this is by far my favorite alternative for anything 1x1 cable!
Left Twist: knit the second st on the left hand needle through the back loop but leave it on the needle, then knit the first and second st together through the back loop. Drop both sts off the left hand needle.
Right Twist: knit 2 sts together but leave them on the left hand needle, then knit the first st again. Drop both sts off the left hand needle.
For the cable pattern:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: RT (right twist) or LT (left twist)
Row 4: Purl
Repeat rows 1-4