cable stitches

[khyu777]

im currently knitting this pattern (http://www.thegartergirl.com/2009/12...wl-neck-scarf/)

there are 16 stitch cable patterns (8 hold front, k 8, etc.)

the problem im having is that when i'm knitting the cable pattern it gets really tight. i was originally thinking that it was normal since I'm crossing 8 stitches over... but it seems too tight and i dont think it's normal... is there any way i can make it more loose?

like my left hand hurts after i do the cables because the stitches are really tight

[suzeeq]

Use a larger needle size, cables should be done loosely especially if you're going to cross 8 sts. With a scarf you can get away with going up a couple sizes - try a 10½ or even an 11 if you normally knit tight.

[Ingrid]

Make sure that you're slipping your stitches as if to purl. If you slip them as if to knit, they will be too tight to work.