Quick fix: Use a tapestry needle to ease slack from the loose stitches at each pull-through point into the neighbouring stitches. Then rotate the pull-through point by knitting 1-2 extra stitches past it on future rounds.
What you are seeing
Two symmetrical vertical columns of looser stitches, positioned exactly at the two points where the cable exits the needle. The columns appear on opposite sides of the work and run the full length of the piece.
Why it happens
- The stitches at the cable pull-through points carry extra strain as the cable is pulled through on each round.
- The yarn path is longer at those points, creating natural slack.
- Stopping and starting at the same position every round concentrates the looseness in a fixed column.
Fix it now
- Find both ladder columns — they sit at the two cable pull-through points.
- Thread a blunt tapestry needle with no extra yarn.
- Starting from the bottom, ease slack sideways out of each loose stitch into its neighbours on both sides.
- Work up both columns stitch by stitch, distributing the slack gradually.
- Wet block to help the fibres settle evenly.
- Going forward: knit 1-2 stitches past each pull-through point before stopping to rearrange. This rotates the join and prevents ladders forming in the same place.
Prevent it next time
- Use a longer circular needle (80-100 cm / 32-40 inches) so the cable pull-through is smoother and less abrupt.
- Hold the working yarn slightly tighter just before and after each pull-through point.
- Always rotate the join by knitting a stitch or two past the pull-through before rearranging.