How to Cable 4 Back (C4B)

The Basic Cable
Twisting To Create Texture

A basic cable is formed when you swap the order you work stitches along a row. Depending on where you hold the stitches (front or back) creates a different direction of the twist.
For the basic cable stitches, you knit all the cable stitches.
All cable instructions include a number. The number represents to total number of stitches involved in the entire cable. Usually you will divide this number in half to know how many stitches to 'hold to front' or 'hold to back'. 

Advanced Cabling
For more advanced cabling, you knit some and purl some of the cable stitches. You may also have reversed stockinette stitch (Rev St st) as the background to the cable.

Cable Back
When performing a 'Cable Back', slip half the number indicated (ex: slip 2 stitches in a C4B instruction) onto the cable needle. Then hold this needle to the back of your work (the side facing away from you). You will then knit the other half of the stitches (ex: knit next 2 stitches) from your left hand needle. Finally, knit the 2 stitches you slipped onto the cable needle from the other end of the cable needle. It's important to knit the stitches off the other end of the cable needle so as not to create an unintended twist or hole in the work.
How to Cable without a cable needle
cable without a cable needle
How to cable without a cable needle
Cabling without a cable needle is an advanced skill and isn't recommended for beginners cabling.
Alternate Step: How to Cable 4 Front (C4F)
c4f
How to Cable 4 Front (C4F)
The cable four front (C4F) stitch means you hold the stitches to the front while cabling. 
Circular Knitting Needles
circular needlesCircular Knitting Needles
Circular knitting needles have a plastic connector joining two knitting needles so you can knit in a continuous circle.
Advanced Step: How to Cable Cast On
cable coHow to Cable Cast On
The cable cast on stitch is a special cast on that creates a thick edge that resembles a cable stitch along the edge.

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There are several variations of cable needles, but most of them have a short and long side. Some just have a bump in the middle. Either way they are made to hold stitches during cabling.