Crochet Cables
Crochet cables are easier to manage than you might assume. The visual look of the braiding going in and out and around each other is an illusion that is easy to accomplish.
This stitch can be accomplished with any size hook and/or yarn choice. You just have to ensure the yarn compliments the hook in sizing. For example, I have accomplished this design using Bernat's Baby Blanket Yarn that is really thick requiring a 10 mm or N size crochet hook.
The trick to making the project bigger is knowing to keep each multiple in sets of 12 stitches. When doing your first chain, your chain must be in groups of 12 to work. At the end of the chain, you must add 5 extra chains to ensure the entire project will stay in balance in appearance. I explain this in the video tutorial.
Each cable consists of 9 stitches with each part of the braid of the cable consists of 3 stitches.
To Make Different Sizes
Multiple of 12 sts + 5.
Remember the + number at the end of the sentence means that you are to add chains at the very end to maintain the pattern as written.
Written Instructions
- Using yarn and hook that compliment each other.
- Abbreviations CH - chain, DC - Double Crochet, STS - Stitch(es), FPDC - Front Post Double Crochet, HDC - Half Double Crochet, BPDC - Back Post Double Crochet, FPTR - Front Post Treble Crochet.
- Chain in multiples of 12 across. At the end of the chain, add 5 extra chains. DC into 4th CH from the hook and into each chain across. Turn.
- CH 3, DC into next two stitches. * Skip 3 STS FPTR into each of the next 3 sts. Place 1 FPTR into each of the skipped STS. 1 FPDC into next 3 available STS. DC into next 3 and repeat * again across. Final 3 stitches will be 1 DC into each.
- Ch 2, 1 HDC into next 2 STS. * BPDC into next 9 STS (back of the complete cable section) and 1 HDC into each of the next 3 sts. Repeat * across. Final 3 stitches will be 1 HDC into each.
- CH 3, DC into next two stitches. * 1 FPDC into next 3 sts. Skip 3 STS FPTR into each of the next 3 sts. Place 1 FPTR into each of the skipped sts. DC into the next 3 and repeat * again across. Final 3 stitches will be 1 DC into each.
- Ch 2, 1 HDC into next 2 sts. * BPDC into next 9 sts (part of the cable) and 1 HDC into each of the next 3 sts. Repeat * across. Final 3 stitches will be 1 HDC into each.
You will continue to repeat the cable rows 2 - 5 continuously until the end of your project. In the video, I have referred to these as repeating the cable rows 1 - 4 as there are only 4 rows that repeat each other.
For the finishing, you will just CH 3, and 1 DC into each across.
Need help to visualize this? Just follow my tutorial below.
Glenda DeShane says
I just watched your video on working Cable Stitch and I understand more now, I took on a project that was more advanced than I am, a Braided Cable Tote worked in the round and I can not tell you how many times I have taken each round out trying to get it to work. I can't find a video on working Cable Stitch in the round, if you have one or could make one I would greatly appreciated seeing it. You make it very easy to understand.
Thank you,
Glenda DeShane
Mikey says
I don't have any patterns of doing Cable Stitching in the round. I would have to search for patterns but I cannot recall seeing anything like that at this moment.
Brenda Berntsen says
I am really confused as the DC is an English term but the HDC is US? How can we use both terms in one garment?
US term abbreviation UK term abbreviation Dutch term afkorting
chain ch chain ch losse l
slip stitch sl st slip stitch sl st halve vaste hv
single crochet sc double crochet dc vaste v
half double crochet hdc half treble crochet htr half stokje hst
Mikey says
DC = Treble for UK
HDC = Half Treble for UK
SC = Double Crochet for UK
I'm unsure why both North America and UK uses the same term but means two different things.
Diane Christopherson says
I am hoping to make a medium size table runner using the cable or braided cable stitch and using sport weight yarn. The look I'm wanting is on the model on your web page - the beautiful bright yellow top only in a rectangle shape. Am I nuts? or can this be done. I'm relatively new to crocheting but hope I can design and put this thing together.
Would greatly appreciate your suggestions.
Name: Diane Christopherson
Email: diane.christopherson35@gmail.com
in Salt Lake City, Utah
Jean says
I have just learnt how to look things up on the computer and have been looking at all the different types of stitches and have found the one I would like to try when I have finished the doily I am doing at the moment.
I have never tried doing a rug, but after watching you Mikey doing the cable stitch i am going to have a go at.
I learnt to crochet when I was 13 years old and now I am nearly 70 I think it is time to try and do something different to doilies.
Thank you Mikey for your youtube lessons.
Nicole says
Thank you for the pattern and tutorial. You’re the best!
Gini Taboika says
Mikey, you rock! Thanks so much for the clear simplified instructions to crochet cables for any size. This is the second time you have taught me something that appeared complicated to actually be simple. Tunisian entrelac now cables ! I am feeling empowered and excited by all the possibilities. Do you have a Tunisian cable tutorial as well ? Thanks again. G
Sandra says
Hi Mikey, love your tutorial! I want to make a 30 x 40 baby blanket so how may skeins of the chunky baby blanket yarn would I need? Many thanks!
Mikey, The Crochet Crowd says
I don't know the answer to that. The crochet cable is a concept idea for repeat stitching to make it happen. As far as yarn needed to make different size afghans, I really have no idea. Sorry I cannot be any more clearer.
Sandra says
Thanks no worries, I'll figure it out, I bought extra blanket yarn to cover me since I have to make 2 blankets. So I'm a few rows into the project and I noticed that the bottom on the cable side keeps curling up. I am trying to not crochet tight to avoid this. It's hard to tell if this is normal for this yarn since you did not use the bulky blanket yarn in your video. Please let me know what I am doing wrong and how to correct this. Thanks!! 🙂
Deb says
I would like to make this in two colors, probably strips. Can I do that with 12,12, 5 in each color and the sc them together? I love your videos. You taught me how to crochet!
karen says
the video is not close enough to the stitches in this video.... so many of your videos are great to follow as you show in detail what we need to do...but this one is harder to see the stitches you mean......I had a hard time figuring out which stitch he meant as his hands were in the way and the pace was so fast....and there is some punctuation missing in the written pattern. Great tutorial as ever as he talks about moving and pulling the stitches so you can see what you are doing, always great tips in every video. I love your videos.
Alice says
I'm a happy hooker who's retired & been crocheting since early 1980's & I never knew one could crochet cables.So glad I found your site.Thank you so very much for the easy to follow tutorial's & directions to make them.I've been trying for sometime now to get my now retired 60 year old husband to learn the craft of hooking up with crochet.He thought it was for females only.Imagine his surprise when I showed him who runs the crochet crowd..It was priceless I just wish I'd had my camera handy..lol..
He needs something like crochet to relax him on those bad weather days when he can't go outside and work on his antique vehicles.I hope you've convinced him it's not just for ladies!! He's such a sport keep your fingers crossed he gives it a try.
Ann says
Loved getting the pattern...just starting texture look...this is going to be fun! Thanks!
DarleneKoske says
Thank you Mikey for helping me learn a new stitch...your a luv..<3