How to Crochet

Using Post Stitches to Create Cables

Now that you know the basics for creating post stitches, you can use them to create more intricate stitch patterns, like cables! Cables use crossed front post stitches to create an appearance of twisted fabric. Follow along as we break down a basic cable pattern, then use this knowledge to create the cable patterns below!

Essential Stitches

Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC)

YO, insert hook around post of indicated st from front to back to front, YO, pull through, [YO, pull through 2 lps on hook] twice.

Front Post Treble Crochet (FPtr)

YO twice, insert hook around post of indicated st from front to back to front, YO, pull through, [YO, pull through 2 lps on hook] twice, YO, pull through 2 rem lps on hook

Try these basic cable patterns

Left Cable (LC)

Sk next 3 sts, FPtr around next 3 sts, FPtr around 3 skipped sts, working in front of sts just made.

Left Cable 1

Sk next 3 sts

Left Cable 2

FPtr around next 3 sts

Left Cable 3

FPtr around 3 skipped sts, working in front of sts just made

Right Cable (RC)

Sk next 3 sts, FPtr around next 3 sts, FPtr around 3 skipped sts, working behind sts just made

Right Cable 1

Sk next 3 sts

Right Cable 2

FPtr around next 3 sts

Right Cable 3

FPtr around 3 skipped sts, working behind sts just made

Pro Tips

  • Cables are often created with Front Post stitches worked against a standard stitch background on RS rows and Back Post stitches worked against a standard stitch background on WS rows.
  • Cable patterns worked in the round use Front Post stitches only.
  • When cables cross, you’ll often use taller stitches (for example work a FPtr for crossing stitches while using FPDC for non-crossing stitches). This helps maintain row tension and keeps crossed stitches from pulling or puckering your project.
  • Pay attention to whether crossed stitches are worked IN FRONT of the stitches just worked or BEHIND stitches just worked. This will have a dramatic effect on the look of your pattern.
  • When reading a cable chart, the stitches that cross behind in cables will be in a lighter color or a lighter weight to indicate they are in back.

Now Try Cables in a Pattern!

Left Cable Instructions

Setup Row: HDC in 3rd ch from hook, and in each ch across, turn. 12 HDC.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 2, HDC in next 3 sts, FPDC in next 6 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, HDC in next 3 sts, BPDC in next 6 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, turn.

Row 3: Ch 2, HDC in next 3 sts, LC over next 6 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, turn.

Row 4: As Row 2.

Rep Rows 1-4 three times, then rep Row 1 once more, cut, and fasten off.

Left Cable Swatch

Right Cable Instructions

Setup Row: HDC in 3rd ch from hook, and in each ch across, turn. 12 HDC.

Row 1 (RS): Ch 2, HDC in next 3 sts, FPDC in next 6 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, HDC in next 3 sts, BPDC in next 6 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, turn.

Row 3: Ch 2, HDC in next 3 sts, RC over next 6 sts, HDC in next 3 sts, turn.

Row 4: As Row 2.

Rep Rows 1-4 three times, then rep Row 1 once more, cut, and fasten off.

Right Cable Swatch

Experiment with Cables and Post Stitches

Fishtail Cable

Creating this cool cable look is easy! This cable is worked over 12 stitches with a background of half double crochet. Work the Right Cable, immediately followed by the Left Cable to achieve this fishtail effect.

Fishtail

2 x 2 Cable

Play with the size of your cable! This cable is worked over 4 stitches rather than 6 with a background of half double crochet. Skip 2 stitches, FPtr around next 2 stitches, FPtr around 2 skipped stitches, working in front of stitches just made. Experiment with making cables larger or smaller!

2 x 2

Make Textured Stripes

This pattern is worked over 6 stitches with half double crochet on each side. Work 2 BPDC, 2 FPDC, then 2 BPDC to create these textured stripes

Textured Stripes
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