Are you ready to dive into the intermediate-level crochet? Add stunning and textured patterns to your project with cable stitch. The cable design is often associated with knitting, it can also be created beautifully with crochet hooks. Use this stitch to design blankets, scarves, hats, and more. Crochet patterns differ slightly between the US and UK, but the essence of the craft remains universal. As you know, double crochet (UK pattern) is a single crochet in the (US pattern). This blog will explore cable stitches, complete step-by-step techniques, tips, and tricks for making it visually appealing.
Crochet Cable Stitch- Unlock the Creative Side
These simple but elegant stitches are made by skipping a set of stitches, and then crossing the front (FPTC) and back post (BPTC) stitches to create the twisted quality cable. It looks complex in the beginning, but with regular practice, it is easy to learn. Read our blog, on how to crochet in front and back loops for a better understanding of these patterns.
What tools do you need to work on the Crochet Cable stitch?
Our smooth bamboo or vibrant metal single-ended crochet hooks are ideal for achieving stunning results.
Use medium-weight yarn, which is soft, strong, warm, and perfect for cable stitches.
You must keep crochet accessories like stitch markers, a tapestry needle, and scissors that will assist in your project.
Front Post treble and Back Post treble crochet
Before starting the cable stitch, let’s understand these two basic crochet patterns.
Front Post treble crochet (FPTC): This means inserting the crochet hook (RS) from the front of your work to the back and working on a post stitch.
Back Post Treble Crochet (BPTC): While in this, insert the crochet hook (WS) from the back of your work towards the front and work on a post stitch.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these simple steps and create a beautifully textured project.
Step 1: Start with the foundation row and right side
First, you need to create 12 foundation chains plus three extra chains.
Now turn your work and the foundation is a two-row double crochet (DC). DC in the third chain from the hook and in every stitch. Again, turn and chain three, skip the first stitch, continue DC in every stitch, and then, turn again.
Step 2: Create first half cable twist
- It’s time to start the cable stitch pattern. Chain three and DC in the next six stitches. Then, skip the next three stitches and FPTC into the next three stitches. As we already discussed about the FPTC above.
Step 3: Work on the right slant
- Keep in mind, that your pattern should show three FPTCs that are slanting to the right side, and now complete the first half cable twist.
Step 4: Create the second half cable twist
- Now, work on the previous first three skipped stitches and FPTC into that stitch. When you work, with FPTC into the second and third stitch, it will cause the stitches to slant to the left. Don’t pull the stitches too tight, otherwise, it will be difficult to insert the hook. This will complete your first half of the cable.
Step 5: Finishing off the row
- Lastly, DC in the remaining stitches to end the rows and turn your work for BPTC stitches.
Step 6: Work on the wrong side (WS)
- Now, chain three and DC in the next six stitches. Then, BPTC into the next six stitches.
Step 7 Finishing
- Once you reach the desired size, DC to the end. Repeat the process as many times as you want. Block the fabric to make the design beautiful.
Congratulations on completing the cable stitches.
Tips/suggestions for making it perfectly
Here are some tips that you can follow to make your project versatile.
Choose the right hook for your projects, consider using Tunisian crochet hooks, which can be attached to cables
Study the pattern carefully and see how the stitches work together.
It is important to keep the yarn tension loose so that your cable stitches won't be too stiff.
Make a swatch before you start working on your final project. It will help you to find how your pattern will look at the end.
Crocheting a cable stitch is a popular way of adding textured and visual appeal to the project. Once you master this method you can use it in various projects including sweaters, scarfs and blankets. However, it’s important to learn the basic front (FPTC) and back post (BPTC) stitches.
With this detailed guide, you can easily master this method. Remember, the key to getting the perfect stitches is using a quality crochet hook set that includes various ranges of hooks so, that you can check them and choose the right one. Explore our wide range collection of crochet hooks.