How to Crochet: Cable Stitch

How to Crochet: Cable stitch {3-dc Cross-over}

We used the cable stitch in this week’s square for the Block a Week CAL 2014, and I loved it so much that I thought I should do a tutorial on it (and use it in some patterns while I’m at it). The crochet cable stitch, or 3-dc cross-over, is worked over 4 st’s. It is tricky to work this stitch into a foundation chain, so I suggest starting with a base row/round with multiples of 4 st’s. If you need help figuring out how many chains to make for your required/preferred base row/round, see this post by Rhonda from OombawkaDesign.

Working in Rounds/Spirals

When working in rounds, start with a base round with multiples of 4 st’s. This stitch does not lend itself well to increasing in the round, but is perfect for things like cowls or boot-cuffs where each round has the same number of stitches. If you are working in rounds without turning, all the cables will slant the same way.

Working in Rows

When working in rows, start with a base row that has multiples of 4 (+2) st’s. These 2 extra stitches allow for a dc on either end of the row, which is vital if you would like a straight edge.

If you are working in rows, you can either repeat the cable stitch in each row, in which case your cables will slant right in one row and left in the next (see the yellow dishcloth below). Or you can alternate the cable stitch rows with rows of standard single crochet, in which case all your cables will slant in the same direction (see the striped dishcloth below).

You can find the patterns for these dishcloths here.

Crochet Cable Stitch Photo Tutorial {3-dc Cross-over}

Chart Symbol and Written Instructions

Example

For my example, I am starting with a base row of 14 sc’s. When making sc rows, you need to add 1 chain to the stitch count. I will therefore start with 15 ch’s to give me a base row of 14 sc’s, which will be (3 multiples of 4) + 2 st’s.

Row 1

Ch 15. Sc in the second chain from the hook and each ch across (Photo 1). Turn.

Stith Count: 14 sc’s

Row 2

If you are going to use the same colour, ch 3 (this counts as your first dc – see Photo 2 above) or start with a chainless double crochet.
If you are going to use a different colour, start with a standing double crochet in the last sc of the previous round.

*Skip the next st (indicated with an arrow in Photo 2). Dc in the next 3 st’s (Photo 3). Working over the 3 dc’s, yarn over and insert your hook into the skipped stitch (indicated with an arrow in Photo 4). Pull up a loop to the height of the dc’s – see Photo 5. This loop should encompass the 3 dc’s and should be visible on the front AND back of your work. (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops) twice, completing an extended (or long) dc (Photo 6).* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Dc in the last st (Photo 9).

Stitch Count: 2 dc’s and 3 cable stitches Photos 7 and 8 below illustrate the second cable stitch being made, with the skipped stitch indicated with an arrow. You can use this stitch anywhere you would like to add some dainty texture to your work, provided that you have a multiple of 4 st’s to work into, and keeping in mind that you will need 2 extra stitches if you are working in rows.

I hope you have found this tutorial useful and feel inspired to make something using this stitch, like these 2 free crochet dishcloths.

Free Cable Stitch Patterns

These two gorgeous patterns below use a modified version of the cable stitch, but the principle is the same!

Cross-over Long DC Cowl by CrochetN’Crafts
Cross-over Long DC Hat by CrochetN’Crafts