purlJam

---

# CASCADING CABLES AFGHAN

### An Advanced Hand-Knitted Blanket in Bulky Weight Yarn

---

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Bulky weight yarn (CYCA #6), approximately **1,600 yards (1,463 m)** total
- Recommended fiber: 100% wool or wool blend for best stitch definition and blocking
- *Sample shown in a single color; yarn shown: any bulky single-ply or plied wool, ~100–120 yards per skein*
- Purchase **14–16 skeins** of approximately 100–110 yards each, OR **2–3 skeins** of a larger put-up (500+ yards)

> **Yarn Note:** Cables consume significantly more yarn than stockinette. Purchase extra yardage rather than less — an additional skein is always preferable to running short.

**Needles:**
- US 11 / 8 mm straight or circular needles, 36" or longer (circular strongly recommended for stitch count)
- *Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge*

**Notions:**
- Cable needle (cn)
- Stitch markers (at least 12)
- Tapestry needle for finishing
- Blocking mats and rustproof pins
- Measuring tape
- Row counter (highly recommended)

---

## GAUGE

**18 sts × 24 rows = 6" × 6" (15 cm × 15 cm)**
measured in Honeycomb Cable pattern (Chart A), after blocking

→ This equals **3 sts per inch** and **4 rows per inch**

> ⚠️ **Critical Gauge Note:** Cables pull fabric in both horizontally and vertically. Always measure your gauge swatch *in the cable pattern*, not in stockinette. Steam-block your swatch before measuring. Do not substitute a lighter or heavier yarn weight without recalculating all stitch counts. Even a quarter-stitch difference per inch results in several inches of difference across a 52" blanket.

**Swatch Instructions:** Cast on 30 sts. Work 6 rows of garter stitch. Then set up: K3 (garter border), work 24-st Honeycomb Cable (Chart A), K3 (garter border). Continue until swatch measures at least 8" (20 cm). Bind off. Block, then measure center 18 sts and center 24 rows.

---

## FINISHED SIZE

**Approximately 52" wide × 70" long (132 cm × 178 cm)** after blocking

> Finished dimensions may vary slightly depending on your individual gauge and blocking method. Block to measurements for best results.

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **k** | knit |
| **p** | purl |
| **RS** | right side |
| **WS** | wrong side |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **rep** | repeat |
| **pm** | place marker |
| **sm** | slip marker |
| **cn** | cable needle |
| **C4F** | Cable 4 Front: slip 2 sts to cn, hold to front; k2; k2 from cn |
| **C4B** | Cable 4 Back: slip 2 sts to cn, hold to back; k2; k2 from cn |
| **C8F** | Cable 8 Front: slip 4 sts to cn, hold to front; k4; k4 from cn |
| **C8B** | Cable 8 Back: slip 4 sts to cn, hold to back; k4; k4 from cn |
| **rev St st** | reverse stockinette stitch (purl on RS, knit on WS) |
| **St st** | stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) |
| **g st** | garter stitch (knit every row) |
| **yo** | yarn over |
| **k2tog** | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| **ssk** | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| **tbl** | through the back loop |
| **sl** | slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back (unless noted) |
| **BO** | bind off |
| **CO** | cast on |

---

## NOTES

1. **Construction:** This afghan is worked flat in one piece, from the cast-on edge (bottom) to the bind-off edge (top). All pattern rows are worked back and forth on circular needles.

2. **Stitch Markers:** Place markers between each panel section as indicated in the setup row. Slip all markers as you encounter them on every row. This is essential for keeping the panel layout organized across 156 stitches.

3. **Border Stitches:** The first 8 stitches and last 8 stitches of every row form the garter stitch side borders. These 8 stitches are always knitted, on both RS and WS rows, regardless of what the rest of the row is doing.

4. **Reading Charts:**
   - Charts are read from bottom to top.
   - Right-side (RS) rows are read from RIGHT to LEFT (odd-numbered rows).
   - Wrong-side (WS) rows are read from LEFT to RIGHT (even-numbered rows).
   - Each square represents one stitch.
   - Row numbers appear on the right side of the chart for RS rows and on the left for WS rows.

5. **Cable Needle Tip:** When using a cable needle with bulky yarn, use a larger cable needle (or even a spare double-pointed needle in the same or slightly smaller size) to avoid distorting the stitches.

6. **Pattern Repeats:**
   - Honeycomb Cable (Chart A): **8-row repeat** over **24 stitches**
   - Rope Cable (Chart B): **8-row repeat** over **16 stitches**
   - Work **30 complete repeats** of each 8-row chart for the body length.

7. **Yarn Management:** If joining new yarn, do so at the beginning of a row near the border edge. Never join in the middle of a cable cross.

8. **Difficulty:** This is an **advanced** pattern. It involves working multiple cable patterns simultaneously, maintaining a border, and managing stitch markers across a large stitch count. Experience with basic cables (C4F, C4B) is strongly recommended before beginning.

---

## CHARTS

---

### CHART A: HONEYCOMB CABLE
**Panel width: 24 stitches | 8-row vertical repeat**
*(Read RS rows right to left; WS rows left to right)*

```
CHART A: Honeycomb Cable (24 sts × 8-row repeat)
=========================================================

     24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4  3  2  1
      |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
R8:  [  p  p ][C4B][  p  p ][C4B][  p  p ][C4B][  p  p ][C4B][  p  p ][C4B][  p  p ]

      24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10  9  8  7  6  5  4  3  2  1
R7:   p  p  \  \  /  /  p  p  \  \  /  /  p  p  \  \  /  /  p  p  \  \  /  /

R6:   -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

R5:   -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

R4:  [C4F][  p  p ][C4F][  p  p ][C4F][  p  p ][C4F][  p  p ][C4F][  p  p ][C4F]

R3:   /  /  p  p  /  /  p  p  /  /  p  p  /  /  p  p  /  /  p  p  /  /  p  p

R2:   -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

R1:   -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -
```

**Cleaner Grid Representation:**

```
CHART A: HONEYCOMB CABLE (24 sts × 8 rows)
Each cell = 1 stitch

       Sts: [24-23] [22-21-20-19] [18-17] [16-15-14-13] [12-11] [10-9-8-7] [6-5] [4-3-2-1]
            Pairs   Cable 4       Pairs   Cable 4        Pairs   Cable 4    Pairs  Cable 4

Row 8 (RS): p p     C4B           p p     C4B            p p     C4B        p p    C4B      ← repeat of rows 7-8 section
Row 7 (RS): k k     k k k k       k k     k k k k        k k     k k k k    k k    k k k k  ← knit the cable sts, purl between
Row 6 (WS): k k     p p p p       k k     p p p p        k k     p p p p    k k    p p p p  ← WS plain row
Row 5 (RS): p p     k k k k       p p     k k k k        p p     k k k k    p p    k k k k  ← RS plain row
Row 4 (RS): p p     C4F           p p     C4F            p p     C4F        p p    C4F
Row 3 (RS): k k     k k k k       k k     k k k k        k k     k k k k    k k    k k k k
Row 2 (WS): k k     p p p p       k k     p p p p        k k     p p p p    k k    p p p p
Row 1 (RS): p p     k k k k       p p     k k k k        p p     k k k k    p p    k k k k
```

**Chart A — Written Instructions (24-stitch panel):**

- **Row 1 (RS):** *[P2, k4] rep 4 times* — (4 reps × 6 sts = 24 sts)
- **Row 2 (WS):** *[P4, k2] rep 4 times*
- **Row 3 (RS):** *[P2, k4] rep 4 times*
- **Row 4 (RS):** *[P2, C4F] rep 4 times* ← **Cable cross row**
- **Row 5 (RS):** *[P2, k4] rep 4 times*
- **Row 6 (WS):** *[P4, k2] rep 4 times*
- **Row 7 (RS):** *[P2, k4] rep 4 times*
- **Row 8 (RS):** *[P2, C4B] rep 4 times* ← **Cable cross row**

*Repeat Rows 1–8 for pattern.*

> **Understanding the Honeycomb:** C4F cables cross on Row 4, C4B cables cross on Row 8. This alternating direction creates the interlocked honeycomb texture. The p2 columns between cables form the "walls" of the cells.

---

### CHART B: ROPE CABLE
**Panel width: 16 stitches | 8-row vertical repeat**
*(2 × 8-stitch rope cables side by side, separated by 0 sts within the panel)*

```
CHART B: ROPE CABLE (16 sts × 8-row repeat)

       Sts: [16-15-14-13-12-11-10-9]   [8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1]
            Left Rope Cable (8 sts)     Right Rope Cable (8 sts)

Row 8 (WS):  p p p p p p p p           p p p p p p p p   ← plain WS row
Row 7 (RS):  k k k k k k k k           k k k k k k k k   ← plain RS row
Row 6 (WS):  p p p p p p p p           p p p p p p p p
Row 5 (RS):  C8F                        C8F               ← CABLE CROSS
Row 4 (WS):  p p p p p p p p           p p p p p p p p
Row 3 (RS):  k k k k k k k k           k k k k k k k k
Row 2 (WS):  p p p p p p p p           p p p p p p p p
Row 1 (RS):  k k k k k k k k           k k k k k k k k
```

**Chart B — Written Instructions (16-stitch panel):**

- **Row 1 (RS):** K16
- **Row 2 (WS):** P16
- **Row 3 (RS):** K16
- **Row 4 (WS):** P16
- **Row 5 (RS):** C8F, C8F *(two 8-st cables across the panel)*← **Cable cross row**
- **Row 6 (WS):** P16
- **Row 7 (RS):** K16
- **Row 8 (WS):** P16

*Repeat Rows 1–8 for pattern.*

> **Understanding the Rope Cable:** Both C8F cables twist in the same direction (front/left-leaning), creating thick rope columns. This is a bold, architectural cable well-suited to bulky yarn. The cable crosses every 4 rows (on Row 5, then again on Row 5 of the next repeat, i.e., every 4th RS row since there are plain RS rows between).

> **Alternative:** For a thicker, more dramatic single rope, you may treat all 16 stitches as one C16F cable. This is very challenging with bulky yarn but creates a spectacular twisted column. Instructions for C16F: Slip 8 sts to cn, hold to front; k8; k8 from cn.

---

### CHART SYMBOL KEY

```
SYMBOL KEY (applies to all charts)
=====================================
  -   or blank = knit on RS; purl on WS (St st)
  p           = purl on RS; knit on WS (rev St st)
  k           = knit on RS; purl on WS (same as -)
  C4F         = slip 2 sts to cn, hold FRONT; k2; k2 from cn
  C4B         = slip 2 sts to cn, hold BACK; k2; k2 from cn
  C8F         = slip 4 sts to cn, hold FRONT; k4; k4 from cn
  C8B         = slip 4 sts to cn, hold BACK; k4; k4 from cn
  [box]       = garter stitch (knit every row, both RS and WS)
```

---

## PANEL LAYOUT

### Full Width Breakdown (156 stitches total)

```
PANEL LAYOUT — 156 STITCHES
Left → Right as seen on RS
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

 Section         | Stitches | Width at Gauge | Notes
─────────────────┼──────────┼────────────────┼──────────────────────
 Left Border     |    8     |     2.7"       | Garter stitch
 Rev St st col   |    6     |     2.0"       | Purl on RS
 Honeycomb #1    |   24     |     8.0"       | Chart A × 3 reps
 Rev St st col   |    6     |     2.0"       | Purl on RS
 Rope Cable #1   |   16     |     5.3"       | Chart B (2×C8F)
 Rev St st col   |    6     |     2.0"       | Purl on RS
 Honeycomb #2    |   24     |     8.0"       | Chart A × 3 reps
 Rev St st col   |    6     |     2.0"       | Purl on RS
 Rope Cable #2   |   16     |     5.3"       | Chart B (2×C8F)
 Rev St st col   |    6     |     2.0"       | Purl on RS
 Honeycomb #3    |   24     |     8.0"       | Chart A × 3 reps
 Rev St st col   |    6     |     2.0"       | Purl on RS
 Right Border    |    8     |     2.7"       | Garter stitch
─────────────────┼──────────┼────────────────┼──────────────────────
 TOTAL           |  156     |    ~52.0"      | ✓ Verified
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

Math check: 8+6+24+6+16+6+24+6+16+6+24+6+8 = 156 ✓
Width check: 156 ÷ 3 sts/inch = 52.0" ✓
```

### Panel Layout Diagram

```
|←────────────────────────── 52" ──────────────────────────────→|

╔══╦──╦════════╦──╦════════╦──╦════════╦──╦════════╦──╦════════╦──╦══╗
║  ║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║  ║
║  ║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║  ║
║  ║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║  ║
║  ║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║  ║
║  ║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║RRRRRRRR║  ║HHHHHHHH║  ║  ║
╚══╩──╩════════╩──╩════════╩──╩════════╩──╩════════╩──╩════════╩──╩══╝

 8  6    24      6    16      6    24      6    16      6    24      6  8
│B │r │ H-COMB │r │  ROPE  │r │ H-COMB │r │  ROPE  │r │ H-COMB │r │B│

B = Garter Border (8 sts each side)
r = Reverse Stockinette column (6 sts)
H-COMB = Honeycomb Cable (24 sts, Chart A)
ROPE = Rope Cable (16 sts, Chart B)
```

---

## PATTERN

### CAST ON

Using US 11 / 8 mm needles and the long-tail cast-on method (recommended for a neat, elastic edge):

**Cast on 156 stitches.**

> *Long-tail cast-on is recommended for its elasticity and neat appearance. A cable cast-on is also acceptable. Avoid the backwards-loop cast-on, which can make the first row difficult to knit.*

---

### BOTTOM BORDER (Garter Stitch)

Work 10 rows of garter stitch (knit every stitch, every row) across all 156 stitches.

This creates approximately **2.5" (6.5 cm)** of firm garter border at the lower edge.

After Row 10 of the border, you are ready to set up the pattern panels.

---

### SETUP ROW (RS — Establishes Panel Markers)

On the next RS row, place stitch markers to define all panel sections. Work the setup row as follows, placing a marker (pm) after each section:

```
SETUP ROW (RS):
K8 (left border), pm,
P6 (rev St st col), pm,
[P2, k4] 4 times (Honeycomb #1 — 24 sts), pm,
P6 (rev St st col), pm,
K16 (Rope Cable #1 — 16 sts), pm,
P6 (rev St st col), pm,
[P2, k4] 4 times (Honeycomb #2 — 24 sts), pm,
P6 (rev St st col), pm,
K16 (Rope Cable #2 — 16 sts), pm,
P6 (rev St st col), pm,
[P2, k4] 4 times (Honeycomb #3 — 24 sts), pm,
P6 (rev St st col), pm,
K8 (right border).

Total: 8+6+24+6+16+6+24+6+16+6+24+6+8 = 156 sts ✓
```

**SETUP ROW (WS — the row immediately following):**

```
K8 (left border), sm,
K6 (WS of rev St st col = knit), sm,
[K2, p4] 4 times (WS of Honeycomb #1 — 24 sts), sm,
K6, sm,
P16 (WS of Rope Cable #1), sm,
K6, sm,
[K2, p4] 4 times (WS of Honeycomb #2), sm,
K6, sm,
P16 (WS of Rope Cable #2), sm,
K6, sm,
[K2, p4] 4 times (WS of Honeycomb #3), sm,
K6, sm,
K8 (right border).
```

> ✅ After both setup rows, confirm you still have 156 stitches on your needle. If your count is off, identify and correct now before continuing.

---

### BODY PATTERN

The body of the afghan is worked by repeating the following **8-row sequence** 30 times (for 240 total pattern rows), then working the top border.

**Important:** The 8-row repeat numbers below (Rows 1–8) refer to the cable pattern rows (Chart A and Chart B), not the overall row count of the afghan. Use your row counter to track which row of the repeat you are on.

**On ALL rows:** Always knit the first 8 stitches and last 8 stitches (garter borders), slip all markers as you pass them, purl (on RS) or knit (on WS) the 6-stitch reverse stockinette columns.

---

#### ROW-BY-ROW INSTRUCTIONS

*The instructions below use this shorthand:*
- *"Border" = K8 at each end*
- *"Rev col" = P6 on RS; K6 on WS*
- *"HC" = Honeycomb Cable section (24 sts), work as indicated*
- *"RC" = Rope Cable section (16 sts), work as indicated*

---

**BODY ROW 1 (RS — Chart Row 1):**

K8, sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 1:** [P2, k4] 4 times,
sm, P6, sm,
**RC Row 1:** K16,
sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 1:** [P2, k4] 4 times,
sm, P6, sm,
**RC Row 1:** K16,
sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 1:** [P2, k4] 4 times,
sm, P6, sm,
K8.

---

**BODY ROW 2 (WS — Chart Row 2):**

K8, sm, K6, sm,
**HC Row 2:** [K2, p4] 4 times,
sm, K6, sm,
**RC Row 2:** P16,
sm, K6, sm,
**HC Row 2:** [K2, p4] 4 times,
sm, K6, sm,
**RC Row 2:** P16,
sm, K6, sm,
**HC Row 2:** [K2, p4] 4 times,
sm, K6, sm,
K8.

---

**BODY ROW 3 (RS — Chart Row 3):**

Same as Body Row 1.

*(No cable crosses on this row. All Honeycomb sections: [P2, k4] 4 times. All Rope Cable sections: K16.)*

---

**BODY ROW 4 (WS — Chart Row 4):**

Same as Body Row 2.

*(Plain WS row. All Honeycomb sections: [K2, p4] 4 times. All Rope Cable sections: P16.)*

---

**BODY ROW 5 (RS — Chart Row 5) ← CABLE CROSS ROW:**

K8, sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 5:** [P2, k4] 4 times *(no cable cross on HC this row)*,
sm, P6, sm,
**RC Row 5: C8F, C8F** *(cable cross on Rope Cable — first 8 sts: C8F; next 8 sts: C8F)*,
sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 5:** [P2, k4] 4 times,
sm, P6, sm,
**RC Row 5: C8F, C8F**,
sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 5:** [P2, k4] 4 times,
sm, P6, sm,
K8.

> **C8F Reminder:** Slip 4 sts to cn, hold to FRONT of work; k4 from left needle; k4 from cn.

---

**BODY ROW 6 (WS — Chart Row 6):**

Same as Body Row 2.

*(Plain WS row for all sections.)*

---

**BODY ROW 7 (RS — Chart Row 7):**

Same as Body Row 1.

*(Plain RS row for all sections — no cable crosses.)*

---

**BODY ROW 8 (RS — Chart Row 8) ← CABLE CROSS ROW:**

> ⚠️ Note: Row 8 of the pattern repeat is a **RS row**. After working WS Row 6 and RS Row 7, you are now on the second RS row of this pair.

> *If you are uncertain about your row count: the Honeycomb crosses happen on Rows 4 and 8 of the repeat. The Rope Cable crosses happen only on Row 5. Use a row counter diligently.*

K8, sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 8: [P2, C4B] 4 times** *(cable cross on Honeycomb — C4B every 4 sts)*,
sm, P6, sm,
**RC Row 8:** K16 *(plain knit — no cable cross on Rope this row)*,
sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 8: [P2, C4B] 4 times**,
sm, P6, sm,
**RC Row 8:** K16,
sm, P6, sm,
**HC Row 8: [P2, C4B] 4 times**,
sm, P6, sm,
K8.

> **C4B Reminder:** Slip 2 sts to cn, hold to BACK of work; k2 from left needle; k2 from cn.

---

> ⚠️ **Wait — Correcting the Row Sequence:**
>
> Chart A (Honeycomb) calls for C4F on Row 4 and C4B on Row 8. Both are RS rows. Chart B (Rope) calls for C8F on Row 5, also an RS row. Let's clarify the RS/WS alternation across all 8 rows:
>
> - Row 1: RS
> - Row 2: WS
> - Row 3: RS
> - Row 4: RS ← **Honeycomb C4F cross**
>
> *This means Rows 3 and 4 are both RS rows, which is impossible in flat knitting.*
>
> **Resolution:** The Honeycomb cable pattern cross rows are evenly spaced at 4-row intervals when measuring RS rows only. In flat knitting terms, between RS Row 1 and the next cable-cross RS row, there are 3 more rows (1 more RS, then WS, then RS). The corrected 8-row flat repeat is below. Use THIS version:

---

### CORRECTED 8-ROW FLAT REPEAT (Final Version)

```
Row 1  RS: [P2, k4] across HC panels; k16 across RC panels
Row 2  WS: [K2, p4] across HC panels; p16 across RC panels
Row 3  RS: [P2, k4] across HC panels; k16 across RC panels
Row 4  WS: [K2, p4] across HC panels; p16 across RC panels
Row 5  RS: [P2, C4F] across HC panels; C8F×2 across RC panels  ← CROSS ROW
Row 6  WS: [K2, p4] across HC panels; p16 across RC panels
Row 7  RS: [P2, k4] across HC panels; k16 across RC panels
Row 8  WS: [K2, p4] across HC panels; p16 across RC panels
Row 9  RS: [P2, k4] across HC panels; k16 across RC panels
Row 10 WS: [K2, p4] across HC panels; p16 across RC panels
Row 11 RS: [P2, k4] across HC panels; k16 across RC panels
Row 12 WS: [K2, p4] across HC panels; p16 across RC panels
Row 13 RS: [P2, C4B] across HC panels; C8F×2 across RC panels  ← CROSS ROW
Row 14 WS: [K2, p4] across HC panels; p16 across RC panels
Row 15 RS: [P2, k4] across HC panels; k16 across RC panels
Row 16 WS: [K2, p4] across HC panels; p16 across RC panels
```

> **This is now a 16-row repeat** (8 RS rows, 8 WS rows), which allows cable crosses to fall on RS rows only and at proper 4-RS-row intervals. This is the standard convention for all flat-knitted cable patterns.

**Repeat Rows 1–16** for the body of the afghan.

---

### REVISED GAUGE AND LENGTH CALCULATION

With a **16-row repeat** at **4 rows per inch:**
- 16 rows = **4 inches** per repeat
- Target length = 70" total
- Bottom border: 10 rows = 2.5"
- Top border: 10 rows = 2.5"
- Body length needed: 70" – 2.5" – 2.5" = **65 inches**
- Body rows needed: 65" × 4 rows/inch = 260 rows
- Number of 16-row repeats: 260 ÷ 16 = **16.25 repeats → work 16 complete repeats = 256 rows = 64"**
- Total: 2.5" + 64" + 2.5" = **69"** *(within 1" — block to 70")*

> **Work 16 complete repeats of the 16-row pattern** (256 body rows), then work the top border.

---

### COMPLETE BODY INSTRUCTIONS (Summary Format)

With all markers in place after the setup rows:

**Repeat the following 16 rows a total of 16 times** (= 256 body rows):

*(Remember: K8 border + sm at start and end of every row; slip all interior markers as you pass them; purl rev St st columns on RS / knit on WS throughout.)*

---

**ROW 1 (RS):**
K8, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, k4] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, **K16**, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, k4] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, **K16**, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, k4] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, K8.

**ROW 2 (WS):**
K8, sm, K6, sm, **[K2, p4] 4 times**, sm, K6, sm, **P16**, sm, K6, sm, **[K2, p4] 4 times**, sm, K6, sm, **P16**, sm, K6, sm, **[K2, p4] 4 times**, sm, K6, sm, K8.

**ROWS 3–4:** Repeat Rows 1–2.

**ROW 5 (RS) — CABLE CROSS ROW:**
K8, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, C4F] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, **[C8F] twice**, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, C4F] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, **[C8F] twice**, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, C4F] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, K8.

**ROW 6 (WS):** Repeat Row 2.

**ROWS 7–12:** Repeat Rows 1–2 three times (6 rows total).

**ROW 13 (RS) — CABLE CROSS ROW:**
K8, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, C4B] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, **[C8F] twice**, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, C4B] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, **[C8F] twice**, sm, P6, sm, **[P2, C4B] 4 times**, sm, P6, sm, K8.

**ROW 14 (WS):** Repeat Row 2.

**ROWS 15–16:** Repeat Rows 1–2 once.

---

*End of 16-row repeat. Repeat Rows 1–16 a total of 16 times.*

---

### STITCH COUNT CHECK

After every complete repeat (every 16 rows), confirm you have **156 stitches** on your needle. If your count is off, locate the error before continuing — do not proceed with an incorrect stitch count.

---

## BORDER

### BOTTOM BORDER
Already worked: 10 rows of garter stitch immediately after cast-on.

### TOP BORDER

After completing all 16 pattern repeats (256 body rows), you should be at the end of a WS row. Remove all stitch markers.

Work **10 rows of garter stitch** (knit every stitch, every row) across all 156 stitches.

After Row 10 of the top border, bind off on the next RS row.

### BIND OFF

On a RS row, bind off all **156 stitches** using a **stretchy bind off.**

**Recommended Method — Knit-and-slip bind off:**
- K2, *slip both sts back to left needle, k2tog through back loops, k1; repeat from * until 1 st remains. Cut yarn and pull through final stitch.

> This method creates an elastic bound-off edge that matches the cast-on edge visually and prevents the top edge from pulling in, which is especially important with dense cable fabric.

### SIDE BORDERS
The 8-stitch garter borders worked on every row have already created continuous side borders running the full length of the afghan. No additional side border treatment is needed.

> **Tip:** If you find the side edges are curling slightly before blocking, this is normal for the rev St st columns adjacent to the border. Blocking will resolve this entirely.

---

## FINISHING

### WEAVING IN ENDS

1. Thread each yarn tail onto a tapestry needle.
2. Weave each end through at least **5–6 stitches** in the wrong side of the fabric, following the line of the stitches (not across them).
3. Weave in a second direction (reversing approximately 3 stitches back) to lock the end in place.
4. Do not weave ends into cable sections — weave into reverse stockinette columns or garter border sections where they are better hidden and less likely to loosen.
5. Trim ends to approximately ½" (1.5 cm). Do not trim flush with the fabric in bulky yarn, as ends can work through to the right side.

---

### BLOCKING

**Blocking is essential for this pattern.** Cables will look bunched and uneven before blocking; blocking opens the fabric, sets the stitches, and allows the full honeycomb and rope textures to emerge clearly.

**Recommended Method: Wet Blocking (preferred for cables)**

1. Fill a clean sink or bathtub with cool to lukewarm water. Add a small amount of wool wash if desired.
2. Submerge the folded afghan completely. Gently press to saturate — do not wring or agitate.
3. Lift the afghan out of the water and squeeze (do not twist) to remove excess water.
4. Roll the afghan in a large dry towel, then press firmly to remove more moisture.
5. Lay flat on blocking mats. Smooth the fabric gently with your hands.
6. Using rustproof pins (T-pins or blocking pins), pin the edges to the correct dimensions:
   - **Width: 52" (132 cm)**
   - **Length: 70" (178 cm)**
7. Pin approximately every 2–3 inches around the perimeter, easing the fabric to shape.
8. Allow to dry **completely** — this may take 24–48 hours depending on humidity. Do not move the afghan until fully dry.
9. Remove pins. The cables will be beautifully defined and the blanket will hold its blocked dimensions.

**Alternative Method: Steam Blocking**

If wet blocking is not practical, steam blocking is also effective for wool:
1. Lay the afghan flat. Pin to correct dimensions as above.
2. Hold a steam iron approximately 1–2" (2.5–5 cm) above the surface — **do not let the iron touch the fabric.**
3. Apply steam evenly across the entire surface, working in sections.
4. Pat gently with a damp cloth if needed.
5. Allow to cool and dry completely before unpinning.

> ⚠️ **Warning:** Do not steam block acrylic yarn — acrylic will "kill" (permanently flatten) under steam. For acrylic or acrylic blends, use a wet cloth and cool iron, or simply wet block without steam.

---

### FINAL MEASUREMENTS (After Blocking)

```
Width: 52" (132 cm) ✓
Length: 70" (178 cm) ✓
Bottom/Top Borders: approx. 2.5" each (6.5 cm)
Side Borders: approx. 2.7" each (7 cm)
Honeycomb Panels: approx. 8" each (20 cm)
Rope Cable Panels: approx. 5.3" each (13.5 cm)
Rev St st Columns: approx. 2" each (5 cm)
```

---

### CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- **Hand wash** in cool water with gentle wool wash, or machine wash on wool/delicate cycle in a mesh bag.
- **Lay flat to dry.** Do not hang, as the weight of a wet bulky blanket will stretch it permanently.
- **Do not tumble dry** (unless yarn label specifically states safe — even then, cool/low heat only).
- Store folded or rolled, not hung.

---

### OPTIONAL FINISHING TOUCHES

**Fringe:** Cut yarn lengths of 14" (35 cm). Fold in half, insert folded loop through a stitch at the cast-on edge with a crochet hook, pull ends through the loop, and tighten. Add fringe every 4th stitch along both short edges for a classic finish. Trim fringe to even length (approximately 6" / 15 cm after attachment).

**Corner Tassels:** Create 4 large tassels (approximately 4" / 10 cm each) in matching or contrasting yarn and attach at each corner.

**Whipstitch Edging:** Using a contrasting color, work a single row of single crochet around the entire perimeter for a clean edge — use US J-10 / 6 mm crochet hook and single crochet evenly, working 1 sc per stitch along cast-on/bind-off edges and approximately 1 sc every 2 rows along side edges.

---

## YARN USAGE SUMMARY

| Section | Approx. Yardage |
|---|---|
| Borders (top + bottom) | ~80 yards |
| Side borders (garter, worked throughout) | ~100 yards |
| 3 × Honeycomb Cable panels (full length) | ~700 yards |
| 2 × Rope Cable panels (full length) | ~400 yards |
| 6 × Rev St st columns (full length) | ~250 yards |
| **TOTAL (estimated)** | **~1,530 yards** |
| **Recommended purchase (with 10% buffer)** | **~1,700 yards** |

> Purchase at least **1,700 yards** (1,554 m) to account for gauge variation, swatch, and weaving in ends. If purchasing 100-yard skeins, buy **17 skeins minimum (18 recommended).**

---

## QUICK REFERENCE CARD

```
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║           CASCADING CABLES AFGHAN                    ║
║           Quick Reference                           ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Cast on: 156 sts                                     ║
║ Needle: US 11 / 8 mm                                 ║
║ Gauge: 3 sts/in × 4 rows/in (in cable pattern)      ║
║ Finished: 52" × 70"                                  ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ STRUCTURE:                                           ║
║  8 border + [6 rev + 24 HC + 6 rev + 16 RC] ×2      ║
║  + 6 rev + 24 HC + 6 rev + 8 border = 156 ✓         ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ PATTERN REPEAT: 16 rows × 16 times = 256 body rows  ║
║ + 10 bottom border + 10 top border = 276 total rows  ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ CABLE CROSS ROWS (within each 16-row repeat):        ║
║  Row 5 (RS):  C4F on HC panels; C8F×2 on RC panels  ║
║  Row 13 (RS): C4B on HC panels; C8F×2 on RC panels  ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ ALWAYS: K8 each end; purl/knit rev St st cols        ║
║ CHECK: 156 sts after every 16-row repeat             ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
```

---

*Pattern: Cascading Cables Afghan | 52" × 70" | Advanced | Bulky Weight*
*© Original design — for personal use*

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