Type
Crochet
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
custom
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Analysis**: The user wants a crochet pattern for a "cable stitch" (specifically a rope cable, which is the most recognizable type). The difficulty is intermediate. The context requires strict adherence to UK terminology (Crucial: UK tr = US dc, UK dtr = US tr). I need to account for the thickness of worsted (Aran) yarn and ensure the cable doesn't pull the fabric too tight.
2. **Reference Classes**:
* *Classic Knitted Rope Cable*: The visual standard I am emulating (twisting strands).
* *Aran Crochet Samplers*: These typically use Front Post and Back Post stitches to create relief.
* *Textured Scarves*: Often use a 4 or 6-stitch cable repeat. I will use a 6-stitch cable for better definition.
3. **Edge Cases**:
* *Tightness/Pucker*: Crochet cables use post stitches which are shorter than normal stitches. *Solution*: Use Double Trebles (UK dtr) for the crossing row to provide necessary height and slack.
* *Curling Edges*: Post stitches pull the fabric in. *Solution*: Include a stable border of half trebles (htr) on either side of the cable.
* *Confusion on RS/WS*: Users often forget to reverse the post stitches on the wrong side. *Solution*: Explicit instructions for Wrong Side rows to maintain the pattern logic.
4. **Plan**:
* **Yarn**: Worsted/Aran weight.
* **Hook**: 5.5mm (slightly larger than standard 5.0mm to allow cable drape).
* **Gauge/Tension**: Not critical for a swatch, but will specify for a 10cm square.
* **Base**: A central 6-stitch cable flanked by 2 "gutter" stitches (receding) and 3 border stitches on each side. Total width: 16 stitches.
* **Logic**: RS = Front Post for cable; WS = Back Post for cable.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Title, Materials, Tension, Abbrev, Special Stitches, Instructions (text + math), Finishing included.
2. **Consistency**: UK Terms used? Yes (tr, dtr, htr). Metric used? Yes.
3. **Constraints**: Intermediate difficulty achieved via post stitch manipulation.
4. **Safety**: Checked the math for the cable cross. A 6-stitch cross requires skipping 3, working 3, working skipped 3. Count remains constant.
Pattern
# Classic 6-Stitch Crochet Rope Cable **Difficulty Level:** Intermediate **Yarn Weight:** Worsted (UK: Aran) This pattern creates a classic raised "rope" effect. It is a swatch pattern designed to help you master the mechanics of crochet cabling. The cable is created by crossing front post stitches over one another. ### Materials * **Yarn:** Approx. 50g of Worsted/Aran weight yarn (wool or acrylic blend recommended for definition). * **Hook:** 5.5mm (I-9) hook. *Note: We use a slightly larger hook than standard to prevent the cable from becoming too stiff.* * **Tools:** Tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors. ### Tension (Gauge) 14 stitches and 10 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm over half treble (htr) fabric. *Tension is not critical for this practice swatch, but essential if incorporating into a garment.* ### Terminology & Abbreviations (UK Terms) * **ch:** chain * **st(s):** stitch(es) * **htr:** half treble (US hdc) * **tr:** treble crochet (US dc) * **dtr:** double treble crochet (US tr) * **fptr:** front post treble (work around the post from front to back to front) * **bptr:** back post treble (work around the post from back to front to back) * **fpdtr:** front post double treble * **RS:** Right Side * **WS:** Wrong Side ### Special Stitches **C6F (Cable 6 Front):** This stitch crosses 6 stitches to the left. 1. Skip the next 3 stitches. 2. Work 1 **fpdtr** around each of the next 3 stitches. 3. Working *in front* of the stitches you just made, work 1 **fpdtr** around each of the 3 skipped stitches (starting with the first one skipped). *Note: We use fpdtr (US fp-tr) for the cross row to give the cable extra height so it lies flat.* --- ### Instructions **Foundation:** Ch 18. **Row 1 (Set-up Row - WS):** 1 htr in 3rd ch from hook (counts as 2 htr), 1 htr in each ch across. Turn. `[Math: 16 htr + 2 turning ch = 17 effective sts; functional width is 16 sts]` **Row 2 (RS):** Ch 2 (counts as htr), htr in next 2 sts. *Make the gutter:* bptr around next 2 sts. *Make the cable base:* fptr around next 6 sts. *Make the gutter:* bptr around next 2 sts. Htr in last 3 sts. Turn. `[Check: 3 htr + 2 bptr + 6 fptr + 2 bptr + 3 htr = 16 sts]` **Row 3 (WS):** Ch 2 (counts as htr), htr in next 2 sts. *Maintain gutter:* fptr around next 2 sts (reverses the bptr from previous row). *Maintain cable:* bptr around next 6 sts. *Maintain gutter:* fptr around next 2 sts. Htr in last 3 sts. Turn. `[Check: 3 htr + 2 fptr + 6 bptr + 2 fptr + 3 htr = 16 sts]` **Row 4 (Cable Row - RS):** Ch 2 (counts as htr), htr in next 2 sts. Bptr around next 2 sts. **C6F** (See Special Stitches above). Bptr around next 2 sts. Htr in last 3 sts. Turn. `[Check: 3 htr + 2 bptr + 6 sts (in cable) + 2 bptr + 3 htr = 16 sts]` **Row 5 (WS):** Repeat Row 3. (3 htr, 2 fptr, 6 bptr, 2 fptr, 3 htr). **Row 6 (RS):** Repeat Row 2. (3 htr, 2 bptr, 6 fptr, 2 bptr, 3 htr). *Note: We use standard fptr here, not fpdtr, because we are not crossing.* **Row 7 (WS):** Repeat Row 3. **Pattern Repeat:** Repeat Rows 4–7 until the swatch reaches your desired length. ### Finishing 1. Fasten off yarn, leaving a 15 cm tail. 2. Weave in ends securely. 3. **Blocking:** This is crucial for cables. Wet block or steam block the swatch to relax the fibres and allow the cable to lie flat. Pin the corners to the dimensions required and let dry completely.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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