purlJam

# Classic 6-Stitch Rope Cable Panel

## Description
This pattern creates a classic "Rope Cable" effect using crochet post stitches. Unlike knitting, where stitches are physically moved, crochet cables are created by skipping stitches and working back over them using raised relief stitches. This panel features a central 6-stitch cable framed by a simple half treble background. It is perfect for practicing texture before committing to a full Aran-style blanket or jumper.

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (UK Aran weight). Approximately 25-30 metres required for a swatch.
    *   *Recommended fibre:* Wool or acrylic/wool blend for better stitch definition and elasticity.
*   **Hook:** 5.0 mm (use 5.5 mm if your tension is naturally tight).
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, measuring tape.

## Tension (Gauge)
*   14 stitches and 10 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm over pattern.
*   *Note:* Tension is less critical for a practice swatch, but essential if incorporating this panel into a garment.

## Finished Measurements
*   Width: Approximately 10 cm.
*   Length: Customizable (pattern is a 4-row repeat).

## Terminology & Abbreviations (UK Terms)
*   **ch**: Chain
*   **htr**: Half Treble (US hdc) – Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
*   **FPtr**: Front Post Treble (US FPdc) – Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] twice.
*   **BPtr**: Back Post Treble (US BPdc) – Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over, pull up loop, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] twice.
*   **FPdtr**: Front Post Double Treble (US FPtr) – Yarn over twice, insert hook around post as for FPtr, [yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 3 times. *Used only on the crossing row to provide extra length.*
*   **st(s)**: Stitch(es)
*   **RS**: Right Side
*   **WS**: Wrong Side

## Pattern Notes
1.  **Turning Chains:** The ch 2 at the beginning of htr rows does **not** count as a stitch. Work the first htr into the very first stitch at the base of the chain.
2.  **Cable Anatomy:** The cable consists of 6 stitches. It sits on a background of htr stitches.
3.  **Math Checks:** Stitch counts are provided at the end of every row in brackets `[...]`.

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## Instructions

**Foundation Chain:** Ch 16.
*(Calculation: 4 sts (side) + 6 sts (cable) + 4 sts (side) + 2 turning ch = 16 ch)*

**Row 1 (Set Up Row - WS):**
Htr in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn.
`[Total: 14 htr]`

**Row 2 (RS - Define Cable Base):**
Ch 2 (does not count as st), htr in next 4 sts.
Work 1 FPtr around the post of each of the next 6 sts.
Htr in last 4 sts. Turn.
`[4 htr + 6 FPtr + 4 htr = 14 sts]`

**Row 3 (WS - Return Row):**
Ch 2, htr in next 4 sts.
Work 1 BPtr around the post of each of the next 6 sts.
Htr in last 4 sts. Turn.
*Note: This row ensures the cable pops out on the RS.*
`[4 htr + 6 BPtr + 4 htr = 14 sts]`

**Row 4 (RS - The Cable Cross):**
Ch 2, htr in next 4 sts.
**Cable Cross:** Skip next 3 sts. Work 1 FPdtr around each of the next 3 sts.
Now, working *in front* of the stitches just made, work 1 FPdtr around each of the 3 *skipped* sts (starting with the first skipped st).
Htr in last 4 sts. Turn.
*Note: We use FPdtr (Double Treble) here because the diagonal reach requires longer stitches to prevent the fabric from puckering.*
`[4 htr + 6 FPdtr (crossed) + 4 htr = 14 sts]`

**Row 5 (WS - Return Row):**
Ch 2, htr in next 4 sts.
Work 1 BPtr around the post of each of the next 6 sts.
*(Tip: Be careful to catch the correct posts from the twisted cable in the previous row; work the stitches in the order they appear on the current row).*
Htr in last 4 sts. Turn.
`[4 htr + 6 BPtr + 4 htr = 14 sts]`

**Row 6 (RS - Straight Row):**
Ch 2, htr in next 4 sts.
Work 1 FPtr around each of the next 6 sts.
Htr in last 4 sts. Turn.
`[4 htr + 6 FPtr + 4 htr = 14 sts]`

**Row 7 (WS - Return Row):**
Repeat Row 3.
(4 htr, 6 BPtr, 4 htr).
`[Total: 14 sts]`

**Repeat Rows 4–7 for pattern.**
*Sequence Summary:*
1. Cross Row (Row 4)
2. Return Row (Row 5)
3. Straight Row (Row 6)
4. Return Row (Row 7)

## Finishing
1.  Work until the panel reaches your desired length, ending on a Row 6 or Row 7.
2.  **Final Row:** Ch 2, htr in every st across (working into the tops of the posts, not around them) to stabilise the edge. `[Total: 14 htr]`
3.  Fasten off yarn leaving a 10 cm tail.
4.  Weave in ends using a tapestry needle.
5.  **Blocking:** Wet block the swatch. Pin it out to measurement on a blocking mat. This is crucial for cables to relax the fabric and show the definition of the braid.