purlJam

# Pattern: The Highland Braid Scarf (Swatch)

**Description:**
This intermediate pattern creates a rich, dense fabric that mimics the look of knitted cabling. By using UK Raised Trebles (post stitches), we create smooth vertical "V" columns (resembling knitted stockinette) against a textured background (resembling knitted reverse stockinette).

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

### Materials & Specifications
*   **Yarn Weight:** Worsted (Aran / 10ply).
*   **Suggested Yarn:** 1 ball of smooth, light-coloured wool or acrylic blend (high twist definition is best for cables).
*   **Hook Size:** 5.5 mm or 6.0 mm (Use a hook 0.5mm larger than the yarn band suggests to prevent stiffness).
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, scissors.

### Tension (Gauge)
*   Approx. 14 stitches and 10 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in cable pattern.
*   *Note: Cables pull the fabric width in significantly. Always measure tension after working several rows of the cable pattern, not just the foundation row.*

### Terminology & Abbreviations Profile
**Language:** UK English
**Standard:** Standard UK Crochet Terminology

| Abbreviation | Full Name (UK) | US Equivalent | Description |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **ch** | Chain | ch | Yarn over, pull loop through. |
| **st(s)** | Stitch(es) | st(s) | |
| **tr** | Treble | dc | Yarn over, insert hook, yo, pull up loop, (yo, pull through 2 loops) twice. |
| **RtrF** | Raised Treble Front | FPdc | Yarn over, insert hook from *front to back to front* around the post of the indicated stitch, complete treble. (Creates a "knit" look on RS). |
| **RtrB** | Raised Treble Back | BPdc | Yarn over, insert hook from *back to front to back* around the post of the indicated stitch, complete treble. (Creates a "purl" look on RS). |
| **C6F** | Cable 6 Front | C6F | Skip next 3 sts. Work 1 RtrF around each of the next 3 sts. Working *in front* of the stitches just made, work 1 RtrF around each of the 3 skipped sts (starting with the first skipped st). |
| **RS** | Right Side | RS | The side where the cables pop out. |
| **WS** | Wrong Side | WS | The back of the work. |

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### Instructions

**Pattern Notes:**
1.  The **turning chain 2** does NOT count as a stitch unless otherwise stated. The first stitch is worked into the very first stitch at the base of the chain.
2.  **Tension Tip:** When working the cable crossing row (Row 3), lift your loops slightly higher than usual to ensure the cable doesn't pull the fabric too tight.

#### Foundation
**Set up:** loosely ch 24.
**Row 1 (Set up):** 1 tr in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch to end. Turn.
`[Math: 22 tr stitches]`

#### Main Pattern Repeat

**Row 2 (WS - Establishing Texture):**
*Explanation: We want the background to look like "purl" on the front, so we "knit" (RtrF) on the back. We want the cables to look like "knit" on the front, so we "purl" (RtrB) on the back.*
*   Ch 2.
*   **RtrF** around next 4 sts (Edge).
*   **RtrB** around next 6 sts (Cable A base).
*   **RtrF** around next 2 sts (Spacer).
*   **RtrB** around next 6 sts (Cable B base).
*   **RtrF** around last 4 sts (Edge).
*   Turn.
`[Math: 4 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 4 = 22 sts]`

**Row 3 (RS - The Cable Cross):**
*   Ch 2.
*   **RtrB** around next 4 sts (Background).
*   **C6F** over next 6 sts (Skip 3, 3 RtrF, 3 RtrF over skipped).
*   **RtrB** around next 2 sts (Spacer).
*   **C6F** over next 6 sts.
*   **RtrB** around last 4 sts.
*   Turn.
`[Math: 4 + 6 (cable) + 2 + 6 (cable) + 4 = 22 sts]`

**Row 4 (WS - Resting Row):**
*   Repeat Row 2.
    *(Ch 2, 4 RtrF, 6 RtrB, 2 RtrF, 6 RtrB, 4 RtrF).*
`[Math Check: St count remains 22]`

**Row 5 (RS - Elongating the Cable):**
*   Ch 2.
*   **RtrB** around next 4 sts.
*   **RtrF** around next 6 sts (work straight, no crossing).
*   **RtrB** around next 2 sts.
*   **RtrF** around next 6 sts.
*   **RtrB** around last 4 sts.
*   Turn.
`[Math Check: St count remains 22]`

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

**Row 7 (RS):**
*   Repeat Row 3 (Cable Cross).

#### Continuing the Pattern
Repeat **Rows 4 through 7** until the piece measures the desired length.

**Finishing:**
End on a Row 6 (WS).
**Final Row (RS):** Ch 1, dc (UK double crochet) in each st across to stabilise the edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.

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### Technical Tips for Success
1.  **The Gap:** You may notice a small gap where the cable crosses. This is normal in crochet cables. Blocking the finished item with steam will help close these gaps and flatten the "bulky" feel of the cables.
2.  **Stitch Identification:** When working into the crossed cable from the previous row (on a WS row), feel for the posts with your thumb. The stitches will be out of order numerically, but you must work them in the order they present themselves on the current row.