Plaited Cable Pattern Tutorial

Plaited Cable is a fun variation of the standard cable pattern. By alternating the cable from left to right, the finished knit looks like it’s braided.

Basic tutorial (Scroll down for the full tutorial with pics!):

Work in multiples of 15 + 3
Abbreviations:
C8R – sl 4 sts onto a cn and leave at the front of the work, k4, then knit stitches from cn
C8L – sl 4 sts onto a cn and leave at the back of the work, k4, then knit stitches from the cn

Row 1 (rs): p3, *k12, p3, rep from * to end
Row 2: k3, *p12, k3, rep from * to end
Row 3: p3, *k4, C8R, p3, rep from * to end
Row 4: As row 2
Row 5 and 6: As rows 1 and 2
Row 7: p3, *C8L, k4, p3, rep from * to end
Row 8: As row 2

These eight rows form the pattern.

Step by Step Tutorial

Step 1

Cast on 15 (times how many repeats of the pattern you’d like) + 3 stitches

Step 2

First row: purl 3 stitches, *knit 12 stitches, purl 3 stitches, repeat from * to end

Step 3

Second row: knit 3 stitches, *purl 12 stitches, knit 3 stitches, repeat from * to end

Step 4

Now on this row we’ll be making our first cable twist. You’ll start by purling 3. And for the pattern repeat knit 4, C8R (cable 8 right) and purl 3.

C8R – slip 4 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the back of the work, knit 4, then knit stitches from the cable needle

Step 5

4th row will be knitted exactly like the second row (step 3).

Step 6

Rows 5 and 6 are exactly like rows 1 and 2 (steps 2 and 3)

Step 7

7th row: Start by purling 3 and for the pattern repeat C8L (cable 8 left), knit 4, purl 3.

C8L – slip 4 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the front of the work, knit 4, then knit stitches from the cable needle

Step 8

8th row is exactly like row 2.

Step 9

Repeat steps 2-8 till your knitting is at a desired length.

PS: I tested this pattern out on a wine bottle cosy!