Braided Cables Square

Braided Cables Square is a great project for those who would like to dip their toes in the world of Tunisian crochet cables. The repetitive pattern allows for sufficient practise of the technique creating a beautiful texture reminiscent of braided hairstyles.

You can download the add free PDF version of the pattern at LoveCrafts here.

You can find the full information about the CAL here.

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Skills required

Chain, Tunisian crochet technique (alternating forward and backward passes), Tunisian knit stitch (tks), Tunisian purl stitch (tps), Tunisian simple stitch bind off, blocking.

Skill level

Finished measurements

The final square measurements (blocked):

12 x 12 in (30.5 x 30.5 cm)

Materials and tools

Malabrigo Rios (100% Superwash Merino Wool | Worsted | 100 g (3.5 oz) = 192 m (210 yds)), Liquidambar (#RIO618) 1 skein

Tunisian crochet hook size 8 mm (US size L-11) with cable (at least 20 cm (8 in)) or size to obtain the gauge

Cable needle or a crochet hook of similar size as above

Tapestry needle

Scissors

You can get your crochet supplies here.

Gauge

Blocked Gauge:

16 sts x 12 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) over tss using 8 mm hook

Stitch guide

Tunisian crochet stitches are worked in forward and return pass from right to left, with the number of sts (lps) increasing on the hook during the forward pass and decreasing during the return pass.

Return pass is worked in the same way for all sts (rows of sts) used in this project as follows: 1 ch, *yrh, draw through 2 lps on hook, rep from * until 1 lp on hook.

Edge stitches:

Right edge stitch- This is the first st and is not usually worked into because there is one lp on the hook left after completing the return pass of the previous row. This one lp corresponds to the first st of the new row.

Left edge stitch- This st is referred to in the pattern as the End Stitch (ES) and is crocheted as follows: Rotate the end of the fabric towards yourself, insert the hook under both bars (left and right) of the last st, yrh and pul.

  • First row of Tunisian crochet: Insert the hook in the back bump of second ch from hook, yrh and pul across. Standard return pass.
  • Tunisian simple stitch: Insert the hook from right to left under front vertical bar of the next st, yrh and pul. Standard return pass.
  • Tunisian knit stitch: Insert the hook from front to back between the front and back vertical bar, yrh and pul. Standard return pass.
  • Tunisian purl stitch: Bring yarn to the front of the work and hook, insert the hook from right to left under the front vertical bar of the next st, yrh and pul. Standard return pass.

Cables:

  • C3B: tks in next 6 sts, remove last 6 lps carefully from hook, place first 3 lps on cable needle and hold at the back of work, place second 3 lps back on hook, slide first 3 lps from cable needle back on hook crossing the second 3 lps.
  • C3F: tks in next 6 sts, remove last 6 lps carefully from hook, place first 3 lps on cable needle and hold at the front of work, place second 3 lps back on hook, slide first 3 lps from cable needle back on hook crossing the second 3 lps.

Tunisian simple stitch bind off: Insert hook from right to left under front vertical bar of the next st, yrh, pul and pull through the lp that is on the hook. One lp remains on the hook.

Abbreviations:   
ch- chain  yrh- yarn round the hook  
st(s)- stitch(es)  pul- pull up a loop  
lp(s)- loop(s)  FP- forward pass  
tps- Tunisian purl stitchRP- return pass  
tss- Tunisian simple stitchapprox.- approximately  
tks- Tunisian knit stitch  rep- repeat  
ES- End stitchRS- right side  

Notes

The Cables Square is worked flat, RS facing from right to left.

The stitch count refers to the number of lps on hook on FP.

There are 3 cable st patterns running in parallel with sts being crossed in the same row every 2nd  row.

Work tks sts in rows where sts cross over slightly looser otherwise the cables will look flat and stretched.  

Instructions

Square

Chain 50.

Row 1 FP: Insert the hook in the back bump of second ch from hook, yrh and pul across. 50 lps on hook.

Row 1 RP and all other RPs: Standard RP.

Row 2: Tps to last st, ES.

Row 3: Tps in next 2 sts, tks across to last 3 sts, tps in next 2 sts, ES.

Row 4: Rep Row 3.

Row 5: Tps in next 2 sts, tks in next 3 sts, tps across to last 6 sts, tks in next 3 sts, tps in next 2 sts, ES.

Row 6: Tps in next 2 sts, tks in next 3 sts, tps, tks in next 3 sts, C3F, tps in next 3 sts, C3B, C3B, tps in next 3 sts, tks in next 3 sts, C3F, tps, tks in next 3 sts, tps in next 2 sts, ES.

Row 7: tps in next 2 sts, tks in next 3 sts, tps, tks in next 9 sts, tps in next 3 sts, tks in next 12 sts, tps in next 3 sts, tks in next 9 sts, tps, tks in next 3 sts, tps in next 2 sts, ES.

Row 8:  Tps in next 2 sts, tks in next 3 sts, tps, C3B, tks in next 3 sts, tps in next 3 sts, tks in next 3 sts, C3F, tks in next 3 sts, tps in next 3 sts, C3B, tks in next 3 sts, tps, tks in next 3 sts, tps in next 2 sts, ES.

Row 9: Rep Row 7.

Rows 10-41: Rep Rows 6-9.

Row 42: Rep Row 5.

Row 43-44: Rep Row 3.

Row 45: Rep Row 2.

Row 46: Tunisian simple stitch bind off.

Finishing

Weave in ends and block to final measurements.

I would love to see and share your work on social media, use #knitterknottertunisianblanketcal2021 or #equisitecrochetuk.

Pattern support: exquisite.crochet.uk@gmail.com

Further resources

Pattern video tutorial:

Further resources:

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Did you enjoy this cable pattern? Why not try my other cable and home decor patterns:

Winding Cables Hat

Winding Cables Scarf

Honey Peaks Throw

Ahavah Baby Blanket

Blessed Three Star Coaster

Lilly Blanket