pow e r

cables
L i ly C h i n

the ultimate guide to knitting inventive cables

Phony Cables: Turnaround Shawl

Reversible Textural Cables: Coat with Fold-back Lapels

contents
basic cable primer ribbed reversible cables (or ribbles)
Basic Theory Stitch Multiples Gauge Considerations Preferred Fibers Charting Flipped Sides Details (side edges, separator stitches)
p r ojects

Directions of Cables Charting (Traditional and My Revolutionary New Charting System) Designing Your Own Cable Patterns Incorporating Cables Into Projects Cables Without a Cable Needle; Double Crossing
project

Honeycomb V-neck Pullover

Reversible-cuff Socks Twisted-rib Reversible Scarf Fishermans-rib Turtleneck

wide-rib cables
Creating Reversibility Identical vs Fraternal Varying Widths Varying Crossing Rows Cables in the Round
project

textural cables
Changing Textures Reversibility Charting Combinations; More Involved Patterns Setting Off Strands; Extra Textures
projects

Wide-rib Scarf

Textured Tote Coat with Fold-back Lapels

Raised-wale Cables: Reversible Hat

Ribbed Reversible Cables: Twisted-rib Reversible Scarf

Ribbed Reversible Cables: Fishermans-rib Turtleneck

colorful cables
Basics Cheats Reversible Bi-colored Brioche Rib
p r ojects

combination & specialty cables

Two-color; Raised Wales; Dropped Stitches
projects

Bicolor Brioche Stole Pinstripe Pullover Woven-strands Pullover

Two-tone Scarf Dropped-stitch Reversible Afghan Turnaround Shawl

traveling-stitch cables
Basics Background Stitches Reversibility
projects

phony cables
Passing Through Strips; Turnaround Stitches; I-cord; Yarnover-wrap
projects

Five-way Shrug Mans Vest

Two-Colored Purse Wine Hoodie

raised-wale cables
Basics Reversibility
project

Reversible Hat and Mittens

textured

tote
Work in Body patt until piece measures 10" (25.5 cm) from pick-up row, ending after Rnd 2 of patt.

Finished size
5" (12.5 cm) bottom and side, 161/2" (42 cm) wide, 11" (28 cm) tall, 24" (61 cm) straps.

This roomy tote is a perfect example of what happens when you cable a set of plainer stockinette stitches with a set of richly textured ones! The contrast between the smooth stockinette and the bumpy garter stitches creates an almost gnarly effect.

Yarn
Worsted weight (Medium #4). Shown here: Berroco Linen Jeans (70% rayon, 30% linen; 80 yd [73 m]/50 g): Fiddlehead #7443, 12 skeins.

Needles
U.S. size 5 (3.75 mm): 24" (60 cm) circular (cir) and set of 4 doublepointed (dpn). Adjust needle size

tote
bottom
Using the chain or crocheted method (see Glossary), CO 38 sts. Set-up row: (RS) Knit. Rep Rows 112 of Bottom pattern 10 times, then rep Rows 19 once more. Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk36 sts rem. Do not turn.

if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions
Stitch markers (m); four stitch holders; cable needle (cn); tapestry needle.

trim
Next rnd: [k1, p1] 8 times, k1, p2tog, *[k1, p1] 15 times, k1, p2tog; rep from* to last 14 sts, [k1, p1] 7 times 320 sts rem. Work [k1, p1] rib as established for 1" (2.5 cm). Next rnd: (strap set-up rnd) BO 55 sts in rib patt, *[k1, p1] 9 times, k2* (21 sts on right needle for shoulder strap), BO 43 sts in rib patt, rep from* to *, BO 75 sts in patt, rep from * to*, BO 43 sts in rib patt, rep from * to *, BO rem 20 sts of rnd. Cut yarn and draw through last st of rnd.

Gauge
31 sts and 36 rows = 4" (10 cm). 36 sts in Bottom patt (without selvedges) = 5" (12.5 cm).

body
With RS facing, rotate Bottom piece 90 and place marker (pm). Pick up and knit (see Glossary) 129 sts along side of Bottom, pm, pick up and knit 36 sts along CO edge, pm, pick up and knit 129 sts along other long edge, pm for beg of rnd330 sts. Join for working in the rnd.

Note
Bottom of tote is worked first, then sts are picked up from all sides and worked upward in the round.

power cables

12-row/rnd repeat

tote chart Stitch Chart

20 18 16 14 12 10

33-st repeat for Bag Body 38-st pattern for Bag Bottom

12-row/rnd repeat

8 6 4 2

k on RS; p on WS p on RS; k on WS sl 3 sts onto cn, hold in back, k3, k3 from cn sl 3 sts onto cn, hold in front, k3, k3 from cn

33-st repeat for Bag Body 38-st pattern for Bag Bottom

Stitch Guide
k on RS; p on WS

3/3RC (3 over 3 left cross): Sl 3 sts to cn and hold in

sl 3 sts onto cn, hold in back, 3/3RC (3 over 3 right cross): 3 sts to cn and hold in k3, k3Sl from cn sl 3 sts onto cn, hold in front, back of work, k3, k3 from cn. k3, k3 from cn

front of work, k3, k3 from cn.

p on RS; k on WS

Rows 10 and 12: Knit. Rep Rows 112 for patt. Body Pattern: (multiple of 33 sts) Rnd 1: *K3, [p3, k3] twice, p6, [k3, p3] twice; rep from * to end. Rnd 2: *K3, 3/3LC, 3/3RC, k6, 3/3LC, 3/3RC; rep from * to end. Rnds 3, 5 and 7: *P3, [k3, p3] twice, k6, [p3, k3] twice; rep from * around. Rnds 4 and 6: Knit. Rnd 8: *K3, 3/3RC, 3/3LC, k6, 3/3RC, 3/3LC; rep from * to end. Rnds 9 and 11: Rep Rnd 1. Rnds 10 and 12: Knit. Rep Rnds 112 for patt.

Bottom Pattern: (38 sts, or 36 sts + 2) Row 1: (WS) K1 (selvedge st), [p3, k3] twice, p3, k6, [p3, k3] twice, p3, k1 (selvedge). Row 2: K1 (selvedge), k3, 3/3LC, 3/3RC, k6, 3/3LC, 3/3RC, k3, k1 (selvedge). Rows 3, 5, and 7: K1 (selvedge), [k3, p3] twice, k3, p6, [k3, p3] twice, k3, k1 (selvedge). Rows 4 and 6: Knit. Row 8: K1 (selvedge), k3, 3/3RC, 3/3LC, k6, 3/3RC, 3/3LC, k3, k1 (selvedge). Rows 9 and 11: Rep Row 1.

6 textured tote

t echniqu e

changing textures
I stated in Chapter 1 that cables are typically worked in stockinette stitch; we then saw in Chapter 3 how cables can be worked in ribbing to create reversibility. But what about other stitch patterns? The very first experiment I did when developing reversible cables was to work them in garter stitch, which was far from successful. Not wanting to give up on garter stitch altogether, I experimented and researched some more. I discovered that in order for any other textured stitch (such as garter or seed stitch) to be incorporated into a viewable cable, it must be confined to or contained within only one strand or set of stitches. The other set must be stockinette (or ribbing, which draws in and looks like stockinette). Basically, view this as a mixed pair! See how the other texture snakes its way around the stockinette or rib column? The idea is to have contrast between the smooth and the textured. Not only do alternating textures emphasize movement, they also impart another layer or dimension. Experiment with reverse stockinette crossed with stockinette. Both garter and seed stitch are reversible stitches. Combining either one with stockinette in a cable creates a somewhat reversible cable. When either texture is combined with ribbing in a cable, however, the resulting pattern is

fully reversible. The only difference between fronts and backs is that the textures are the opposite: whereas the seed stitch shows up on top after the first crossing on one side, stockinette shows up on top after this first crossing on the other side. Then stockinette winds up on top after the second crossing on one side and seed stitch is on top after the second crossing on the other side. Cables are highly textural to begin with, but the addition of other textures besides smooth stockinette can really throw your cables into high relief. Even more original patterns can emerge.

power cables 7

cable with

Intimidated by cables? Power Cables teaches knitters to cable with confidence, from the most basic twisted stitches to complex and imaginative interpretations. Master knitter Lily Chin shares her signature and sought-after technique for creating reversible cables in thorough detail.

confidence

Inside readers will learn:

Basic instructions for a variety of cables, from simple to sculptural  15+ original patterns for pullovers, jackets, bags, socks, accessories,  and more that highlight cables in texture, color, and nontraditional explorations

A new charting technique that shows cables clearly  In-depth instruction on creating reversible cables  Invaluable tips and tricks, including how to design custom cable  patterns

I can guarantee that once youve picked up Power Cables, youll never look at cable stitches the same way again. What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits!
Janet Szabo, author of The I Hate to Finish Sweaters Guide, Aran Sweater Design, and Cables, Volume 1: The Basics, and publisher of Twists and Turns: The Newsletter for Lovers of Cable Knitting.

Advanced beginners, expert knitters, and knitters with an interest in knitwear design will delight in Power Cables.

Lily Chin has designed knitwear for magazines and yarn companies for nearly twenty-five years. She has crocheted runway pieces for Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, and Vera Wang, and her work has been on the backs of celebrities and supermodels such as Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. She has appeared on the CBS Morning News, the DIY Network, HGTV, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Martha Show. Anoted instructor, Lily teaches workshops on knitting and crochet all over the world. She lives in New York City.

Paperback, 8 x 9, 160 pages 50photographs, 20 illustrations, and 40 charts ISBN 978-1-59668-167-5 $24.95 Available May 2010