A few weeks ago I joined the Ravelry Group Int’l Scarf Swap. People from all over (more so from North America) sign up and they have approximately one month to knit, crochet, loom or weave a scarf for a partner. Materials should be no more than $10 and that doesn’t include the cost of shipping. I love the idea of knitting something and then giving it away to a stranger and then you receive an item from a stranger. It’s a great way to get knitter’s from different cities, provinces/states and countries together.

I have been trying to design a pattern for a couple days now, something with cables (of course :)) for my partner. And although I loved regular cables, I wanted to try something slightly more intricate. I thought the next step up would be braided cables. They seem simple enough. The first row when using the cable needle is held in front of your work and the next time using the cable needle it is held the back of your work.

Here is an example:

Cast on 10 sts. 

1: P2, K6, P2

2, 4, 6, 8: K2, P6, K2

3: P2, 2/2 CNF, K2, P2

5: P2, K6, P2

7: P2, K2, 2/2 CNB, P2

Repeat 8 rows for braided cables. 

2/2 CNF: move 2 stitches onto cable needle, hold in front of work. Knit 2 stitches from left needle then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.

2/2 CNB: move 2 stitches onto cable needle, hold in back of work. Knit 2 stitches from left needle then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.

From this simple pattern you can customize the size of the cables and the surrounding stitches. It is up to you to make it your own. That is probably my favourite part, where I can design the rest of an item after I have thought of a simple pattern. I am excited to finish this scarf and send it to my partner. What will you design next?

Happy Knitting,

Ashley