Pattern Description:
The Winding Cables Scarf is a crochet project perfect for those new to Tunisian crochet cables, featuring a repetitive pattern for technique practice.
It creates a beautiful texture resembling narrow countryside pathways and offers warmth for autumn and winter wear, with excellent stitch definition and drape. You will learn both left and right-leaning cables.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Yarn: The Women’s Institute Soft & Smooth (100% Acrylic, Mustard #70058), 1 skein (approximately 360 g used).
- Yarn Weight: Aran.
- Hook: Tunisian crochet hook size 6.5 mm (US size K/10.5) with cable (at least 20 cm (8 in)) or size to obtain gauge.
- Notions: Cable needle or a crochet hook of similar size, Tapestry needle, Scissors.
- Measurements: The final blocked scarf measurements are 22 cm x 198.5 cm (approx. 8.5 x 79.25″).
Stitches & Abbreviations Used:
Skills required for this pattern include mastering (or already knowing) these stitches and techniques:
- Chain
- Tunisian crochet technique (alternating forward and backward passes)
- Tunisian knit stitch (tks)
- Tunisian purl stitch (tps)
- Binding off in Tunisian crochet
- Blocking
- First row of Tunisian crochet
- Edge stitches: Right edge stitch, Left edge stitch (ES)
- Cables: C3B (Cable 3 Back), C3F (Cable 3 Front)
Abbreviations used in the pattern are:
- 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 stitch
- RP – return pass
- RS – right side
- approx. – approximately
- tks – Tunisian knit stitch
- rep – repeat
- ES – End stitch
Instructions for Making the Winding Cables Scarf Pattern:
Step 1: Foundation Row
Start with a chain of 32 stitches. Beginning in the second chain from the hook, pull up loops across the entire chain to form your forward pass (FP).
For the return pass (RP), yarn over and pull through one loop, then continue by yarning over and pulling through two loops at a time until one remains. This sets up your base row.
Step 3: Establish the Pattern
Work the setup row (Row 1) as follows:
- 1 end stitch (ES), 2 Tunisian purl stitches (tps), 6 Tunisian knit stitches (tks), 2 tps, 6 tks, repeat across, ending with 2 tps and 1 ES. Work the return pass as usual.
Repeat this setup for Rows 2–5 to establish the sections of knits and purls that will frame your cables. These rows create texture and prepare the foundation for your first cable twists.
Step 4: Begin the Cables
Cables are worked only on the forward pass using two techniques:
- C3B (Cable 3 Back): Slip one stitch to a cable needle and hold behind the work, work the next two stitches as tks, then return to the held stitch.
- C3F (Cable 3 Front): Slip two stitches to a cable needle and hold in front, work the next stitch as tks, then return to the held stitches.
On Row 6, make your first cables:
- 1 ES, 2 tps, C3B, 3 tks, 2 tps, C3F, 3 tks, end with 2 tps, 1 ES, and RP.
Continue with plain knit and purl rows for Rows 7–11.
On Row 12, cross the cables in the opposite direction:
- 1 ES, 2 tps, 3 tks, C3F, 2 tps, 3 tks, C3B, finish with 2 tps, 1 ES, and RP.
This alternation between Rows 6 and 12 forms the winding cable effect.
Step 5: Continue the Pattern
Work in this sequence, five rows of plain knits and purls, followed by a cable row, alternating between right- and left-leaning cables. Continue repeating until your scarf reaches approximately 195 cm (77 inches) or your desired length.
Step 6: Bind Off
To finish, work the last row in established pattern but slip stitch each loop off the hook as you go. This creates a neat, flat edge that matches the foundation row.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Weave in all yarn ends securely. Finally, block the scarf: soak it in lukewarm water, press out excess moisture, then pin flat to the finished size of 22 × 198.5 cm (8.5 × 79.25 inches).
Allow to dry completely. Blocking is essential, as it opens up the cables, evens out stitches, and prevents curling at the edges.
Tips for Success
- Keep your stitches relaxed, especially on cable rows, so crossing stitches is easier.
- To customize width, increase or decrease the foundation chain in multiples of 8 stitches plus 4 extra for balance.
- Consistency in tension will make your cables stand out more clearly.
By following these steps, you’ll complete a beautifully textured scarf that highlights the elegance of Tunisian crochet cables.
The Winding Cables Scarf is not only a cozy accessory but also a fantastic project to strengthen your crochet skills and confidence.
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