Cable knit patterns in crochet use post stitches to create the twisted, rope-like texture of traditional cable knitting

Cable knit crochet doesn't use the same cables as needle knitting — it creates the same visual effect with a different technique. Instead of crossing stitches on a needle, you work post stitches (also called post trebles or post double crochets) around the posts of previous rows. By working some stitches in front of others and some behind, you create the twisted, raised pattern that makes cable knit recognizable.

The basic idea is straightforward: you skip some stitches, work into the post of a stitch several rows back, then go back and fill in the skipped stitches. This crossing motion is what creates the cable effect. Once you understand the mechanics, you can follow cable crochet patterns the same way you'd follow any other — the only new skill is the post stitch itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Post stitches are worked around the vertical post of a stitch from a previous row, not into the top loops, and form the foundation of cable crochet.
  • Front post stitches and back post stitches are worked in opposite directions around the post to create the crossing effect that looks like a cable.
  • Most cable crochet patterns use double crochet or treble post stitches, and the pattern will tell you which one and how many rows back to work.
  • Cable crochet fabric is thicker and less stretchy than regular crochet, so patterns designed for it should not be substituted with flat stitches.

Understanding post stitches and how they cross

A post stitch is any crochet stitch worked around the post (the vertical part) of a stitch from a previous row, rather than into the top loops. When you work a front post stitch, you insert your hook from front to back around the post. When you work a back post stitch, you insert from back to front. This directional difference is what creates the crossing.

To make a cable, you work a front post stitch over some stitches, skip ahead, then work a back post stitch into the stitches you skipped. The front post stitch comes forward and the back post stitch goes behind it, creating the twisted appearance. The pattern will specify exactly which stitches to cross and in what order — you don't have to figure it out yourself.

Post stitches are taller than regular crochet stitches because you're working around the post instead of into the top. A front post double crochet is taller than a regular double crochet in the same row. This height difference is part of what makes the cable stand out from the background.

How to work a front post double crochet

A front post double crochet (FPDC) is the most common post stitch in cable patterns. Yarn over once. Insert your hook from front to back, going around the post of the stitch you're working into — not under the top loops, but around the vertical post itself. Bring your hook back to the front on the other side of the post. Yarn over and pull through (you now have 3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops.

The key moment is the insertion: your hook goes completely around the post, entering from the front and exiting at the back. If you're working into a stitch two rows down, you'll reach down and around that post. The motion feels different from regular crochet because you're not going into a stitch opening — you're circling a post.

Practice this on a swatch before starting a full project. Work a few rows of regular double crochet, then try a row of front post double crochets into the row below. You'll feel the difference when ready. The post stitch sits on top of the fabric and leans slightly forward.

How to work a back post double crochet

A back post double crochet (BPDC) follows the same steps as a front post double crochet, except you insert your hook from back to front around the post instead of front to back. Yarn over once. Insert your hook from the back of your work, going around the post. Bring it back to the front on the other side. Yarn over and pull through, then complete the stitch the same way: yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, pull through 2.

The back post stitch leans slightly backward and sits behind the front post stitch when they're worked in the same area. This is what creates the cable twist. In a cable pattern, you'll often see instructions like "skip 2 stitches, FPDC in next 2 stitches, BPDC in the 2 skipped stitches" — that sequence creates one cable cross.

Reading a cable crochet pattern

Cable crochet patterns use abbreviations for post stitches: FPDC (front post double crochet), BPTR (front post treble), BPDC (back post double crochet), and BPTR (back post treble). The pattern will tell you which stitch to use and how many rows back to work. For example, "FPDC around post of stitch 3 rows below" means you skip down three rows and work your front post stitch around that post.

Most patterns repeat the cable cross every few rows to create a continuous twisted effect. A straightforward cable might cross every 4 rows; a more complex one might have multiple cables crossing at different intervals. The pattern chart or written instructions will show you exactly when to work each post stitch and where.

If you're new to cable crochet, start with a pattern that has a single cable in the center of a flat background. This lets you focus on the post stitches without managing multiple cables at once. Once you're comfortable, you can move to patterns with multiple cables or more complex crossing sequences.

Tension and fabric characteristics in cable crochet

Cable crochet fabric is noticeably thicker and denser than regular crochet because the post stitches stack on top of each other. This means a cable crochet sweater will weigh more and drape differently than a sweater made with flat stitches. If a pattern is designed for cable crochet, don't substitute flat stitches — the finished garment won't fit or look right.

Cable crochet also has less horizontal stretch than regular crochet. The twisted stitches lock the fabric in place. This is why cable patterns often include ribbing or other stretchy stitches at the cuffs and hem — to give you room to pull the garment on and off. Pay attention to the pattern's stitch choices in these areas.

Tension matters more in cable crochet than in some other techniques. If your post stitches are too loose, the cable will look floppy and undefined. If they're too tight, the fabric will pucker. Make a gauge swatch with the post stitches included, not just flat stitches, so you know how your tension will affect the finished piece.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is working the post stitch into the top loops instead of around the post. This creates a regular stitch that sits on top of the fabric but doesn't create the cable effect. Remember: your hook goes around the post, not into it. If you're unsure, watch a video of the stitch being worked — seeing the hook motion makes it click.

Another mistake is losing track of which stitches you've skipped and which you still need to fill in. Write down the cable sequence or use stitch markers to mark the stitches you're about to cross. Some crocheters use a separate piece of yarn to mark the skipped stitches so they don't accidentally work into them twice.

Pulling too tightly when you complete the post stitch can distort the cable. Work at a consistent, relaxed tension. The stitch should sit neatly on the fabric without puckering the background. If you notice puckering, loosen your tension slightly on the next cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use post stitches with yarn other than worsted weight?

Yes, but thicker yarn creates a bolder cable and thinner yarn creates a more delicate one. Bulky yarn makes the cable very pronounced; fingering weight makes it subtle. The post stitch technique works the same way regardless of yarn weight — only the visual effect changes.

What's the difference between a front post treble and a front post double crochet?

A front post treble is taller than a front post double crochet because you yarn over twice at the start instead of once. Both work around the post the same way. Trebles are used when you need the post stitch to reach further down into previous rows or when you want a taller, more dramatic cable.

Do I have to count rows to know how far back to work?

The pattern tells you how many rows back. You count down from your current row and work the post stitch around the post of the stitch in that row. Most cable patterns use the same number of rows back for every cable cross, so once you've worked the first one, the rest follow the same rhythm.

Can I add cables to a pattern that wasn't designed for them?

Not easily. Cable crochet patterns are designed with the cable stitches in mind — the stitch count, row count, and shaping all account for the thicker, less stretchy fabric. Adding cables to a flat pattern will change the fit and appearance unpredictably. Stick to patterns written for cable crochet.