What’s better than a good cable stitch? How about 25 free tutorials for amazing crochet cable stitches? Now that sounds more like it! Take your crochet skills to the next level with this impressive array of fancy stitchwork. 

Do you know how to crochet a cable stitch? Well, there are actually a few different ways to achieve the coveted look of crochet cable stitches. Most tutorials involve some kind of post stitches but there are other ways to create cables too. You might be surprised to hear that you can actually mimic the look of cables using the most basic of crochet stitches – like single and double crochet. You’ll find all kinds of cables on our list today.

Here’s something else you might not know about crochet cable stitches. You can actually create cables in tunisian crochet as well as regular crochet. Tunisian crochet is an exciting crochet and knitting hybrid that uses an extra long crochet hook. We have made sure to include a few different tunisian crochet cable stitches in this list for folks who love learning new things. 

With a few exceptions, each of the articles on this list will only teach you how to crochet cable stitches and not give you any instructions on making specific patterns. Open ended stitch tutorials like this are great tools to have in your crochet kit. They will open the doors for you to explore creating all sorts of different projects involving crochet cable stitches. You can use them to create stunning blankets, accessories, wearables, and more! 

So what are you waiting for? Scroll down to see all of these amazing free crochet cable patterns and stitches for yourself! 

3 Double Crochet Cross Over

You might be scratching your head at this first one. I know it doesn’t look much like traditional crochet cable stitches but it is actually called the cable stitch. It does have that characteristic cross over that cable stitches do though! The tutorial uses a special stitch called the long double crochet stitch to achieve this unique look. 

Designer: Look At What I Made
Yarn: Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Left Twisting 4 Strand Rope Cable

Now this is more like it! What you likely picture in your head when crochet cables come to mind is your basic 4 strand cable. This one happens to be left leaning (also sometimes referred to as left twisting) but it’s easy enough to mirror the instructions to achieve a right leaning look instead. The tutorial involves half double crochet and front post treble crochet stitches. The perfect cable for a variety of projects.

Designer: The Unraveled Mitten
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Chain Cables

If you are a beginner crocheter then the whole idea of crochet cable stitches might seem super intimidating to you. Don’t worry, you can fake it til you make it with one of the fabulous faux cable techniques from this list. Chain cables involve just single crochet and chain stitches so they’re quite beginner friendly.  They are an easy way to get a cable look to your project without post stitches.

Designer: Winding Road Crochet
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Braided Cable

Behold the masterpiece that is the braided cable stitch! This dramatic stitch can make a big impact on your next project. It’s a must try for seasoned crocheters who relish a challenge! The stitch pattern calls for regular double and treble crochet stitches along with front and back post double and treble crochet stitches. 

Designer: Crochet It Creations
Yarn: Big Twist Value Yarns (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Shadow-Stitch Cables

Here’s a neat hack that can be applied to nearly all of the crochet cable stitches on this list. You know those pesky gaps that pop up when you start working with post stitches? This exciting technique eliminates those gaps entirely. Once you learn this trick you will want to use it every time you crochet cables! 

Designer: Natalie Nettles for Interweave
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Easy Tunisian Cable

Here’s the first one of our tunisian crochet cable stitches that I mentioned in the introduction. Similar to knit cables, you will need a cable needle (that’s the weird bent looking needle in between the two crochet hooks in the photo). Built on a background of tunisian knit and purl stitches, the tutorial goes over both right and left leaning 3 stitch cables.  

Designer: With Alex
Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Six Stitch Cables

Six stitch cables are very similar to four stitch cables. They are just a little wider so they can make a more dramatic impact in your project. In order to make these six stitch cables the tutorial uses half double crochet and front post treble crochet stitches. Mix and match cables of different sizes in your projects for some truly spectacular textures. 

Designer: Leelee Knits
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Woven Cables

The way that these cables cross over and under each other makes it look like this piece was woven instead of crocheted. Special stitches for this exciting technique include front post treble crochet and double treble left cross. The density of the stitchwork makes the woven stitch especially well suited to sturdy pot holders and structurally sound baskets. 

Designer: Shannon and Jason
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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4-Stitch Quadruple Cable Stitch

4 is better than 3 in the Quadruple Cable Stitch. Special stitches include triple and quadruple treble crochet stitches. This tutorial is unique in that there are no post stitches involved and the background of the cablework is quite open and lacy. The unique combination of texture and lace would look great in any number of projects. 

Designer: Crochet with Aabhar
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Crochet Cable Hearts

Did you know that you can use crochet cables to create shapes on the surface of your work? Crochet cable hearts are an excellent introduction to this fun style of crochet cable stitches. The tutorial calls for single and double crochet stitches along with front and back post double crochet stitches. 

Designer: The Lazy Hobby Hopper
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Twisted Cable Stitch

Here’s another faux cable stitch pattern that might make you scratch your head at first. All you need to know is how to chain stitch and single crochet. There’s no post stitches involved! It might sound too good to be true, but it really does work. Give this stitch tutorial a try and see for yourself. 

Designer: Dora Does
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Cable Wave Stitch

Large faux cables create eye-catching columns against the striped chevron background of this stunning crochet sample. It may look complicated but it only involves basic stitches. The cable wave stitch pattern calls for just single and double crochet stitches. It must be crochet magic! 

Designer: My Picot
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Crossed Cable Stitch

Add a little lace to your crochet cablework for a unique look. Other crocheters will be clamoring to know what stitch pattern you used when you unveil your latest project. It’s just that stunning! You’ll be using single and double crochet stitches for this tutorial. 

Designer: Crochet with Aabhar
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Skinny Cable Columns

When you are used to seeing four and six stitch cables, then skinny cable columns like these really stand out from the crowd. Imagine all the pretty things you could crochet using this stitch! The stitch pattern calls for single and double crochet stitches along with front post double and treble crochet stitches.  

Designer: Naztazia
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Chain Link Cables

The linked ovals of post stitches in this design resemble a chain link fence. I guess that’s why they’re called chain link cables! The stitch pattern uses half double crochet and front post double treble crochet stitches. Stitches with tons of texture like this one just make you want to run your hands over them. So satisfying! 

Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton Yarn (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Extra Wide Cables

Turn up the volume with these can’t miss extra wide cables. The stitch pattern calls for single and half double crochet stitches along with front and back post double crochet stitches. They can be a little fiddly, but the result is well worth it. Just imagine these dramatic cables on an ear warmer or on the surface of a soft throw blanket! 

Designer: Crazy Hands
Yarn: Cotton Fair (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Extended Cables

Learn the secret to extended cables in this stunning scarf design. There is more vertical space in between each twisted section of the cables so the stitch pattern appears to be elongated. The pattern uses single, half double, and double crochet stitches along with front and back post double crochet stitches and even front post double treble crochet stitches. 

Designer: See Love Share
Yarn: Patons Grace Yarn (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Winged Crochet Cable Stitch

Most crochet cable stitches present texture in some sort of vertical ridges. The winged crochet cable stitch has more texture horizontally and it goes up and down like a chevron. There are no post stitches, instead the pattern creates the uniquely textured cablework through the use of single, double, and treble crochet stitches. 

Designer: B.Hooked Crochet 
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Roving (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Crossed Cable Stitches

The lazy waves of the crossed cable stitches remind me of DNA or of the shifting sands in a desert. It’s a tranquil design that’s great for crocheting comfy blankets to relax with. The pattern calls for single and double crochet stitches along with front post extended treble crochet stitches. 

Designer: Dora Does
Yarn: DROPS Nepal (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Tunisian Horseshoe Cable

Here’s another of our tunisian crochet cable stitches for you to try. The tunisian horseshoe cable has such a unique look – possibly the most unique out of all the stitches on this list. Much like with knit cables, you will need a cable needle (or a spare crochet hook) to hold stitches on when you work this unique tunisian cable stitch pattern. 

Designer: With Alex
Yarn: Universal Yarn Uptown Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Mini Cable Stitch

Tiny cable twists run up and down the surface of the work in the Mini Cable Stitch. The stitch pattern uses double crochet stitches along with back post double crochet stitches and front post treble crochet stitches. It almost looks like a fancier version of the waffle stitch to me.

Designer: Desert Blossom Crafts
Yarn: Mary Maxim Woodlands Yarn (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet cable stitch pattern!

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Faux Diamond Cables

Prepare to have your mind blown, because this neat little crochet hack is going to do just that. There’s no post stitches or crossed stitches needed to make these stunning geometric cables. First you crochet a basic ribbed background and then you go back in and connect the ridges of the ribbing together with some easy peasy zig zag chains and slip stitches. 

Designer: Crochet Dreamz
Yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the great tutorial!

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Brick Stitch & Mock Cables

When you rotate a brick stitch swatch one quarter turn an adorable mock cable pattern is revealed. What a difference 90 degrees can make! Special stitches include yarn over slip stitches and long double crochet stitches. 

Designer: My Hobby is Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet tutorial!

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Tunisian Woven Cable

Recreate that beautiful woven cable stitch from earlier but in tunisian crochet form with this exciting tutorial. The stitch pattern uses tunisian knit stitch along with 2 stitch left and right crosses. The dense fabric that is created is extra sturdy when made with a nice bulky weight yarn like the sample. 

Designer: With Alex
Yarn: Universal Yarn Deluxe Bulky Superwash (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free pattern!

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Tunisian Cable Stitch

If you really want to make an impression with your tunisian crochet cable stitches, then this is the one you want to learn! You’ll need 2 cable needles to tackle this impressive braided cable design. In addition to the cables themselves, you’ll be working tunisian knit, purl, and simple stitches. 

Designer: One Dog Woof
Yarn: WeCrochet Dishie (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!

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Want to see some amazing cable crochet patterns? Check out these cable crochet projects here!

Final Thoughts on Crochet Cable Stitches

Who knew that there were so many amazing crochet cable stitch patterns out there? I hope that I have opened your eyes to all of the wondrous possibilities that crochet cables have to offer!

It’s amazing what you can do with skipped stitches and working into the back and front posts with double or treble crochet stitches! This classic cable crochet technique makes a beautiful pattern and these step-by-step tutorials will walk you through all you need to know to work these designs.

Basic cables are a great addition to many projects, especially winter fashion wardrobes (hats, sweaters, mittens, etc). I recommend working cables on a practice swatch before jumping into a cable project if you are new to cabling. If you know how to work back-post stitches, front post stitches, and a foundation chain you can make an easy crochet cable. All of these patterns have written instructions and you can find a full video tutorial for most of them.

I look forward to seeing you all again next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. I hope that you all have as much fun reading these posts as I do writing them! Do make sure and click follow so you can get notified when the next post is live. 

Wait, one more thing! Don’t forget to save this page to your Pinterest board for crochet or add a bookmark in your browser. This is one free crochet pattern round-up that you will definitely be using again and again.  I hope you enjoyed these great patterns!

Happy Crocheting! 
Amanda