Celtic Cable Saxon Braid Knitting Pattern
The Celtic Cable Knit Stitch Pattern creates an intricate design of the beautiful Irish Saxon Braid. I am including a full written pattern, along with the knitting chart. There are 6 different cable stitches in this pattern.
I have created this pattern with a color-coded system to easily discern them while switching your gaze from the pattern to the Abbreviation Key. I’ve received great feedback from fellow knitters about my color-coded pattern and chart system. I hope my pattern instructions are helpful to you in the printable pattern card below!
Table of Contents
Knitting Supplies
• Yarn in any weight, fiber, & color of your choice
• Knitting Needles sized appropriately for your yarn
• Cable Needle
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- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Optional: - Knitting Blocks and T-Pins
- Digital Row Counter – Using row counters tutorial >
- Needle Point Protectors – How to prevent stitches from falling off your needles >
I have knitted my green cable sample with size 7 US knitting needles and worsted weight Malabrigo Merino worsted weight wool in the color #37 Lettuce.
Watch Video Tutorial
Knitting Techniques and Abbreviations
SLIP KNOT
BO = Bind Off
CO = Cast On
K = Knit
P = Purl
C4B = Slip 2 Hold Back: Knit 2 + Knit 2 from Cable Needle
C4F = Slip 2 Hold Front: Knit 2 + Knit 2 from Cable Needle
CR4B = Slip 2 Hold Back: Knit 2 + Purl 2 from Cable Needle
CL4F = Slip 2 Hold Front: Purl 2 + Knit 2 from Cable Needle
CR3B = Slip 1 Hold Back: Knit 2 + Purl 1 from Cable Needle
CL3F = Slip 2 Hold Front: Purl 1 + Knit 2 from Cable Needle
Knitting Instructions
Cast On in Multiples 24
Note: For all even rows (2, 4, 6, etc), you’re simply knitting the knits and purling the purls!
Row 1: (P2, C4B, P2) 3 times
Row 2: (K2, P4, K2) 3 times
Row 3: P1, CR3B, (CL4F, CR4B) 2 times, CL3F, P1
Row 4: K1, P2, K3, P4, K4, P4, K3, P2, K1
Row 5: CR3B, P1, (P2, C4F, P2) 2 times, P1, CL3F
Row 6: P2, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P2
Row 7: K2, P2, (CR4B, CL4F) 2 times, P2, K2
Row 8: P2, K2, P2, K4, P4, K4, P2, K2, P2
Row 9: (K2, P2) 2x, P2, C4B, P2, (P2, K2) 2 times
Row 10: P2, K2, P2, K2, P8, K2, P2, K2, P2
Row 11: K2, P2, (CL4F, CR4B) 2 times, P2, K2
Row 12: P2, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P2
Row 13: CL3F, P1, (P2, C4F, P2) 2 times, P1, CR3B
Row 14: K1, P2, K3, P4, K4, P4, K3, P2, K1
Row 15: P1, CL3F, (CR4B, CL4F) 2 times, CR3B, P1
Row 16: K2, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K2
Repeat these 16 rows until your piece is the length you desire, then Bind Off
Include Borders
You may wish to add a garter stitch border on the sides for projects like knitted scarves or pillows. To do the same, simply modify your pattern to include as many additional knit stitches on each side as you chose.
For example, if you would like a garter stitch border and a bit of room around the cable, you could:
Cast On 24 + 8
Odd Rows: K2, P2, (CABLE PATTERN), P2, K2
Even Rows: K4, (CABLE PATTERN), K4
Repeat 16 Rows until your piece is the length you desire, then Bind Off!
Two Cables with Borders
CO (24 x 2) + 8 Sts
Odd rows: K2, P2, (Cable Pattern) 2x, P2, K2
Even rows: K4, (Cable Pattern) 2x, K4
Repeat 16 Rows until your piece is the length you desire, then Bind Off!
Project Ideas
The cabled edges are beautiful and can be used for a variety of knitting projects, like a coffee cozy or headband!
To create this warm mug cozy, simply knit the main cable pattern 3 times, bind off, and tack your edges together with yarn and a tapestry needle. Easy cozy cuteness!
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
The Celtic Cable Knit Stitch Pattern creates an intricate design of the beautiful Irish Saxon Braid. I am including a full written pattern, along with the knitting chart. There are 6 different cable stitches in this pattern.
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
- Cable Needle
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
Kristen McDonnell
Author • Designer • Teacher
Kristen from StudioKnit LLC produces knitting video lessons and pattern designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.
Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.