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The Horseshoe Cable stitch pattern is one of the most recognizable cable patterns. In fact, you often see this pattern referred to as a Double Cable as well.
Just like simple cables, there are many different variations of the Horseshoe Cable stitch.
For example, you can change the number of rows between the cabling rows. Alternatively, you can change the number of stitches that makes up the cable.
However, you must have a number of stitches in your cable that can be divided by 4. This will ensure that even crossings are made on either side.
Moreover, there are two different ways you can make the cable. Actually, the first method will open the cable outwards from the center. You can make this cable by making a back cross first, followed by a front cross.
Conversely, the second method will close the cable towards the center. This is what is called a Reverse Double Cable. In this second technique, you make the front cross first and the back cross last.
As with all cable stitch patterns, you will need a “cable needle” to rest your stitches on when you are creating your cables. You can of course just use a short double-pointed needle (DPN) for this. Alternatively, you may want to use a cable needle that has been especially designed for the purpose.

Techniques Needed For Horseshoe Cable Stitch Pattern
Abbreviation Description Tutorial
k knit Knit Stitch Continental Style
Knit Stitch English Style
p purl Purl Stitch Continental Style
Purl Stitch English Style
Other Abbreviations Used
ws wrong side
rs right side
rep repeat
st(s) stitch(es)
dpn double-pointed needle
Instructions (Knitted Flat)
Horseshoe Cable
Panel of 12 sts
Row 1(WS): K2, p8, k2
Row 2: P2, sl next 2 sts to dpn and hold in back, k2, then k2 from dpn; sl next 2 sts to dpn and hold in front, k2, then k2 from dpn; p2
Row 3: K2, p8, k2
Row 4: P2, k8, p2
Row 5: K2, p8, k2
Row 6: P2, k8, p2
Row 7: K2, p8, k2
Row 8: P2, k8, p2
Repeat rows 1 – 8 until the desired length is reached.
Reverse Horseshoe Cable
Panel of 12 sts
Row 1(WS): K2, p8, k2
Row 2: P2, sl next 2 sts to dpn and hold in front, k2, then k2 from dpn; sl next 2 sts to dpn and hold in back, k2, then k2 from dpn; p2
Row 3: K2, p8, k2
Row 4: P2, k8, p2
Row 5: K2, p8, k2
Row 6: P2, k8, p2
Row 7: K2, p8, k2
Row 8: P2, k8, p2
Repeat rows 1 – 8 until the desired length is reached.