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The Wave Cable is a lovely, popular cable pattern. In fact, you often see this cable pattern referred to as the Ribbon Stitch Pattern.
Actually, the Wave Cable is an unusual cable pattern as the stitches are not twisted or crossed in the usual way. Instead, the cable stitches are moved back and forth. This technique results in an embossed wave being formed.
As a matter of fact, this wavy cable pattern is a really popular Aran pattern. You will often find it used in fishermen’s sweaters.
Moreover, if you are using this stitch pattern on either side of a common center, you will need to balance the waves in stitch pattern. You can do this by starting one of the cables on row one. Conversely, the second cable should start on row 7.
Like most cable patterns, the Wave Cable stitch pattern is not a reversible pattern. However, the wrong side of the fabric still has a nice, vertical strip pattern.
Furthermore, you will need a “cable needle” when creating this stitch pattern to move the cable stitches around. The easiest is to use an especially designed cable needle. However, you can of course just use a short double-pointed needle (DPN) instead.

Techniques Needed For Wave 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)
Panel of 10 sts.
Row 1 (WS): K2, p6, k2
Row 2: P2, sl next 3 sts to dpn and hold in back, k3, then k3 from dpn; p2
Row 3: K2, p6, k2
Row 4: P2, k6, p2
Row 5: K2, p6, k2
Row 6: P2, k6, p2
Row 7: K2, p6, k2
Row 8: P2, sl next 3 sts to dpn and hold in front, k3, then k3 from dpn; p2
Row 9: K2, p6, k2
Row 10: P2, k6, p2
Row 11: K2, p6, k2
Row12: P2, k6, p2
Repeat rows 1-12 until the desired length is reached.