Try This Stitch: Horseshoe Cables

Cables, like this Horseshoe variation, shine in solid color yarns. A single cable framed with garter or reverse stockinette stitch adds interest to an otherwise plain item. Insert one on a sweater, hat, socks, or any other project that calls for added textural interest.

The swatch shown was worked in New Basic 175 Yarn (colorway Wisteria) and US 8/5mm needles. The cable is a panel of 12 stitches. The swatch is 44 stitches set up as follows (RS):
4 stitches in garter, [4 stitches in reverse stockinette, 12-stitch cable] twice, 4 stitches in reverse stockinette, 4 stitches in garter.

(12 stitch Panel)

Cable Pattern

Rows 1, 3, 7 and 9: Knit.
Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl.
Row 5: 6-ST RC: Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold to back, k3, k3 from cable needle, 6-ST LC: Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, k3, k3 from cable needle.
Row 10: Rep row 2.
Rep rows 1–10 as desired.

Stitch directions reproduced with permission, from Vogue Knitting Stitchionary: Volume Two, Sixth & Spring Books, 2005