I’d like to start this post by thanking all the people that gave me feedback and encouragement while working out these cable braids. I’ve figured out all the math formulas that I need to for the cable braids and am confident that they will work as I have knitted up a sample 16 strand braid. It actually starts out as two 8 strands that then merge into a 16 and then back to two 8s. Yes, it was a lot of knitting for a sample, but I wanted to make sure the pattern and formulas worked before I wrote the eBook about it all. So here is a picture of the sample that I have just knit:
Two Barringtons going into a 16 strand and then back again.
- Portrait view
The back of the 16-8 strands in progress.
What I really like about this pattern is that the back of the fabric is almost as appealing as the front. Anyway, the purpose of this sample was to show at least one idea of the options available to someone that wanted to create something with these braids. While you could knit just one of them as a center panel in an Aran sweater, you are definitely not limited to that. You could create very interesting combinations and use them in a blanket, or to adorn just a sleeve on a plain sweater or whatever you want to come up with. Karen gave me a very interesting idea that I am going to look into as well. She suggested making the strands thicker so that the overall effect of a giant cable would be more pronounced. She was thinking of making a baby blanket and in her own words thought “wouldn’t it be great to be hugged by a giant cable”. Once you have the pattern, to do this it’s simply a matter of increasing the knit stitches as they are the ones that represent the “strands” in the braid. Just remember that it has to be an even number or you’ll have to make the necessary adjustments to the pattern yourself. I’ll have to try one like that soon.
So now all I have to do is summarize all my research in a little booklet. I’ve been doing a bit of that as I go along and should have it done by week’s end. It will include something I call the Malcolm Matrix. This will be either a 24 or 32 strand cable pattern. Why so many? Size matters, right? Seriously though, I plan on making a heritage blanket and will be using this as the focus, so I’ll have to chart that many strands anyway. For you though, if you have the 24 strand chart, you’ll be able to do any braid below that as well. Look for it by the end of the week. Now, to finally finish those boxers. Down to the fly and the buttons!
Hugzzz 
May I have your permission to use this concept for a stole pattern? I am thinking 8 2 strands, becoming 4 4-strand- becoming 2 8-strand, to the 16 and then dividing back out……
[Translate]
Absolutely Mario! ‘m very interested to see what you come up with!
Hugzzz
[Translate]
Fantastic, beautiful work…have my first grandson coming end of July…heirloom blanket by Mr. Hugzzz or little outfits he will out grow every few months? Love the name Steve’s Matrix!!! Any yarn recommendations? Love the colour you chose for sample. How many ounces did you use approximately? Thanks for sharing this awesome work!!!
[Translate]
Sorry, Malcolm Matrix !!!!
[Translate]
Catherine, thanks so much. I’m blushing and honored that you would choose to make a blanket. Since it’s for a baby and you probably want something easy care, I would recommend something like Patons Chunky (this will make a bigger, thicker, warmer blanket). If you want a worsted weight yarn (that’s what the sample was made with) I would recommend a superwash wool in that weight. For the sample I used approximately 300m of Patons Classic wool – a ball and a half (150g) in color paprika – using 4.5mm needles. Let me know if you decide to do this and I will send you the pattern as there are two things to note in making it.
Hugzzz
[Translate]
Hey Steve, This is beautiful- the pattern has amazing flow and the colour is so tasty!! Did you dye it yourself?~L
[Translate]
Thanks Lara – I didn’t dye this one. This is Patons Classic Wool in Paprika. I love the oranges and burnt oranges they have.
Hugzzz
[Translate]
Simply beautiful Steve… I would like to purchase the pattern if it is available somewhere. Your website was given to me by fabulous Joei, the knitting angel here in Paris France, where we knit together once a week. Really love your blog. Some of it is a bit over my head (I started knitting only in September) but I’m learning! So thanks.
[Translate]
Antoinette, thank you so much for your compliments. Please give Joie a HUGE HUGZZZ and tell her we miss her and hope the ash settles soon so she can return. As for the pattern, the 8 strand one is available on here and I will have an e-book available with all the other ones soon.
Hugzzz
[Translate]