Jacob's Ladder Cable Tutorial
Traditional Jacob’s ladder cables are made by forming a column of chain loops, then linking those loops together by pulling each one through the one before it. The Jacob’s Ladder Cabled Throw takes this technique a step further. There are 8 cables on the throw. Each cable has 2 columns of chain loops, separated by 2 half double crochet stitches (see Photo 1). Form each cable one at a time, starting at the bottom. First, twist the bottom loop in the right column ½turn clockwise. The front “leg” of the loop should cross over to the left (see Photo 2). Now take the 2nd loop from the left column and, without twisting it, pull it through your twisted loop (see Photos 3 and 4). Setting that loop aside, take the bottom loop from the left column and twist that ½turn counterclockwise. The front “leg” of the loop should cross over to the right (see Photo 5). Take the next loop from the right column and pull it through this twisted loop. You have now created the first cross of your cable (see Photo 6).
Only the very bottom loop of each column needs to be twisted. This creates a nice bottom edge and helps to prevent gaps from forming. Going forward, do not twist any more loops. *Take the next (purple) loop from the left column and pull it through the current (green) loop from the right column (see Photos 7 and 8). Setting that loop aside, take the next loop from the right column and pull it through the current loop from the left column. You have now created the 2nd cross (see Photo 9). Repeat from * until all loops are linked and only the 2 smaller loops at the top remain (see Photo 10). To make the last cross, simply cross the left loop over the top of the right loop. There are 2 half double crochet stitches at the center of the cable. Secure each loop to each of these stitches with a locking stitch marker (see Photos 11 and 12). Repeat this process for the remaining 7 cables. On our next crochet row, we will secure these final loops. Each time you come to a cable, remove the first stitch marker and work a single crochet through both the loop and the stitch behind it, then repeat for the 2nd loop (see Photos 13 and 14). Now your cables are complete!