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A firm stitch
that does not stretch too easily. Used as a border row
in many smocking designs. (Acts an anchor row to keep
the pleats aligned.) Also acts as a guide for sewing
on piping prior to attaching the yoke. This stitch is
also used for backsmocking and in picture smocking.
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 1. Start by bringing the needle up to the left
of the first pleat. With thread under needle, pick up the
second pleat, inserting the needle from right to left. This
is called an under cable. Give a gentle tug upward
as you finish the stitch. |
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2. The third pleat is picked up in the same manner
but with the thread above the needle. (An over cable.) Gently
pull the thread down as you finish the stitch.
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| 3.
Continue across the row in this manner with the thread alternating
above below and above the needle. Use your needle to push
stray stitches into alignment. Remember to always keep your
needle parallel to the gathering row as you sew and you cable
stitch will sit straight. |
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| Resembling the links
of a chain, two parallel rows of cable stitch worked so that
they touch. |
1.
Stitch one row of cable stitch beginning with an under cable.
2.Stitch a second row of cable stitch beginning
with an over cable.This row is stitched so that the two rows
kiss but don't overlap |
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| Makes a very effective
border when worked in contrasting colours. |
1. Stitch a base row of
cable beginning with an over cable.(Represented by dark thread
in diagram).
2. With a new thread, stitch the first three
cables of the alternating row directly above (as with Double
Cable Stitch). As you do the third cable, instead of stitching
through the pleat on the straight, angle the needle down
through this pleat to below the base cable row, and bring
your needle out here.
3. Stitch the next three pleats in the same manner,
beginning with an over cable, angling the needle back up through
the pleat with the third cable.
Continue along the row alternating three cables above base
row and then three cables below. When worked correctly there
should be one unworked cable between each group of three on
alternating rows. |
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| Small detached groups
of cable, flowerettes can be used to add small areas of colour
to give impact to a design. |
| 1. Start by working three cable stitches, beginning
with an under cable. |
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| 2. Take the needle to back of work exactly where
it came out. Turn work upside down. |
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| 3. Make an under cable to match with the middle
cable in the first row. Take needle to back of work, take
a backstitch and tie off. |
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1. Start by working three
cable stitches, beginning with an under cable.Take the needle
to back of work exactly where it came out. Turn work upside
down.
2. Directly above your last stitch, mirror with
three cables. Take needle to back of work, take a backstitch
and tie off. |
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Click on images below for examples
of cable stitch used on child's dress.
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