If you’ve ever looked at a beautifully cabled crochet sweater or pumpkin and thought “I could never do that” — this post is for me to gently disagree with you. Learning how to crochet cables is so much easier than the finished look suggests. Once you’ve got the FPDC (Front Post Double Crochet) and BPDC (Back Post Double Crochet) down, you can crochet cables in just about anything: pillows, throws, sweaters, even pumpkins.

This is Part 1 of my How-To Crochet Cables series. In the video and step-by-step below, you’ll learn the two foundation stitches every cable design uses — Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post Double Crochet. Once these click, Part 2 (the actual cable twist) will feel like the easy part. 🧶

Watch the Video Tutorial

Sometimes seeing it once is worth a thousand words. Watch the full FPDC and BPDC walkthrough below, then come back to follow the written breakdown.

Why You’ll Love Learning How to Crochet Cables

Once you understand how to crochet cables, a whole world of textured pattern designs opens up. Cable crochet looks impressive, but the underlying skill is just two stitches with one twist — and you already know how to double crochet.

• ✅ Just two foundation stitches — FPDC and BPDC — unlock every cable pattern
• ✅ If you can double crochet, you can crochet cables
• ✅ Looks impressively textured for so little extra effort
• ✅ Works in any yarn weight from DK to super bulky
• ✅ Opens up cable sweaters, throws, pumpkins, pillows, and more
• ✅ Video tutorial plus written breakdown — pick your favourite way to learn

What You’ll Need to Practice

• 🧶 Any worsted weight yarn for practice — in the video I’m using Patons Grace in Blush
• 🪝 5.0mm crochet hook (or whatever your yarn label recommends)
• 🧵 Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• ✂️ Sharp scissors

Shop the materials

Patons Grace Yarn, 1.75 oz, Snow, 1 Ball

Amour Crochet Hook: 5.50mm

Premium Large Eye, Large Gauge Needles for Hand Sewing – Assorted Sizes, Including Embroidery – 25/50 PCs with 2 Threaders

Fiskars Premier No. 5 Micro-Tip Orange-Handled Fabric Scissors, Double Loop Handle, Sewing and Craft Scissors, Orange

A lighter colour swatch is great for learning because you can clearly see the front and back posts as you work. Yarnspirations stocks Patons Grace in the full colour range. The Craft Yarn Council has a great quick reference on yarn weights.

How to Crochet Cables: Step-by-Step

Cast on a small swatch — about 20 stitches works well — and work two rows of double crochet to give yourself a foundation. Then we’ll add the cable stitches.

Step 1: Identify the Post

When you look at a row of double crochet, each stitch has a vertical “post” — the long body of the stitch underneath the top loops. For cable stitches, you’ll work around the post instead of through the top loops. The front post sticks out on the side facing you; the back post sits on the far side.

Step 2: Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC)

The FPDC pulls a stitch forward, creating a raised line on the front of your work. Here’s how:

• Yarn over the hook
• Insert the hook from the front to the back, then back to the front, around the post of the next stitch below
• Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
• Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook)
• Yarn over, pull through the remaining 2 loops
• One FPDC complete

Step 3: Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC)

The BPDC pushes a stitch back, creating a recessed area on the front. It’s the mirror image of the FPDC:

• Yarn over the hook
• Insert the hook from the back to the front, then back to the back, around the post of the next stitch below
• Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
• Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook)
• Yarn over, pull through the remaining 2 loops
• One BPDC complete

Step 4: Practice the Pattern

A great practice swatch alternates FPDC and BPDC across a row: FPDC, BPDC, FPDC, BPDC… you’ll see ribbing start to form. That ribbing is the foundation that all cable patterns build on. Once you can work a clean alternating row, you’re ready for Part 2 — creating the actual twist.

Tips for Learning How to Crochet Cables

• Use a light, smooth yarn. Variegated or fuzzy yarn hides the post stitches; a solid worsted in a pale colour shows everything clearly.
• Go up a hook size. Post stitches use more yarn than regular DC. A slightly larger hook keeps tension comfortable.
• Count the row below. The post stitch always works around a stitch below your current row. If you lose track, set the work down and count.
• Don’t skip the top loops. The top loops of the stitch you worked around are still there — they just lie behind your post stitch. Don’t accidentally work into them next row.
• Practice on a small swatch. A 20-stitch wide × 10-row swatch is plenty to lock in the muscle memory before tackling a full project.
• Block your swatch. Post stitches really pop after a light wet block — the ribbing tightens up and the texture stands out.

How to Crochet Cables FAQ

Is it hard to learn how to crochet cables?

Not at all once you understand the post stitch concept. If you can already work a double crochet, you’re 90% there — cables just add a twist to where you insert the hook.

What’s the difference between FPDC and BPDC?

FPDC inserts the hook from the front, pulling the stitch forward and creating a raised ridge. BPDC inserts from the back, pushing the stitch back and creating a recessed valley. Together they create the ribbed texture that cables sit on top of.

What yarn should I use to practice?

Any worsted #4 weight in a solid, light colour works well — you want to see the post stitches clearly. Patons Grace, Red Heart Super Saver in Aran, or Lion Brand Heartland in a pale shade all work great.

Do I need a special hook for cable crochet?

No — any regular crochet hook works. Some crocheters like a slightly larger hook than they’d normally use, because post stitches eat up a bit more yarn and can pull tight.

What’s next after FPDC and BPDC?

Part 2 of this series shows you how to create the actual cable twist — using front post treble crochet (FPTR) to cross stitches over each other. Head to Part 2 here.

Ready for Part 2?

Once you’ve got FPDC and BPDC down, the cable twist is the next step. Part 2 walks you through using FPTR (front post treble crochet) to cross stitches over each other and create the iconic cable look.

→ How to Crochet Cables Part 2: Create the Cable Twist

Free Crochet Cable Patterns to Try

Once you’ve learned how to crochet cables, here are some free patterns to put your new skill to work:

• Crochet Cable Pumpkin — beginner-friendly textured fall decor
• Rustic Crochet Cable Scarf — chunky cable scarf for cosy winter wear
• Rustic Crochet Cable Table Runner — table linens with textured cables
• Faux Cable Crochet Pillow — pillow cover with cable texture
• 18×18 Faux Cable Crochet Pillow — sized for standard pillow inserts

Save This How-To for Later

Want to come back to this tutorial later? Save it to Pinterest so you can find it the next time you want to learn how to crochet cables — and share it with your crochet friends!