This is a stitch with a difference. The braided ladder makes for a lovely cable effect that is created by threading loops of chains together.
You can purchase the ad free, printable version of the pattern on Ravelry for just £2.40 which includes a weekly update with the next square
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-50-stitches-cal
This pattern is written in US terms, but the UK translation is below
UK translation
Double crochet (dc) = treble crochet
The Pattern
You need a 3.5mm hook
Chain 32
Row 1. Dc in 4th chain from your hook (turning chain counts as a stitch), then dc in next 5 stitches. Chain 10 and then slip stitch around the post of the dc you’ve just made (get your hook into the gap between the top loops and that thread just below) – this is your first loop, dc in next 7 stitches and make another loop. Dc in next 2 stitches and make a loop then dc in next 7 stitches and make a loop, then dc in last 7 stitches.
30 dc stitches in the row.
TIP – you can reduce or increase the number of chains in your loop if you find they are too loose or too tight when you braid them together
Turn
Row 2. Alternate turning chain in first stitch, then dc in next 6 stitches then make a loop. dc in next 7 stitches and make another loop. In next 2 stitches make a dc and make a loop. Dc in next 7 stitches and make a loop. Dc in last 7 stitches.
Turn.
Rows 3 – 12 – repeat row 2
Row 13 – Make an alternate turning chain in first stitch. Dc in next 6 stitches.
If your loops are on the wrong side of your square, you can just pull them through with your hook onto the right side. They should be facing you when you start row 13.
Join together all your loops in the first ladder. Do this by taking the loop in row 1, twist then thread the loop in row 2 through it from back to front. Repeat this for every loop until you reach the top. Make a slip stitch into the top of the final loop (the slip stitch doesn’t count as a stitch when making your border)
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The Border
Sc in each stitch across the bottom
Sc in all the dc across the top. The slip stitches don’t count.
In the sides make 3 sc in rows 1, 4, 9 and 13. Make 2sc in the side of all other rows. Add an extra sc in the corners for the turn. 124 sc in total.
The Interlocking Border
If you are joining as you go, we need to add the interlocking border and weave it into the border of the previous square so they are joined together. Use a 4mm hook for this part of the border on all squares.
Start the border in the extra corner stitch on the bottom left hand side with a standing single crochet, and single crochet in the next corner stitch.
*Chain 4, skip the next 3 stitches, single crochet in the next two stitches* repeat this pattern across the bottom edge until you reach the next corner (you should have 6 loops). Make a single crochet in all 3 corner stitches. Carry on the pattern above. Do this for 3 sides.
When you get to the top left corner, single crochet in the 3 corner stitches then chain 4. Pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the top right loop of the previous square. Hook the loop from your chain 4 and pull it up through the loop on the adjoining square. Pull your loop tight, skip 3 and single crochet in the next 2 stitches of the adjoining square.
You should have joined the first 2 loops together. Repeat this for all 6 loops until you get back to the bottom left hand corner. Single crochet in the corner stitch, and join into the standing stitch.
You can now tie off and weave in your ends.
If you would like to close the gap between the corners of your squares, you can do this with a single stitch. I show you how in this video
If you have any questions about the pattern or the CAL, then come on over to the Facebook group – 50 Stitches where you can show us your completed squares too.
