Medallion Cables Square

Medallion Cables Square by Terry Morris

Project Overview

The Medallion Cables Square is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by independent designer Terry Morris for creating decorative dishcloths. This intermediate-level project produces a finished 7-inch square featuring beautiful cable work, making it ideal for both functional kitchen use and as a thoughtful handmade gift.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single 7-inch square dishcloth showcasing medallion cable design elements. The square format makes it versatile for use as a dishcloth, washcloth, or decorative textile project. The finished piece is designed to be flexible and washable, suitable for everyday kitchen use.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Worsted weight washable yarn (specific yardage determined by your chosen gauge)
• Needles: US size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or appropriate size to obtain your working gauge
• Additional Tools: Cable needle for executing cable stitches

Techniques and Stitches Used

This intermediate knitting project incorporates several key techniques. The pattern begins with the Long-Tail cast on method (also called the Sling-shot cast on), which creates a sturdy, elastic foundation edge suitable for dishcloths. The primary stitch feature is cable work, which creates the distinctive medallion pattern throughout the square.

Additional techniques include slipped stitches worked at the beginning of rows as if to purl with yarn positioned in front, then moved to the back—a technique that creates neat, finished edges. The pattern also uses kfbl (knit through the front and back loop), which increases stitches and adds texture to the fabric.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern provides flexibility in gauge to accommodate variations in worsted weight yarns. Designers can work at either 5 stitches or 6 stitches per inch over the square pattern, with corresponding cast-on options of either 36 or 42 stitches. This adaptability ensures a finished 7-inch square regardless of yarn thickness variations, while maintaining a flexible, drapeable fabric suitable for dishcloth use.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with basic stitches and are ready to tackle cable techniques. The medallion cable design provides an engaging project for developing cable-working skills while creating a practical, finished item.