This very lacy, truly reversible insertion is from 1870 Mrs. Beeton’s Guide to Embroidery, Crochet and Knitting, p.184. I was concerned the chain wouldn’t show while knitting it but blocking really helps bring out the pattern. One row is repeated 19 times, then there’s a row with a true cable in it. A yarn with great stitch definition works best. At only 14 stitches across, the swatch is 1.75 inches wide at gauge.

Skills needed: cast on, slip, knit, k2tog, YO, k2tog, cable and bind off in knit stitch.

Gauge is not important in this pattern. Almost any block-able yarn/thread will work; see suggestion above. Make a swatch to check gauge and appearance.

32 yards of #10 crochet thread will make 10 inches of a 14-stitch-wide strip at gauge.