Cables interlock against a slip-stitch background on these überwarm, deliciously comfortable mittens.

Need help interpreting the cable diagram? Please read notes below:

The first two sets of treble stitches cross over each other. When you are working Row 9 (when making the initial treble stitches) do not work from the chart (just work from written instructions). In fact, do not work from chart until you get to row 21 (where the pattern instructs you to work from chart).

Setting up the cable pattern is really the hardest part of this mitten pattern- so hang in there!

Just to help you visualize what is going on here:
In row 9, all 4 of the tr sts will be worked into the marked sl st ridge below. Whenever you make sl sts between tr sts (or later, between the post sts) you will be making them into the working (or topmost) row. So anyways.. back to row 9. You will make your 1st and second tr sts slanting downward to the left (right one made first then left), then make a sl st in topmost row, then the next 2 tr sts will be worked slanting downward to the right- crossing over the previous two tr sts (right tr made first, then left tr). These tr sts will be worked into with FPtr sts later on.

The only time that you make any stitches into the slip stitch ridges is when you are setting up the three cables. Once you have done that, all post stitches are made into previous tr or post stitches. Although in the diagram, the FPtr made in chart row 1 look like they go straight down, they actually will be slanted to connect with the tr sts (or post sts) below.