Reversible cables look the same from both sides, making them great for scarves, shawls,  lapels, turn-down collars and so on. Reversible cabled fabrics are possible by applying cables to some sort of ribbing. In ribbing, the purl side of the fabric hides in the ribs and there are knit stitches on both faces of the fabric. The knit stitches display the cables attractively.

The technique of reversible  cables is ideal for scarves and  blankets. This one is identical on both sides and is based on full needle rib fabric.  The tailored look  is one that most men will  appreciate. 

YARN, GAUGE AND MACHINE:  Tamm 3 ply Astracryl gets a  gauge of 5.8 stitches and 8 rows  per inch in full needle rib at about  stitch size 5 on the Passap and 4  on Japanese machines. A  translator is provided at the end of the pattern that will allow you to make it in any  gauge on any machine. Adjust the dial to get the same gauge on both beds. Measure  gauge on one face of the fabric, not counting the stitches on the other face. Go for a  fabric that is a little bit soft and knits easily. Most machines will knit full needle rib  best with weights. If translating the gauge, keep in mind that full needle rib is best  knitted with yarns that work on the low to middle of the stitch dial for any machine.