This is a great First Cables project!

Using size 10 or 10.5 US needles and approximately 300 yards of bulky or chunky weight yarn for the 6 ft. longer version, this scarf works up quickly. We used just 180 yards of a super bulky yarn to make the gray 4.5 foot one pictured. This project is wonderful when made with alpaca or wool / alpaca blends!
OR
you can use about 370 yards of Super Chunky (level 6) yarn and size 13 needles for a more dramatic look.

It is truly the same on both sides and the technique is easy to learn.

If you use worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles, the result will be a narrower version but still very attractive. I don’t recommend holding a double strand of worsted weight. The cables don’t come out looking quite right in my opinion.

I made this up using Marble Chunky and size 9 needles and like the outcome too!