This technique is all about 2/1 cable or crossed stitches. A 2/1 cable or 2/1 crossed stitches covers any technique where two stitch is crossed in front of one stitch. Jill Wolcott Knits® puts the stitch numbers before the direction (LC or RC), but it might appear at the end of abbreviation in other patterns. They are all the same.
The Left (L) or Right (R) direction given in these combinations (of any stitch number) is the direction that the front stitches are leaning when the cable or cross is complete. That stitch is always kept to the front.
When there is no designation in the description of a cable, the stitch is to be knit; I put a “p” next to the number of a stitch it is to be purled. This isn’t always part of the cable abbreviation, but will be in the description of how to work the cable. I want to get a lot of information from looking at the abbreviation, so I put the “p” in.
Pattern Specific Variations to 2/1 Cables and Crossed Stitches
Sometimes, I include technique variations that are for specific patterns. I always include directions for specific techniques in the pattern itself, so be sure to also read any patterns you’re working on closely.
2/1 LC & 2/1p LC Variation for Tangier
This cross is worked before the incLp. If you are working with two colors the 2 Stockinette stitches are in Color 2 and should be worked with that yarn.
Put the right needle into the stitch following the 2 Stockinette stitches, going behind them. Slip the unworked Stockinette stitches off the left needle and the following stitch onto the right needle. Pick up the Stockinette stitches with the left needle, then slip the stitch back to the left needle and proceed in pattern.
2/1 LC-p2tog Variation for Tangier
Work the 2 Stockinette stitches in Color 2 for 2-color Tangiers.
Work to 1 stitch before the 2 Stockinette stitches. Put the right needle into the back of the stitch before and after the 2 Stockinette stitches. Remove all 4 stitches from the left needle and insert the left needle into the Stockinette stitches. Move the 2 stitches on the right needle to the left needle. Work a p2tog to stay in pattern and knit the Stockinette stitches.
2/1 RC & 2/1p RC Variation for Tangier
This cross is worked immediately following the incRp. If you are working with two colors, the 2 Stockinette stitches are in Color 2 and should be worked with that yarn.
Put the right needle into the front of the 2 Stockinette stitches on the left needle. Slip those Stockinette stitches to the right needle, removing the unworked stitch before them, then insert the left needle into the unworked stitch. Slip the Stockinette stitches back to the left needle and k3 or k2, p1 to stay in pattern.
2/1 RC-p2tog RC Variation for Tangier
Work the 2 Stockinette stitches in Color 2 for 2-color Tangiers.
Work to 1 stitch before the 2 Stockinette stitches. Put right needle into the the Stockinette stitches going in front of the left needle and the first stitch. Remove the first stitch and the Stockinette stitches from the left needle then insert the left needle into the first stitch behind the right needle. Move the Stockinette stitches on the right needle to the left needle. Knit the Stockinette stitches, p2tog to stay in pattern.
More cables: 1/1 Cables, 2/2 Cables, 3/3 Cables, 4/4 Cables, 1/2 Cables
