3/3LPC | Knits Over Purls – Left Cross, No Cable Needle

The 3/3 Left Purl Cross creates a bold left-leaning cable where three knit stitches cross over three purl stitches. Though it may look complex, you can work it confidently without a cable needle by carefully rearranging the stitches before working them in order.

We break down this technique into 7 clear steps — each supported by close-up photos — so you can follow along with ease and understand exactly how it works.

• Technique Info
• Step-by-step Instructions
• Step-by-step Photos

Technique Info: 3 Over 3 Left Purl Cross

Field	Details
Abbreviation	3/3 LPC
Category	Cables
Group	6-stitch Cables
Direction	Left
Partner	3/3 RPC

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Transfer 6 stitches

Insert the right-hand needle purlwise into the six stitches on the left-hand needle, and slip them onto the right-hand needle.

Step 2: Work 4th-6th stitches on RH Needle

Insert the left-hand needle into the front of the 4th, 5th, and 6th stitches on the right-hand needle from left to right.

Step 3: Drop stitches

Drop the six stitches off the right-hand needle.

Step 4: Pick up loose stitches

Insert the right-hand needle purlwise back into the three loose stitches to pick them up.

Step 5: Slip stitches back

Insert the left-hand needle into the three stitches on the right-hand needle from left to right and slip them back onto the left-hand needle.

Step 6: Purl three stitches

With the yarn in front. Insert the right-hand needle purlwise into the first stitch on the left-hand needle, wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right-hand needle, and pull it through to create a new stitch. Slip the old stitch off the left-hand needle. Repeat the same process for the next two stitches to complete three purl stitches.

Step 7: Knit three stitches

With the yarn in back. Insert the right-hand needle knitwise into the first stitch on the left-hand needle, wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the right-hand needle, and pull it through to create a new stitch. Slip the old stitch off the left-hand needle. Repeat the same process for the next two stitches to complete three knit stitches.

Step-by step Photos

Step 1

1.1

Yarn position doesn’t matter — front or back is fine

1.2

Insert RH needle purlwise into 6 sts to prepare for transfer — front or back is fine

1.3

slip stitches to RH needle

Step 2

Insert LH needle L–R into 4th–6th sts on RH needle to prepare for reorder — front only

Step 3

Drop 6 sts off RH needle — 3 stay on LH needle, 3 become loose

Step 4

4.1

Insert RH needle purlwise to pick up 3 loose sts — hurry before they rebel and cause chaos!

4.2

Cable crossed; ready to work in new order

Step 5

5.1

Insert LH needle L–R into 3 sts on RH needle — front or back is fine

5.2

Slip sts back to LH needle — orientation unchanged

Step 6

6.1

With yarn in front

6.2

purl 3 stitches

Step 7

6.1

With yarn in back

knit 3 stitches

Done!

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