2/2/2 LPC & RPC Explained – How to Work These Sculptural Cables
- Shaina Scott
- Aug 10
- 2 min read
If you’ve taken a look at the Clematis Scarf pattern, you may have noticed some cable abbreviations that aren’t quite the usual suspects: 2/2/2 LPC and 2/2/2 RPC.
These beautiful, sculptural cables are part of what gives the Clematis Scarf its signature trellis-like texture. They look complex, but once you break them down, they’re surprisingly straightforward to work.
What the Abbreviations Mean
2/2/2 LPC = 2 over 2 over 2 Left Purl Cross
2/2/2 RPC = 2 over 2 over 2 Right Purl Cross
The numbers refer to how many stitches are in each section, and the letters tell you the direction of the cable and where the purl stitches go.
Think of it like this:
First number = stitches on the far left of the cable
Middle number = stitches in the middle (often purls for definition)
Last number = stitches on the far right of the cable
L or R = the direction the cable is crossing (left or right)
P = purl those stitches to make them stand out
Visualizing the Cable
In both cases, you’re essentially making two twists in one move: crossing a group of stitches over another group, while keeping a column of purl stitches nestled in the middle. This adds depth and structure, which is why the Clematis motif pops so beautifully.
How to Work Them (with a Cable Needle)
For 2/2/2 LPC:
Slip next 4 stitches (2 knit + 2 purl) to a cable needle and hold in front.
Knit 2 stitches from the left needle.
Purl 2 stitches from the cable needle.
Knit 2 stitches from the cable needle.
For 2/2/2 RPC:
Slip next 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in back.
Knit 2 stitches from the left needle.
Purl 2 stitches from the left needle.
Knit 2 stitches from the cable needle.
Without a Cable Needle
If you’re feeling confident (and want to speed things up), you can work these cables without a cable needle, just like in my 2/2/2 Cables Without a Cable Needle tutorial. The concept is the same—you’ll rearrange the stitches so they’re in the right order before knitting/purling them.
Practice Makes Perfect
The first few times you try 2/2/2 LPC or RPC, it may feel a bit fiddly. But once you get into the rhythm, your fingers will know exactly where each stitch goes, and you’ll love how much dimension these cables add to your fabric.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a yarn with good stitch definition (like Queen City Yarn’s Coleman DK) to make your cables really shine.
📌 Want to see these cables in action? Check out the Clematis Scarf Pattern →
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