s2kp & the moving marker

Keeping a moving marker in its place.

The centred double decrease, s2kp, uses stitches on either side of a marker. This can be fiddly.

Solution: Using the same method as when cabling without a cable needle, you can keep the marker in its place without too much fiddling about.

That’s just what I did on my new  favourite summer wrap, non troppo – well… at least after the first 100 rows or so, and after some unsuccessful wrangling with the (beautiful) marker .

Here’s how.

marker_to2before_6730

1. Work to 2 stitches before marker

marker_sl2tog_6731

2. Slip 2 stitches together knitwise (as if to knit 2 stitches together).

marker_k1_leftof_6738

3. With marker still on Left Needle, knit into the stitch next to the marker, leaving the marker in place.
The stitch you just knitted (k1) is still on both Right Needle (the new loop) and Left Needle (old loop) — sort of straddling the two needles and wanting something to happen.

marker_smANDst_toRN_6739

4a. Slip marker to Right Needle and allow the straddly old loop on Left Needle to slide off it to complete the k1.

marker_sm_toRN_6741
4b. Now the sequence is correct: at the end of the Right Needle you have 2 slipped stitches, 1 knitted stitch, 1 marker.

Marker_sm_to_LN6744

5. Slip marker back to Left Needle

Marker_psso6749

6a. Pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knitted stitch.
(Insert Left Needle from left into both stitches and lift them over the knitted stitch and off the needle.)

marker_psso_6753

6b. The slipped stitches are passed over the knitted stitch. Next: slide them off Left Needle to complete the s2kp.

marker_psso_6754

7. The s2kp is complete and the marker is in its proper place.
Continue knitting happily away.
Possibly feel a little smug. You’ve just outsmarted the marker.