Skipping sts as a crossover

[heatherg23]

HI,

I've been seeing patterns for months now that use skipping stitches as a crossover. I've always put them on the side since I didn't get it.

For example:
Row 2: K4, *P1, work right cross on 2 sts as follows: skip 1, p next st, p skipped st, drop original ssts from left needle., work 3 more etc.....

When I attempt to skip 1 then purl the next one I can't purl the skipped one without dropping it which i'm NOT supposed to do. Why is that considered a crossover? Can't I just put that skipped sts on a cable needle and hold it back (since it's a right cross over)?

Thanks guys!
Heather