This month, you get to start experimenting with patterns: you're going to make a checkerboard washcloth.

Using the Long Tail Cast On, cast on 38* stitches. Work 5 rows of garter stitch — which is knitting every row — (remember, the Long Tail Cast On works one row of knit stitches before you bring a second needle into the mix). Now it's time to work the pattern.

In every row, knit the first 3 and last 3 stitches. Follow the pattern below for the other 32 stitches:

Rows 1-4: K4, P4, repeat until end.
Rows 5-8: P4, K4, repeat until end.

Work rows 1-8 another 5 times, for a total of 6 repeats. Work 5 rows of garter stitch. Bind off with the Suspended Bind Off.

Bonus tip: You're going to be switching between knits and purls a lot in this washcloth, so remember to move your between the tips of your needles, not over. This will help you avoid making extra stitches. If you're not sure how you're doing, count the number of stitches on the needle after you finish each row; you should have the same number as you've cast on. If you don't, work backward to find the trouble spot and fix it.

*If you want to make any size adjustments, feel free. You'll need to cast on a multiple of 8 plus 6, making the increasing sequence of that would be 30, 38, 46, 54, etc. You'll also want to adjust the number of vertical pattern repeats accordingly.)

Take a picture of your finished cloth and send it — as an attachment or a link, your choice — to knitting@cosmoschaise.co.uk, using the subject Knitting Assignment 3 - Your HOL name.

Due November 30th. Worth 30 points.