This month's assignment will have you experimenting with the joys of increasing and decreasing.

Cast on 42 stitches with whatever cast on method you prefer. (Might I suggest the Long Tail Cast On, as it gives you the first row of knit stitches, too?) Knit five rows of garter stitch. Knitting the first and last three stitches of each row, follow the pattern below:

Row 1: Knit 1, purl 1, knit 1 into one stitch; purl 3 together; repeat (wrong side)
Row 2: Purl all stitches (right side)
Row 3: Purl 3 together; knit 1, purl 1, knit 1 into one stitch; repeat
Row 4: Purl all stitches

Knit rows 1-4 a total of 10 times. Knit five rows of garter stitch. Bind off using the K2tog Bind Off.

Bonus tip: It's a good idea to count the number of stitches you have at the end of each row, to make sure you haven't missed anything. You should always have the same number of stitches per row as you cast on. If you don't, work backwards a bit to fix it.

*If you want to make any size adjustments, feel free. You'll need to cast on a multiple of 4 plus 6, making the increasing sequence of that would be 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 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 4 - Your HOL name.

Due December 31st. Worth 30 points.