You are a perfectionist and you like your cast on to match the 2*2 ribs stitch, so you have a knit stitch CO for the knit stitches column and a purl stitch CO for the purl stitches column. I propose here a simpler pattern than the tubular CO: the 2*2 Ribbed Cast-On. It is a derivative of the 1*1 Ribbed Cast-On that I have already described here: 1*1 Ribbed Cast-On
How to do the 2*2 Ribbed Cast-On
This CO provides a beautiful and stretchy cast on. Keep in mind to CO with a regular and relaxed tension to avoid an irregular and stiff CO.
Step 1: Make a slip knot and put it on the needle. Using your left hand, place your fingers between the two strands of yarn (thread from the skein on your index) to create a triangle. The initial slipknot counts as one purl stitch, so the FIRST time that you are working through steps 2-7, ONLY work steps 2-4 once (do not repeat); resulting in the correct two purl stitches.
Step 2: Insert your right needle from back to front through the loop on your index finger.
Step 3: Insert your right needle under the thread on your thumb. From bottom to top.
Step 4: Then, insert your right needle into the loop on your index finger. Pull the thread to create a stitch. Steps 2 to 4 create a purl st. Repeat steps 2 to 4 once more.
Step 5: Insert your right needle from bottom to top through the loop on your thumb.
Step 6: Insert your right needle under the thread on your index finger. From back to front.
Step 7: Then, insert your right needle into the loop on your thumb. Pull the thread to create a stitch. Steps 5 to 7 create a knit st. Repeat steps 5 to 7 once more.
Repeat steps 2 to 7 until you have the desired number of sts. You get a 22 ribbed CO.
