Congratulation! you are doing double seed (aka double moss) stitch!
here the problem…
[B]Pattern 1:[/B]
K2, P2
P2, K2
–work on a number that can be divided by 4 ([I]28 stitches[/I])(28/4=7)
ROW after row… will give you double seed/moss stitch
[B]Pattern 2[/B]:
K2, P2,(K2)
K2, P2, (K2)
–worked on an number that can divided by 4 (28) +2 (that is cast on 30) will also give you double seed or moss)
BUT
[B]Pattern 3[/B]
K2, P2
K2,P2
–worked on [U][I]28 stitches[/I][/U] (notice it looks the same as pattern 2–but there is a 2 stitch difference in cast on-- will give you ribbing (2 X 2 ribbing)
and
[B]Pattern 4[/B]
K2, P2, (k2)
P2 *K2, P2
–worked on [U][I]30 stitches[/I][/U] (not 28) will also give you ribbing.
the difference in the directions/cast ons numbers are subtle…
and its easy for a new knitter, (one who is not proficient in reading stitches on the needle) to mess up…
(think of how cute it is when first graders make backwards R’s (as in toys r us) or when they confuse B and D (b d) or P and Q (p q).–well you are having the same problem with your knits and purls!
IT’S also normal for new knitters to have trouble with ribbing/moss stitch.
they are VERY similar–
K1, P1 can be either 1 X 1 ribbing or seed/moss stitch
and K2 P2 can be 2 X 2 ribbing or double seed/moss stitch
[I][B]THE GOOD NEWS.[/B][/I]
You at least can see that you are not getting ribbing…
(this is step 1–recognizing what ribbing/seed stitch looks like!)
Now, cast on 28, and work each row, K2, P2
then cast on 30 and do the same (start each row with K2)
then cast on 28 and work
R1: K2, P2
R2: P2, K2
and then cast on 30 and work
R1: K2, P2
R2: P2, K2
Think of this exercise as a first grader would when they are required to make pages and pages of B’s and D’s… and more pages of P’s and Q’s (confusing enough that we have the expression “mind your P’s and Q’s” (this is for printers, who had to look at all the letters backwards!)
with time and practice, you’ll be able to read your knitting better, (and ribbing will help with this!) and 'see" right away what you are doing… (wrong or right!)