Houndstooth pillow pattern help

Pattern Central
1

I found this pattern for a houndstooth pillow that I love, but I’m not sure what it means.

1st row: K1. *K3, then pass first of these 3 sts over the 2nd and 3rd sts. Rep from * to last st. K1.
2nd row: With A, P1. *Insert right hand needle from behind under running thread between the st just worked and next st, then purl this thread. P2. Rep from * to last st. P1.
3rd row: K2. *K3, then pass first of these 3 sts over the 2nd and 3rd sts. Rep from * to last 3 sts. K3.
4th row: With MC, P3. *Insert right hand needle from behind under running thread between the st just worked and next st, then purl this thread. P2. Rep from * to last 2 sts. P2.

How do I pass the first stitch in the first row over the 2nd and 3rd?

What am I supposed to do for the 2nd row?

Last, is the 1st and 4th rows in the main color and the 2nd and 3rd in the contrast?

I’m really wanting to try new patterns, but I’m not always good at reading new things and I don’t want to rip it out multiple times trying to get it right as I have in the past so any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
Shannon

2

Passing the first stitch of the k3 over the 2nd and 3rd is similar to a bind off. Instead of passing the first st over the 2nd as in the bind off, pass the first stitch over the 2nd and 3rd.
The “Insert right hand needle from behind under running thread between the st just worked and next st, then purl this thread” is similar to the make one purl in this video.
And yes, it looks like rows 1 and 4 are main color and rows 2 and 3 worked with A. Usually the pattern directions before the pattern stitches are defined, give you a bit more information about the use of different colors.
You could try a small swatch in the pattern rows and with the colors of yarn you’ll be using just to make sure you’re getting the result you want.

3

Thank you! I think I understand and it’s a great idea to just do a small swatch. I will definitely try that.