Now that you have joined with a knit stitch, we will proceed with the next step in the pattern instructions.

Work in 2 x2   rib for 12 rounds [2.5"].

A 2 x 2 rib in this case is Knit 2, Purl 2.

You have already knit the first stitch. Knit the second stitch. Pass the yarn from the back of the needle to the front in the space between the two needle fronts.

With the yarn in front, PURL the next two stitches.

Pass the yarn to the back, KNIT the next two stitches.

Pass the yarn to the front, PURL  the next two stitches.

You have now worked 8 stitches in a K2, P2 (Knit 2, Purl 2) rib.

Continue in this manner, K2, P2 until you reach the first marker. The two stitches before the first marker will be knit stitches.

Passing the marker: Poke the right needle into the space between the left needle point and the marker and slip the marker onto the right needle. 

The next two stitches are purl sts. Continue in your K2, P2 rib to the second marker.

The last two stitches before the second marker are purl stitches. The second marker is the end of the round. You have now worked one complete round. 

• To be sure that you know this marker is the beginning/end of a round marker, hang a safety pin from it or tie a different color of yarn on it.

To complete the rib, work 10 more rounds as follows:

K2, P2. In other words, you will be knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches. You should always have 2 knit stitches before the first marker and 2 purl stitches before the end/beginning of the round marker.

11 rounds complete.