December's 6-inch square

Because it's December and most of us have little time/ability to concentrate, here's another 6-inch square. I know we'll hear specifics about the new campaign very soon, but right now I'm much better off doing things that are small and easy! This one is just enough more interesting than garter stitch to keep you awake. I'm sure the stitch has a name, but I don't know it.

Square #4 (December)

multiple of 2 sts, 4 rows

Block directions:

Rows 1 and 2: *k1, p1* across
Rows 3 and 4: knit

Cast on 30 stitches.
Knit 4 rows (2 ridges).
Keeping first 2 and last 2 stitches in garter stitch (I find it helpful to place a marker to remind me that those 2 stitches are outside the pattern), work in pattern stitch for your magic number of rows– i.e., the number of rows you determined in block 1 would give you a 6-inch block. For me, that’s 42 rows – I will knit 42 rows of pattern stitch for every block I make, in each stitch pattern. For you, it may be 38 or 44; just do what works for you.
Knit 4 rows (2 ridges).
Bind off.