Use doubled, contrast yarn for provisional cast on. Cast on 50 st, work in groups of 10 st and 22 rows for 5 “squares” across. It was very helpful to use stitch markers and to mark the front.

Sort of, but not exactly double knitting since there’s only one yarn. It would be interesting to try this with two yarns. It might be possible to knit and purl each row with two yarns.

The provisional cast on was new and a bit challenging, but makes a nice edge. The pattern also works out to slip the last stitch of each row. It’s worth paying attention to the notes about yarn position when slipping that stitch on the last row before pattern changes.

Tightening up the provisional cast on was pretty tedious, but the nice edge is worth it.