I work a tubular cast on for 4/4 ribbing the same way I work it for the 3/3 and 2/2 ribbing; start with a provisional cast on, then a 1/1 ribbing, then twist the stitches to get what I actually want. The knits stay knitted, the purls stay purled, and the eye is happy to see a smooth transition.
4/4 ribbing isn’t used too often as an actual ribbing, but it is a good start for a cabled panel, which will often have a 4/4 pattern in the middle.
Row 1 (RS): Cast on a multiple of 8 using the waste yarn provisional cast on.
Rows 2 – 3: (Sl, p) across, turn.
Row 4: (K, 1/1 RPC, p) across, turn.
Row 5: (K2, p2) across, turn.
Row 6: (K2, p2, 2/2 LPC) across, turn.
Row 7: P2, k4, (p4, k4) until last 2 sts, p2.
Round 1:Cast on a multiple of 8 using the waste yarn provisional cast on.
Round 2: (K, sl wyif) around.
Round 3: (Sl, p) around.
Round 4: (K, 1/1 RPC, p) around.
Round 5: (K2, p2) around.
Round 6: (2/2 LPC, k2, p2) around.
Round 7: P2, k4, (p4, k4) until last 2 sts, p2.