treble, 2 chain, miss 2; at the slit on the shoulders work 6 double over
the 6 chain. The two rounds just explained are also worked round the
upper edge, and finished round the sleeves by the following round:--1
double in one of the spaces in last round, * 6 chain, 1 double in the
2nd of the 6 chain, which forms a purl, 1 chain, 1 double on the next
but one of the last round, 6 chain, 1 double in the 2nd of the 6 chain,
1 chain, 1 double in the next space. Repeat from *. On the upper edge of
the bosom, between the 1st and 2nd rounds of the border, work 1 round of
crosses, but throwing the cotton twice only round the needle, so that
the treble stitches are not double; make 3 chain between each cross.

* * * * *

KNITTING.

287.--KNITTING, though considered to be an old-fashioned art, is by no
means so ancient as lacemaking. Knitting has never entirely quitted the
hands of English and German ladies; indeed, among all good housewives of
any civilised country, it is reckoned an indispensable accomplishment.
Knitting schools have been established of late years both in Ireland and
Scotland, and Her Majesty the Queen has herself set an example of this
industry, as well as largely patronised the industrial knitters of
Scotland. Of the rudiments of this useful art many ladies are at present
ignorant; it is in the hope of being useful to these that the following
instructions are offered.

To knit, two, three, four, or five needles, and either thread, cotton,
silk, or wool are required.

Knitting needles are made of steel, of ivory, or of wood; the size to be
used depends entirely upon the material employed, whether thread,
cotton, silk, single or double wool, for knitting. As the size of the
needles depends upon that of the cotton, a knitting gauge is used (see
No. 287). The gauge (page 290) is the exact size of Messrs. H. Walker
and Co.'s knitting gauge. Our readers will remark that English and
foreign gauges differ very essentially; the finest size of German
needles, for example, is No. 1, which is the size of the coarsest
English wooden or ivory needle. Straight knitting is usually done with
two needles only for round knitting for socks, stockings, &c., three,
four, and five needles are employed.

[Illustration: 287.--Knitting Gauge.]

* * * * *

288.--_Casting On_.

This term is used for placing the first row or round of knitting
stitches on