y, in the following way: slip one stitch, knit-one,
pass the slip stitch over: this decreases one stitch. To decrease two;
slip one, knit two together, pass the slip stitch over.

[Illustration: TO TAKE UP STITCHES.]

A reverse stitch is taken off the left-hand needle, in the reverse way
to knitting and purling. In both these, the right-hand needle is
inserted in the middle of the stitch, and the point brought out
towards you or otherwise. But to make a reverse stitch, you insert the
point of the needle in the stitch _at the back of the work_, and bring
it forward through the opening in which it generally is inserted. The
thread is to be placed round it, as for a purled stitch.

[Illustration: TO KNIT TWO PIECES TOGETHER.]

To reverse two, three, or more stitches together, insert the needle in
them all at once, _from the last to the first_.

TO TAKE UP STITCHES.--Insert the needle in the loop, pass the thread
round, and knit it in the usual manner. Do not draw out any loop more
than can be avoided, while knitting it.

TO KNIT TWO PIECES TOGETHER.--To do this there must be an equal number
of stitches on both.

[Illustration: TO FORM A ROUND.]

Hold the needles together in the right hand, and knit as usual,
inserting the left-hand needle in a loop of each at the same time, and
treating the two as one.

[Illustration: TO CAST OFF.]

TO FORM A ROUND:--This diagram represents the French manner of
performing this process by casting the whole number of stitches
on one needle, and then distributing them on three, or perhaps four.
But the English mode is to divide the number of stitches, and cast so
many on each needle, not withdrawing the last stitch of each needle
from the point of the next needle. When all are cast on, the round is
made by knitting the _two first_ stitches on to the last needle. Four
needles are employed for stockings, five for doyleys and other round
articles.

To cast off:--knit two stitches, insert the point of the left hand
needle in the first stitch, and draw it on the other. Knit another
stitch, and treat these two in the same way.

* * * * *

INFANT'S SHOE, IN KNITTING.

MATERIALS.--1 ounce of white Berlin wool. 1 skein of white, and 1 of
embroidery wool, 4 knitting needles, No. 21, and 2, No. 19.

With the fine needles cast 30 stitches on one, and 20 on each of two
others. Join into a round, and purl one round.

[Illustration: INFANT'S SHOE, IN