h stitch, as we have described in fig. 341; for the second and
following stitches, bring the end of the thread to the inside of the
palm of the hand, so that it lies between the thumb and the forefinger.

[Illustration: FIG. 344. CROSSED CASTING ON, FORMING A CHAIN.]

(2) KNITTING ON STITCHES (fig. 345).--Begin with a plain crossed
stitch; then take the thread and the needle in the left hand, a second
needle in the right, and catch it into the stitch on the left needle,
lay the thread under the right needle and draw it through in a loop,
through the loop on the left needle. Then transfer it as a fresh stitch
to the left needle; catch the needle into this second stitch, and draw
the thread through it, to form the third, and so on.

This method of casting on is used for articles, that are to have a
double edge, (see figs, 355, 356), because stitches, made in this way,
are easier to pick up than the tighter ones; but it should not be used,
where it will form the actual edge, as the loops are always too open.

[Illustration: FIG. 345. KNITTING ON STITCHES.]

(3) CASTING ON WITH SLIP LOOPS (fig. 346).--Begin by casting on one
loop in the ordinary way, next, lay the thread, as in German knitting,
over the left hand, twisting it once only round the forefinger, then put
the needle in, upwards from below, under the thread that lies on the
outside of the forefinger; draw out the finger from the loop, put the
loop on the needle to the right, take the thread on the forefinger
again, and so on.

[Illustration: FIG. 346. CASTING ON WITH SLIP LOOPS.]

CASTING ON WITH DOUBLE SLIP LOOPS (fig. 347).--Begin by casting on a
stitch in the ordinary way, then lay the thread over the forefinger, the
reverse way, so that it crosses between, not outside the hand and the
body of the knitter. Pass the needle upwards from below, under the
inside thread, and slip this thread as a loop on to the needle. Continue
to cast on, inserting the needle under the front and back threads
alternately. This method is specially suitable for open patterns, where
you have to increase several times, in succession.

[Illustration: FIG. 347. CASTING ON WITH DOUBLE SLIP LOOPS.]

(4) CASTING ON WITH PICOTS (fig. 348).--Cast on two stitches in the
ordinary way and turn the work. Lay the thread over the needle, put the
needle into the first stitch, from right to left, and slip it on to the
right needle, knit off the second stitch plain, and draw the slipped one
ov