The border should be worked in a different colour to that of the other part.
Cast on thirty-six stitches,—with the border colour. Knit twelve plain rows.
This completes the border at the waist. In the next row—knit eight,—with the first colour,—for the border at the side; then,—with the other colour,—knit four, pearl four, alternately, for the next twenty stitches; knit eight,—with the first colour,—for the border on the other side. Knit three more rows, in a similar manner,—observing to make a stitch, between the border and the pattern, at the commencement of every row.
Work four similar rows, but alternating the stitches, by pearling on the knitted stitches, and knitting on the pearled stitches, of the previous four rows,—so as to form a checked pattern.
Repeat the last eight rows, alternately four and four, until twenty patterns in height be worked; when twenty-five patterns in width should count on the needle.
Pass forty stitches from one side, on to another needle; leaving (when the same number shall have been passed off from the other side), nine patterns, or thirty-six stitches, for the back of the shirt.
Knit, on the forty stitches, one of the two pieces, that pass over the shoulders and form the front of the shirt, as follows.
N.B. The border (of eight stitches) is continued on the outer side at the same time. The borders, at the top of the back, and of the inner sides of the front pieces, are knitted afterwards.
Knit four patterns, increasing on one side only—between the pattern and outer border.