Cast on 100 stitches; knit back plain.1878, “High Vest for an Infant of Four Months”, in Godey's Lady's Book, and Ladies' American Magazine, page 343:
With two wooden needles, No. 7 and 4 ply fleecy, cast on twenty-nine stitches for the middle of the sole, and for six rows increase one at the beginning and end of each needle, to slightly shape both the toe and heel end.1892, Charles Peters, The Girl's Own Indoor Book, page 75:
2 more examples
Although patterns call for a needle of a certain size, you may find that you cast on more tightly or loosely than the project specifies.2012, Cap Sease, Cast On, Bind Off: 211 Ways to Begin and End Your Knitting:
With waste yarn and crochet hook, make a slipknot and chain 2 stitches more than required to cast on, fasten off.2016, Margeau Soboti, Margeau Chapeau: A New Perspective on Classic Knit Hats, page 12: