Hi
The vintage pattern says Using No. 4mm needles and yarn double cast 64 ( etc
What does it mean
Thank you in anticipation of your time
Eileen
What is the name of your pattern and designer?
Rather than a double cast on the instruction is referring to holding the yarn doubled. Confusing direction for sure.
Hold two strands of your yarn together for the cast on, and maybe for the entire pattern? The next directions should make that clear. Also if there are notes or an introduction to the pattern the designer usually summarizes the way the pattern is worked and should describe the use of doubled yarn throughout if needed.
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Remember to check your tension.
Using No. 4mm needles and yarn double cast
on 64 [68 : 72 : 76] sts.
1st Row.-S1, k2, * p2,k2, rep from * to last st,
k1 .
2nd Row.-S1, * p2,k2, rep from * to last 3 sts,
p2, k1.
Rep 1st and 2nd rows 10 times then 1st row
once.
Next Row.-S1, p2 14:6:8], (inc once in next
st purlways, p7) 7 times, inc once in next st
purlways, p3 15:7 :9], k1 .72176 :80 :84J sts.
Change to No. 51/zmm needles and proceed in
st-st until work measures 151/zin or 39cm,
Sirdar 6812 pattern
I can’t seem to add a photo
Thank you Eileen
Cute! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394693712811
The instruction to hold 2 yarns together would apply if you’re using the original yarn or a similar weight that will give 8 stitches in 2 inches. That’s a fairly heavy yarn…maybe Aran weight? So you either double a thinner yarn like sport weight, or use a single strand of a heavier one.
Maybe this one? The yarn originally used is apparently used doubled. You might check the gauge or tension given in the pattern. If you can’t find the original yarn, you can always substitute for it and usually find a yarn that knits at the same gauge used in the pattern but as a single strand. https://yarnsub.com/ is a good source. You might also be able to find the equivalent of the original yarn and use it doubled as in the pattern. Yarn sub is a helpful site because it also considers qualities like drape in recommending yarns.
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Sirdar Sunseeker cotton, DK 6812
It won’t let me share the link
Thank you again
Hi
I’ve just found this on the instructions 
Sorry for wasting your time
Thank you though
NOTE: THE YARN IS WORKED DOUBLE
THROUGHOUT.
THE BACK
Remember to check your tension.
Using No. 4mm needles and yarn double cast
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Oh, those pesky, boring first pages! 
It’s always so tempting to skip over them and get to knitting!
I have 10 balls of Sirdar Cariba Dk in my stash
I planned to use that but now I don’t want to double it because yes it would heavy.
Is there a way of adapting the pattern to use my yarn singularly though.
Don’t ask me why I try and make life so hard for myself, I think partly because im an inpatient knitter and saw all the plain pattern.
But I’ve attempted 2 other patterns Made mistakes and it’s an absolute pain to undo, the cottony bobbles in the yarn get knotted in a way, and you have to tug to undo.
Thank you
Eileen
Thank you all again.
I’ve decided to find another pattern.
Happy frogging for me ha !
Sometimes a new pattern is the best way.
Watch for the gauge on a pattern to make a start on possible yarns. Then also pay attention to the yarn amounts required for your size. Here are some very general guides although your specific pattern may vary depending on the stitch pattern and fit.
We’re happy to get into it with your questions and patterns. Don’t hesitate to ask next time something comes up. ColoCro is correct about reading every word in the beginning and first few pages before starting the fun part.
Happy knitting!
I see you’ve decided to find a different pattern but i just wanted to say i have worked several tops in a finer yarn than called for (which might be the equivalent of you holding yarn single instead of double) and the fabric has been very nice.
Why not try a swatch on 4mm with single yarn and see how you like it?