The Mitten Handbook (ABRAMS, 2017)by Mary Scott Huffprovides a list of mitten ingredients (thumbs, cuffs, tops, edgings, and different constructions), then outlines the best tools and techniques for readers to combine them to knit their own unique creations. The book is organized into three sections. The first presents mitten elements, with a menu of choices that makes getting custom results easy. The second section covers the key aspects of construction, including how to measure for the perfect fit, yarn and gauge considerations, and which direction to knit. And the final section provides 20 complete mitten patterns.
Fair Isle knitting has such irresistible charm. Snowflakes in shades of blue and gray decorate these cuffs, reminding us of times when school got canceled and we played in the snow. Declare your own snow day, and give the drifts the attention they deserve.
Sizes
- Woman’s Large
- Man’s Small
Finished Measurements
- 8″ (20.5 cm) hand circumference
- 10 1/4″ (26cm) long, including edge and cuff
Yarn (fine weight)
- Harrisville Designs Shetland wool; 217 yards (198 meters)/ 1 3/4 ounces (50 grams)
- 1 skein #49 Charcoal (MC)
- Approximately 25 yards (23 meters) each of: #53 Silver Mist, #46 Oatmeal, #25 Aegean, #12 Seagreen, #10 Spruce, and #35 Chianti
Needles
- One set double-pointed needles, size US 3 (3.25 mm) Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
Notions
- Stitch markers; waste yarn
Gauge
- 27 sts and 40 rnds = 4″ (10 cm) in St st
Components
- Western Gusset Thumb
- Spiral Top
Notes: These mittens are worked from the bottom up in the round. One size is given; the size may be adjusted by working at a firmer or looser gauge.
Edge
Using MC and Tubular CO or CO of your choice, CO 54 sts. Join for working in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts; pm for beginning of rnd. Work Rnds 1–4 of Snow Day chart.
Cuff
Work Rnds 5-31 of chart.
Shape Thumb Gusset
Change to MC.
Set-Up Rnd: K26, pm, k2, pm, knit to end.
Increase Rnd: Work to marker, sm, k1-f/b, knit to 1 st before marker, k1-f/b, sm, knit to end—2 sts increased. Repeat Increase Rnd every other rnd 11 times— 78 sts. Knit 1 rnd.
Next Rnd: Knit to marker, remove marker, k1, place 24 Thumb Gusset sts on waste yarn, k1, remove marker, knit to end—54 sts remain.
Hand
Work even until piece measures approximately 9 1/4″ (23.5 cm) from CO, or to 1″ (2.5 cm) less than desired Mitten length.
Shape Mitten Top
Set-Up Rnd: *K9, pm; repeat from * to end.
Decrease Rnd: *Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog; repeat from * to end—6 sts decreased. Repeat Decrease Rnd every other rnd 7 times— 6 sts remain.
Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off to WS.
Thumb
Transfer Thumb Gusset sts to needles; rejoin MC.
Next Rnd: M1, knit to end—25 sts. Join for working in the rnd; pm for beginning of rnd. Work even until Thumb measures approximately 11/2″ (4 cm), or to 1/2″ (12 mm) less than desired thumb length.
Shape Thumb Top
Decrease Rnd: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end—20 sts remain.
Decrease Rnd: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end—15 sts remain.
Decrease Rnd: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end—10 sts remain.
Decrease Rnd: *K2tog; repeat from * to end— 5 sts remain.
Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off to WS.
Finishing
Weave in ends, using tails to close gaps at base of thumb. Block as desired.