Flocked Mittens

Flocked Mittens by Adrian Bizilia

What is Being Made

The Flocked Mittens are a pair of fitted hand coverings designed to provide warmth and comfort. These mittens feature a distinctive colorwork pattern on the outer layer, combined with a soft lining for enhanced insulation and comfort. The mittens are available in three sizes to accommodate different hand measurements, ranging from small to large, with palm circumferences from 7.5" to 9" and finished lengths between 9.5" and 11".

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several advanced techniques to create a sophisticated finished garment. The primary construction method involves colorwork knitting, which creates the patterned design across the surface of the mittens. Additionally, the pattern incorporates Swiss darning, a surface embroidery technique worked after the main knitting is complete, which adds textural detail and dimensional flock-like effects to the finished mittens. The mittens feature a lined construction, meaning an inner layer is knitted separately and then integrated with the outer layer for added warmth and a polished interior finish.

Stitches and Stitch Counts

The mittens are worked using fundamental knitting stitches within a colorwork pattern. Gauge is critical for achieving proper fit, with stitch and row counts varying by size: the small size requires 28 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in the colorwork pattern, the medium size uses 26 stitches and 28 rows, and the large size calls for 24 stitches and 26 rows. This gauge adjustment ensures consistent proportions across all three sizes.

Construction Methods

Knitters have flexibility in their needle choice for this project. The mittens may be constructed using double-pointed needles, a long circular needle worked with the magic loop method, or two circular needles, allowing crafters to select their preferred small-circumference knitting technique. Needle sizes range from US 3 to US 5 (3.25mm to 3.75mm), selected based on the size being knitted and individual gauge.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Flocked Mittens pattern specifies worsted weight yarn for both the outer and lining layers. For the outer mittens, the pattern calls for Quince & Co. Lark yarn: 2 skeins of the main color in Honey and 1 skein of the contrasting color in Glacier, totaling 268 yards of the primary colorwork yarn. The lining is worked in Quince & Co. Tern in the Kelp colorway, requiring 1 skein with 221 yards of yardage. The Swiss darning embellishment uses approximately 10 yards of worsted weight yarn in a darker shade, such as Cascade 220 in Burnt, to create the flock effect on the finished mittens.

Additional Notions and Tools

• Stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings
• Scrap yarn for holding stitches during construction
• Darning needle for weaving in ends and working Swiss darning embroidery

This intermediate knitting project combines colorwork expertise with lining techniques to create elegant, functional mittens with distinctive textural detail.