Evergrey Mitts

Evergrey Mitts by Susanna Winter

What Is Being Made

The Evergrey Mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Susanna Winter. These are one-size mittens with a finished circumference of 56 stitches, suitable for intermediate knitters. The design features nature-inspired elements, with the cuffs and hand sections showcasing decorative stitch patterns and cable work that evoke imagery of a blue spruce forest.

Design Inspiration and Details

The inspiration for the Evergrey Mitts comes from the silver needles of a blue spruce (Picea pungens). The cuffs are worked using a lace-and-twisted-stitch rib pattern that creates a visual effect reminiscent of a forest floor covered with fallen needles. The back of the hand is adorned with a cabled spruce motif that is encased within a medallion of twisted stitches, adding textural depth and visual interest to the finished mittens.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Working small circumferences in the round using double-pointed needles
• Magic loop method as an alternative to double-pointed needles
• Lace stitch techniques
• Twisted stitch work
• Cable stitch construction
• Two-at-a-time knitting for left and right mittens simultaneously
• Cuff-up construction method

Stitches and Pattern Instructions

The Evergrey Mitts pattern includes both written and charted instructions for all stitch patterns, providing flexibility for knitters who prefer different learning methods. The pattern is written with both metric and US terminology, making it accessible to international knitters. The stitch patterns combine lace elements with twisted stitches to create the forest-inspired aesthetic throughout the design.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

These mittens are designed to be worked with 4-ply yarn weight, which provides appropriate drape and stitch definition for the delicate lace and twisted stitch patterns. The pattern accommodates both double-pointed needles and magic loop techniques for working in the round on small circumferences, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for constructing these mittens.

Skill Level

The Evergrey Mitts are rated as an intermediate difficulty project, reflecting the combination of techniques required including lace work, twisted stitches, and cable construction. Knitters with foundational skills in working in the round and reading stitch charts will find this project accessible and rewarding.