Great Owl Double Knit Mittens (Chi:tmexw)

Great Owl Double Knit Mittens by Carol Young

Project Overview

The Great Owl Double Knit Mittens, also known by the name Chí:tmexw, are completely reversible mittens featuring two layers of knitted fabric for exceptional warmth and cushioning. Designed by Carol Young, these mittens showcase an owl in flight motif positioned over a forest canopy border pattern on each mitten. The design offers practical versatility with an optional open-palm flap feature, allowing wearers to access their fingers without removing the mittens entirely.

Construction and Techniques

These mittens are constructed using double knit methodology, which creates the reversible, two-layer structure that makes them exceptionally cushy and durable. The pattern employs knitting in the round, a fundamental technique for creating seamless tubular garments. The design incorporates picking up stitches from waste yarn, a technique that allows for the optional palm opening feature. Ribbing is also utilized in the construction to provide structure and elasticity at the cuff and other areas requiring fitted edges.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the mittens is stockinette stitch, worked in the round to create a smooth, flat fabric surface. The pattern includes ribbing for functional edging. The owl and forest canopy design is worked using chart-based colorwork, requiring knitters to follow a visual pattern chart while maintaining the double knit structure.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Diamond Tempo worsted weight yarn in 75% acrylic and 25% wool blend. One skein of each color is required, with each skein weighing 100g and measuring 183 meters or 200 yards.

Needles and Notions: Size 3.5mm (US 4) double-pointed needles (DPNs) are used for working in the round. Additional materials include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and waste yarn for the optional palm opening construction technique.

Finished Sizes and Gauge

• Medium: 6–8 inches hand width
• Large: 8–9 inches hand width

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch using size 3.5mm (US 4) needles.

Difficulty Level

Rated as Experienced/Intermediate difficulty, these mittens are suitable for knitters with solid foundational skills. The combination of double knit construction, colorwork charting, and techniques such as picking up stitches from waste yarn requires experience beyond beginner level.

Design Features

The mittens are completely reversible, meaning both sides of the fabric are finished and presentable. The optional open-palm flap design provides practical functionality for those who need finger access during wear. Knitters have the flexibility to omit the palm opening if preferred, creating fully enclosed mittens instead.