Maille Mitts

Maille Mitts by Threebagsfulled

What Is Being Made

Maille Mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed as an original creation by Threebagsfulled (Hilary Designs) in 2009. These are medium-sized ladies' mittens that fit hands measuring 6 to 7 inches around the knuckles. The mittens are constructed using traditional knitting techniques and are suitable for intermediate-level knitters looking to expand their skills beyond basic projects.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project that employs circular knitting methods to create seamless mittens. The design utilizes both double-pointed needles and circular needles to construct the mittens in the round, a technique that eliminates the need for seaming and creates a more polished finished garment. The pattern incorporates specialty techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished mittens.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Maille Mitts pattern employs several key knitting techniques and stitches:

• Cable Cast On: The pattern begins with a cable cast-on method, which creates a sturdy, elastic edge. This technique involves creating new stitches by knitting between existing stitches on the needle, building a foundation that is both flexible and durable.
• Basic Stitches: The pattern uses fundamental knit and purl stitches to create the fabric structure.
• Yarn Over (yo): Yarn overs are incorporated into the design, likely creating decorative eyelet or lace elements within the mitten construction.
• Slip Stitches: Slip stitches worked with yarn in back (wyib) are used for various purposes, including edge treatments and stitch manipulation.
• Decrease Techniques: The pattern uses a specialized decrease technique described as "Sl1 wyib, Psso 2K," which involves slipping one stitch with yarn in back knitwise, knitting two stitches, then passing the slipped stitch over both knitted stitches. This creates a decorative left-leaning decrease.
• Pick Up and Knit: The pattern incorporates picking up and knitting stitches simultaneously (p/u&k), a technique commonly used when adding the thumb or transitioning between sections.
• Bind Off: The mittens are finished with a bind-off to secure the final stitches.

Materials and Yarn

The Maille Mitts pattern is designed to work with worsted-weight yarn, offering flexibility in fiber choice. The pattern recommends either 1 skein of Lamb's Pride Worsted or 2 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, allowing knitters to choose based on fiber preference and availability. The gauge is established at 5 stitches to the inch when the mittens are being worn, which accounts for the natural stretch and fit of the finished garment on the hand.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires Size 7 double-pointed needles (dpns) for working the mittens in the round and Size 7 circular needles for sections of the pattern. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and securing the finished edges, and a small length of contrasting waste yarn to temporarily hold thumb stitches while working other sections of the mittens.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to tackle more complex stitch work and construction methods. The combination of specialty decreases, yarn overs, and circular knitting techniques provides a meaningful challenge while remaining accessible to experienced beginners.