Norwegian Flower Mittens

Norwegian Flower Mittens by Katrine H

Project Overview

The Norwegian Flower Mittens are a pair of knitted mittens featuring traditional Norwegian lace patterning. This intermediate-level knitting project produces ladies' mittens in a S/M size with a full length of 28 cm (11 inches) and a hand circumference of 20 cm (8 inches). The design showcases classic Scandinavian colorwork techniques with floral motifs worked in contrasting colors against a main background.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a complete pair of mittens designed for women's sizing. The mittens feature a fitted cuff, a hand section with integrated Norwegian lace patterning, and are constructed to provide warmth and traditional aesthetic appeal. The design includes two distinct colorway options, allowing crafters to choose between a grey or black base.

Knitting Techniques

The Norwegian Flower Mittens employ several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Magic Loop Method: The pattern accommodates the magic loop technique using 80 cm circular needles for seamless, in-the-round construction
• Double Pointed Needles: Alternatively, traditional double pointed needles may be used for the circular knitting required
• Norwegian Lace Patterning: The mittens feature traditional Norwegian lace stitch patterns that create decorative floral motifs throughout the hand and cuff sections
• Colorwork: The design incorporates multiple colors worked simultaneously in the round, requiring attention to tension and color changes
• Gauge Swatching: The pattern emphasizes the importance of knitting a test swatch to achieve the specified gauge of 33-35 stitches over 10 cm (4 inches), with needle size adjustments as needed

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Norwegian Flower Mittens utilize fundamental knitting stitches combined into the traditional Norwegian lace pattern. The cuff begins with a knit one, purl sequence as part of the old Norwegian lace pattern construction. The pattern combines knit and purl stitches to create the textured lace effect characteristic of Scandinavian mittens. Crafters working this pattern should be comfortable with basic stitch manipulation and following multi-round pattern repeats.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Yarn Options: The pattern recommends Tynn Alpakka (DSA) or fingering weight wool yarn, both of which are 4-ply weight suitable for creating the fine gauge required.

Needles: The pattern calls for 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles, available in either 80 cm circular needles for magic loop construction or double pointed needles. The designer notes that individual gauge variations may require needle size adjustments; for example, those who knit loosely may need to size down to 1.5 mm needles to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge: The specified gauge is 33-35 stitches over 10 cm (4 inches) in the round. Achieving this gauge is critical for proper mitten sizing and fit.

Colorway Options

Colorway A: Features a grey background (shade #113 or #114) with natural white (#101) for the pattern details.

Colorway B: Features a black background (#109) with greybrown (#107) and orange (#142) for the pattern elements.

Pattern Construction

The mittens are constructed beginning with the right mitten, which starts with casting on 48 stitches on the specified needles. The cuff is worked first using the old Norwegian lace pattern before progressing to the hand sections. The pattern accommodates adjustments for different hand sizes; crafters desiring larger mittens can substitute a thicker yarn weight with proportionally larger needles while maintaining the same gauge principles.

Skill Level and Considerations

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project suits knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle colorwork and lace patterning. Success requires careful attention to gauge swatching, comfort with in-the-round knitting using either magic loop or double pointed needles, and the ability to manage multiple colors within a single round. The designer's emphasis on gauge checking reflects the importance of this step for achieving the intended mitten dimensions and ensuring proper fit.