Pepperkaker

Pepperkaker Colorwork Mittens by Dianna Walla

What Is Being Made

Pepperkaker is a pair of cozy colorwork mittens designed by Dianna Walla. These mittens feature color blocking and optional metallic edges that add a playful, festive twist to a classic winter accessory. Available in two sizes to fit hand circumferences of 7.75" (19 cm) or 9.25" (23 cm), with finished lengths of 11.5" (29 cm) when unfolded and 9.75" (25 cm when folded, these mittens are perfect for keeping hands warm during cold weather.

Craft and Primary Technique

Pepperkaker is created using the knitting craft. The mittens are worked in the round using stranded colorwork, a technique that involves carrying multiple yarn colors across the inside of the fabric to create intricate color patterns on the exterior. This intermediate-level project requires familiarity with working in the round and managing multiple colors simultaneously to achieve the distinctive color-blocked design.

Stitches and Construction

The mittens are worked using stranded colorwork stitches, which create a dense, durable fabric ideal for winter wear. The finished gauge is 21 stitches and 24 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in stranded colorwork on the larger needles. The color blocking technique creates visual interest by alternating between the three main yarn colors, while the optional metallic yarn edges add a decorative accent to the finished piece.

Materials and Yarn

Pepperkaker is designed to be worked with worsted weight yarn. The pattern calls for three colors of Quince & Co. Lark, which is 100% American wool at 134 yards per 50-gram skein. The specific yardage requirements are:

• Yarn Color A: 105 (125) yards / 95 (115) meters (1 skein, shown in Barolo)
• Yarn Color B: 50 (60) yards / 45 (55) meters (1 skein, shown in Aleutian)
• Yarn Color C: 40 (45) yards / 35 (45) meters (1 skein, shown in Audouin)

For the optional metallic edges, the pattern includes 5 (7) yards / 4 (6) meters of Järbo Glittra metallic yarn. If substituting yarn, worsted weight is recommended to maintain proper gauge and finished dimensions.

Needles and Tools

The mittens are worked on double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US size 7 / 4.5 mm or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. A full set of DPNs is necessary for working the mittens in the round.

Difficulty Level

Pepperkaker is rated as an intermediate project. Knitters should have experience with stranded colorwork techniques, working in the round with DPNs, and managing color changes to successfully complete these mittens.