Polaris

Polaris Mittens by Rebecca Blair

What is Being Made

Polaris is a pair of intricately-patterned mittens inspired by traditional Norwegian rose motifs. These are advanced-level knitted mittens featuring colorwork on both the back and palm of the hand, with a finished size of 7.5 inches around the hand above the thumb and 11 inches from the cuff edge to the fingertip. The mittens are designed to be worked in the round using double-pointed needles.

Design Features and Construction

The mittens showcase a sophisticated construction with several distinctive elements. The cuff edge is finished with a wide turned hem, creating a polished professional appearance. The back of the hand is the focal point, displaying three interconnected stars rendered in stranded colorwork. The palm side features a simpler colorwork pattern to reduce bulk and improve wearability. The thumb gusset incorporates a smaller version of the star motif, maintaining design continuity throughout the piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This advanced pattern requires mastery of multiple knitting techniques. Knitters must be proficient in:

• Knitting and purling in the round – the fundamental construction method for these mittens
• Stranded colorwork – the primary technique for creating the Norwegian-inspired patterns on the hand and thumb
• Yarn over – used for decorative or structural elements within the pattern
• Knitting through the back loop – a technique for creating twisted stitches or specific textural effects
• Increasing with kfb (knit front and back) – used to shape the thumb gusset and other increases
• Decreasing with k2tog, ssk, and sk2p – essential for shaping the top of the mittens and managing decreases in the colorwork sections

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Knit Picks Palette yarn, a 100% wool option offering excellent stitch definition for colorwork. The yarn weight is 4-ply, and each skein provides 231 yards (211 meters) per 50 grams. One skein each of Jay (main color) and Cream (contrast color) is required. The recommended gauge is 38 stitches and 44 rounds over 4 inches when working the stranded colorwork pattern.

Tools and Notions

Construction requires 1 set of 5 US #1/2.25mm double-pointed needles, which are appropriately sized for the 4-ply yarn and tight gauge needed for colorwork mittens. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in the numerous yarn ends created by the stranded colorwork technique, and scrap yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Difficulty Level

Polaris is classified as an advanced knitting project. The combination of stranded colorwork, multiple decrease techniques, and the precision required for the interconnected star pattern makes this suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable managing multiple colors and executing complex stitch sequences in the round.