Rapunzel Mitten

Rapunzel Mitten by Atalante

What is Being Made

The Rapunzel Mitten is a pair of knitted mittens designed by Atalante in sport weight yarn. This intermediate-level knitting project creates fitted mittens available in three women's sizes: Small (6 inches / 15 cm hand circumference), Medium (7 inches / 18 cm hand circumference), and Large (8 inches / 20 cm hand circumference). The finished mittens feature decorative braided elements and seed stitch edging that add visual interest and texture to the garment.

Techniques Used

The Rapunzel Mitten employs several knitting techniques to create its distinctive design. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base of the mittens, providing a smooth, classic knit surface. Seed stitch edging creates a textured border that frames the mittens and adds structural definition. The pattern features a signature braided stitch technique that is formed by picking up stitches in a method similar to correcting a dropped stitch, but executed with three lines of picked-up stitches to create an intentional braided effect. This technique adds dimensional detail and visual complexity to the mitten design.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch forming the main body of the mittens
• Seed stitch – used for the edging detail
• Braided stitch – created through a specialized stitch-pickup method using three lines for decorative braid elements

Materials and Gauge

The Rapunzel Mitten requires 200 yards (183 meters) of fingering weight yarn, as demonstrated in the pattern sample using Three Irish Girls Westerly Sea Sock in Kathrine Hepburn colorway. The project uses 3.25mm (US 3) circular needles measuring 60cm (24 inches) or longer for knitting the mittens in the round, along with a 3.25mm (D) crochet hook for finishing techniques. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and two stitch markers to track pattern repeats and size changes.

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 29 stitches and 40 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) square in stockinette stitch. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished mitten size and fit. The pattern provides flexibility for customization: knitters can adjust the hand circumference by casting on 5 fewer stitches when working at a different gauge, modify the mitten length by adjusting the total round count between seed stitch edging sections in multiples of 3 plus 2, and add additional braids by casting on 3 fewer stitches for each additional braid element desired.

Pattern Notes

The Rapunzel Mitten pattern includes helpful guidance from test knitters FrouFrou, HeatherDesigns, and MissusWing. The pattern is designed for personal use only and offers knitters the ability to customize their finished mittens through gauge adjustments, length modifications, and braid variations to suit individual preferences and hand sizes.