Reading Mitten

Reading Mitten by Atalante

What is Being Made

The Reading Mitten is a women's knitted mitten pattern available in three sizes: Small (6 inches / 15 cm hand circumference), Medium (7 inches / 18 cm hand circumference), and Large (8 inches / 20 cm hand circumference). This intermediate-level knitting project features decorative colorwork detailing, making it an ideal pattern for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond basic mitten construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and a polished finished garment. Stranded knitting is used to incorporate the colorwork design, a technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the fabric to create patterns. Duplicate stitching is also featured, allowing for precise color work embellishment that can be added after the main knitting is complete. The mittens are constructed using the magic loop method, a technique for working small circumference projects in the round using a single long circular needle. Alternatively, knitters may choose to divide stitches across four double-pointed needles (dpns) if preferred.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Reading Mitten utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined into a structured stitch pattern. The cuff features a ribbed pattern worked as *p2, k2* (purl 2, knit 2) around for 1 inch, creating an elastic edge that fits snugly around the wrist. Throughout the pattern, standard abbreviations are used including k (knit), p (purl), M1R (make one right), and M1L (make one left) for increases that shape the mitten. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (stst), the foundation stitch for most mittens, providing a smooth, classic fabric base for the colorwork details.

Materials and Gauge

The Reading Mitten pattern calls for specific needle sizes and yarn quantities to achieve the correct fit and fabric density. Knitters will need US 2 1/2 (3.00mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60cm) or longer, and US 4 (3.50mm) circular needles of the same length. The main color (MC) requires approximately 200 yards (183m) of fingering weight yarn; the pattern example is shown in Three Irish Girls Westerly Sea Sock in Kathrine Hepburn. Contrast color 1 (CC 1) requires 11 yards (10m) of brown fingering weight yarn, with additional contrast colors requiring a minimum of 1 yard (1m) per color or book design. The recommended gauge is 29 stitches and 40 rows over a 4-inch (10cm) square worked in stockinette stitch using the smaller needles. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and duplicate stitching, and 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Pattern Overview

The pattern begins with casting on 48, 52, or 56 stitches depending on the desired size, then joining to work in the round while taking care not to twist the cast-on edge. After the ribbed cuff section, the pattern continues with stockinette stitch and incorporates colorwork elements through stranded knitting and duplicate stitch techniques. The design is written with pattern repeats marked by double asterisks (**), allowing for clear identification of sections that repeat throughout the mitten construction.