Red Rover

Red Rover Knitted Mittens by Carlie Perrins

Project Overview

Red Rover is a quick knitting project designed by Carlie Perrins that creates textured mittens inspired by the tracks left by the Curiosity Rover on Mars. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for knitters seeking a beginner-friendly project that works up quickly and efficiently. The mittens feature an undulating surface texture that mimics Martian rover tracks, making them a visually striking accessory piece.

What Is Being Made

The Red Rover pattern produces a pair of knitted mittens with distinctive textural detailing. These are constructed mittens designed to fit a range of hand sizes, with adjustable length options. The mittens showcase colourful yarn beautifully, whether using wild variegated options or neutral tones that emphasize the textured surface.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round: The mittens are constructed using circular needles and the magic loop method, creating seamless cylindrical fabric
• Twisted ribbing: Applied to the cuff and up the sides of the mittens, this technique adds both textural interest and functional stretch to accommodate varying hand sizes
• Working stitches through the back loop: Creates the distinctive undulating texture that defines the design
• Increases: Used to shape the mitten hand area
• Pick up stitches: Employed in pattern construction
• Cable cast on: Creates a sturdy foundation edge
• Bind off in ribbing: Finishes the cuff edge with elasticity
• Chart reading: The pattern includes charted instructions for the textured stitch pattern

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features a short, easy-to-memorize stitch repeat that creates the signature undulating texture. The twisted ribbing stitch is worked on the cuff and sides, combining knit and purl stitches through the back loop to produce the characteristic twisted appearance. The textured body of the mittens uses a repeating pattern that is simple enough for beginners to follow, whether working from written instructions or charts.

Materials and Yardage

Yarn: Red Rover requires only 135 yards of DK weight yarn, making it an excellent stash-busting project for leftover yarn. The pattern was tested with Madeline Tosh Tosh DK, which is 100% Merino wool. The sample used approximately 70 grams of a 115-gram skein, demonstrating the modest yardage requirement.

Needles: The pattern calls for 4mm/US 6 circular needles in a 32-inch/80-centimeter length for working magic loop, or alternatively 4mm/US 6 double-pointed needles for those who prefer that construction method.

Pattern Features and Customization

The Red Rover mittens are designed with beginner knitters in mind, requiring only fundamental knitting skills. The short pattern repeat is easy to memorize, allowing knitters to work without constantly referring to instructions once the repeat is established. Length can be easily adjusted to create longer mittens or shorter mitt styles based on personal preference. The twisted ribbing provides functional stretch, accommodating a range of hand sizes without requiring multiple pattern sizes.

The DK weight yarn and textured construction make these mittens suitable for displaying colourful or variegated yarns, or alternatively, neutral yarn selections that allow the undulating texture to become the visual focus of the finished piece.