Sherwood mitts

Sherwood Mitts by Ashley Knowlton

Project Overview

The Sherwood Mitts are a pair of knitted fingerless mittens designed by Ashley Knowlton. These intermediate-level mitts feature a snug fit and are constructed using circular knitting techniques. The finished mitts measure 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) around the palm and 9 inches (22.5 centimeters) around the hand including the thumb, making them a versatile accessory for various hand sizes.

What Is Being Made

These are fingerless mitts—a hand-warming accessory that covers the palm and back of the hand while leaving the fingers exposed. The design includes a thumb opening and is worked in the round using seamless construction methods. The mitts provide warmth while maintaining dexterity for detailed work or everyday activities.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Sherwood Mitts employ several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters:

• In-the-round knitting: The mitts are constructed circularly, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless, professional finish.
• Increases: Strategic increases (M1) are used to shape the hand and create the thumb gusset, allowing the mitts to fit comfortably around the hand.
• Stitch markers: Markers track increases and define sections of the pattern for accurate shaping.
• Vikkel Braid: A decorative braid stitch is incorporated as a special stitch element, adding visual interest and texture to the finished mitts. This technique involves a specific braiding method worked across a round.

Stitches Used

The Sherwood Mitts utilize straightforward stitches that create a clean, classic appearance:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch throughout the mitts, created by knitting all stitches in the round. This produces a smooth, V-patterned fabric that is comfortable to wear and showcases yarn color and texture beautifully.
• Vikkel Braid: A specialty stitch used as an accent detail, worked across a single round to create a braided visual effect that breaks up the stockinette sections.
• Make One (M1) increases: Used to shape the hand and thumb gusset, these increases are worked strategically throughout the pattern to ensure proper fit.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Sherwood Mitts require minimal yardage, making them an efficient project:

• Yarn: 88 yards (80 meters) of aran weight yarn. The pattern is demonstrated in Studio Donegal Aran Tweed, which is 100% wool at 50 grams per 88 yards (80 meters)—requiring just one ball of yarn.
• Needles: US 8 (5mm) circular needle at least 32 inches (80 centimeters) long, OR a set of US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles. The choice between circular and double-pointed needles allows crafters to work with their preferred method.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a stitch marker for tracking pattern sections.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 22 rounds measuring 4 inches by 4 inches (10 centimeters by 10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. This gauge is worked with aran weight yarn on US 8 needles. The pattern notes that crafters may adjust needle size to achieve a larger or smaller gauge, allowing customization of the finished mitt size to suit individual preferences and hand dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Sherwood Mitts are suitable for knitters with foundational skills. The pattern requires comfort with in-the-round knitting, basic increases, and following written pattern instructions. The inclusion of the Vikkel Braid stitch adds a decorative element that may be new to some knitters but is accessible with the provided tutorial reference.

Format and Availability

The Sherwood Mitts pattern is available as a free, downloadable PDF from independent designer Ashley Knowlton, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking a quick, satisfying make with minimal material investment.