Utica

Utica Mittens by Melissa Schaschwary

What is Being Made

Utica is a pair of knitted mittens designed by Melissa Schaschwary. These are autumn-inspired accessories available in three sizes (S, M, L) based on palm circumference measurements of 5.75, 6.5, and 7.25 inches respectively. The pattern offers two different length options, allowing crafters to customize the finished mittens to their preference. The design captures the essence of fall with its aesthetic inspiration drawn from golden rod, aster flowers, fallen leaves, acorns, and earth tones.

Techniques Used

Utica mittens are constructed using several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern employs knitting in the round, a technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for mittens and other circular projects. Crafters can choose between working with double-pointed needles (dpns) or a circular needle using the magic loop method, offering flexibility based on personal preference and experience level.

The cuff is created using the Tubular Cast On method, a technique that produces a professional, finished edge particularly suitable for ribbed cuffs. This cast-on method creates a seamless, elastic edge that looks polished and sits comfortably against the wrist. The pattern also incorporates increases strategically placed in the wrist section to shape the mittens from the narrower cuff to the wider palm area, demonstrating shaping fundamentals essential to proper mitten construction.

Stitches Used

The Utica pattern utilizes ribbing for the cuff section, specifically a p1, k1 (purl one, knit one) ribbing pattern. This creates vertical columns of texture that provide elasticity and help the cuff stay snug around the wrist. The main body of the mittens features the Sand Stitch, a textured stitch pattern that adds visual interest and depth to the finished fabric. The Sand Stitch creates a subtle, nuanced surface that complements the autumn-inspired design aesthetic while maintaining intermediate-level accessibility.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: Utica requires one skein of Plucky Knitter Plucky Sweater yarn in DK weight (also known as 8 ply). This yarn provides 270 yards (247 meters) per skein, which is sufficient yardage to complete both mittens across all three sizes. DK weight yarn is a versatile mid-weight option that knits at a moderate gauge, making it suitable for creating mittens with good structure and drape.

Needles: The pattern calls for two different needle sizes to create proper gauge and shaping. Size 3/3.25mm needles (available as double-pointed needles or for magic loop circular knitting) are used for the cuff ribbing section. Size 5/3.75mm needles are used for the main body of the mittens where the Sand Stitch pattern is worked. Both needle sizes are specified as sets of 4 dpns or as circular needles suitable for magic loop technique, providing options for different knitting preferences.

Notions and Accessories: Beyond needles and yarn, the pattern requires a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing, 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and the beginning of the round, and a cable needle for any cable techniques that may appear in the charted sections of the pattern. The gauge is established at 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) of Sand Stitch using the larger needles, providing the benchmark for proper sizing and fit.