Bellejouanne Mitts

Bellejouanne Mitts by Margaret Kendall

What is Being Made

The Bellejouanne Mitts are a pair of fitted hand coverings designed for Women's Medium sizing. These mitts feature a sophisticated cable knit pattern with alternating cables running vertically down the hand. The finished dimensions measure 7 inches (17.8 cm) in length and 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) in wrist circumference when the mitt is not stretched. The mitts are sized to fit hands with a knuckle circumference of approximately 7 to 7.5 inches (17.8 to 19 cm). The Bellejouanne Mitts coordinate with other pieces in the designer's collection, including the Bellejouanne Tam, Cowl, and Beanie, allowing for coordinated accessory sets.

Knitting Techniques

The Bellejouanne Mitts are constructed using in-the-round knitting, a technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric by working continuously in circular rows. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. The mitts are worked from the bottom up, beginning at the wrist and progressing toward the fingertips. A gusseted thumb is incorporated into the design, which provides a shaped, comfortable fit at the thumb base by increasing stitches strategically to accommodate the thumb's natural angle and width.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern features alternating cables, which create raised, twisted columns of texture across the mitt surface. The pattern is worked over a base of stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit fabric that provides a smooth background for the cable motifs to stand out. Cable stitches require the use of a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while crossing them over or under other stitches, creating the characteristic twisted rope-like appearance. The gauge for stockinette sections is 24 stitches by 34 rows over 4 inches (10 cm), while the cable sections have a slightly tighter gauge of 27 stitches by 34 rows over 4 inches (10 cm), reflecting the density created by the cable crossings.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written for worsted weight yarn and can also be worked with DK weight yarn, offering flexibility for different yarn preferences and desired fabric characteristics. The yardage requirement is 105 to 120 yards (96 to 109.8 meters) total for both mitts. The designer's sample was worked in The Fibre Company Road to China Light in the Smoky Quartz colorway, a luxury blend composed of 65% alpaca, 15% silk, 10% camel, and 10% cashmere. This fiber combination provides softness, warmth, and a subtle sheen. Additional materials required include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, a locking or open stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round (optional), and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level

The Bellejouanne Mitts are classified as an advanced knitting project. This difficulty rating reflects the complexity of working cable patterns in the round while simultaneously managing the shaping required for the gusseted thumb. Knitters should be comfortable with in-the-round knitting techniques, cable manipulation, and stitch increases before beginning this pattern.