Camp Out Fingerless Mitts

Camp Out Fingerless Mitts by Tante Ehm

What Is Being Made

The Camp Out Fingerless Mitts are a pair of knitted fingerless mittens designed by Tante Ehm. These mitts feature an open-finger design that allows full dexterity of the fingers while providing warmth to the hands and wrists. The finished mitts measure 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) in circumference and 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) in length, making them a practical accessory for outdoor activities or everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Camp Out Fingerless Mitts employ a unique two-directional construction method that creates an interesting and structurally sound garment. The pattern begins with a provisional cast on, which allows stitches to be held temporarily and later worked in a different direction. The hand portion is worked flat in garter stitch, building the main body of the mitt horizontally. Once the flat section reaches the desired length, the provisional cast on is undone and the live stitches are placed back onto needles.

The two ends of the flat-worked section are then joined together using one of two methods: grafting (also known as Kitchener stitch) or a 3-needle bind off. Both techniques create a seamless or nearly seamless join. After joining, stitches are picked up around the opening and the mitts are completed by working in rounds, which creates the cuff and finished edge. This construction method combines flat and circular knitting to achieve the final shape.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Camp Out Fingerless Mitts is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row when working flat. Garter stitch produces a dense, textured fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides, making it an excellent choice for mittens as it provides warmth and durability. The pattern also incorporates grafting (Kitchener stitch) or 3-needle bind off techniques for joining seams, and picked-up stitches for transitioning from the flat-worked body to the circular cuff sections.

Materials and Yarn Weight Options

The Camp Out Fingerless Mitts pattern has been updated to accommodate three different yarn weights, offering flexibility for crafters with varying yarn preferences:

• Aran weight yarn: 100 yards (91.4 meters)
• Worsted weight yarn: 120 yards (109 meters)
• Sport weight yarn: 160 yards (146 meters)

The yardage requirements increase with lighter yarn weights, as thinner yarn requires more length to achieve the same finished dimensions. This pattern's versatility makes it suitable for different seasons and preferences—aran and worsted weights create warmer, cozier mitts ideal for cold weather, while sport weight offers a lighter option for transitional seasons.

In addition to yarn, the pattern requires standard knitting supplies including double-pointed needles (dpn) appropriate for the chosen yarn weight, stitch markers (2 are needed) to track pattern repeats and round beginnings, scrap yarn for the provisional cast on, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and grafting seams.

Difficulty Level

The Camp Out Fingerless Mitts are rated as an intermediate knitting project. This classification reflects the pattern's incorporation of several techniques that require some knitting experience: provisional cast ons, working flat and in the round, grafting or 3-needle bind offs, and picking up stitches. While not a beginner project, the pattern remains accessible to knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to expand their technical skills.