Cyclamen Mitts

Cyclamen Mitts by Sophie McKane

What is Being Made

The Cyclamen Mitts are a pair of fitted fingerless gloves designed by Sophie McKane for Unicorn Designs. These mitts are crafted to fit adult hands with three size options—Small, Medium, and Large—accommodating hand circumferences from 16.5cm to 19cm (6.5 to 7.5 inches). The finished mitts measure 18cm (7 inches) in length, making them a practical accessory for keeping hands warm while maintaining finger dexterity.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Cyclamen Mitts are knit in the round from the bottom up, a technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for fitted garments. Construction begins with a twisted rib cuff that provides elasticity and a polished edge. The main body of the mitt is worked next, featuring an integrated thumb gusset that is increased gradually to accommodate the thumb. The thumb stitches are then held on waste yarn while the knitter completes the top of the hand. The mitt concludes with a twisted rib edging that mirrors the cuff, creating a balanced, finished appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern in the Cyclamen Mitts is Twisted Rib, which is worked every round using the sequence [K1tbl, p1] to end. This abbreviation means knit one stitch through the back loop, then purl one stitch, repeating this two-stitch pattern around the entire circumference. The twisted rib is used for both the cuff and edging, providing structure and a refined appearance. The pattern is available in both chart form and written instructions, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of following the design.

Yarn and Needle Requirements

The Cyclamen Mitts are designed to be worked in 4-ply yarn weight, though the pattern accommodates fingering or light fingering weight alternatives. The recommended yarn is Eden Cottage Yarns Titus in Crocus, shown in the pattern sample. Yardage requirements are modest: Small size requires 135 metres (150 yards), Medium requires 145 metres (160 yards), and Large requires 160 metres (175 yards). All sizes use a single skein of yarn. The pattern specifies 2.75mm (US 2) double-pointed needles or a 60cm (24-inch) circular needle for working in the magic loop method. Additional notions include 3 stitch markers and waste yarn for holding thumb stitches.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern calls for a tension of 44 stitches and 41 rounds over 10cm (4 inches) when working twisted rib in the round on unstretched fabric. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit, as the mitts are designed with 5cm (2 inches) of negative ease, meaning they are intentionally smaller than the hand circumference to create a snug, secure fit. The three sizes accommodate different hand sizes while maintaining consistent mitt length at 18cm (7 inches).

Difficulty Level

The Cyclamen Mitts are rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the skills required: proficiency with knitting in the round using either double-pointed needles or the magic loop technique, the ability to read charts or follow written instructions, and experience with increases for shaping a thumb gusset. The twisted rib stitch is straightforward, but the integration of the thumb gusset and the coordination of multiple pattern elements make this project suitable for knitters with some prior experience.