First Snow Mittens

First Snow Mittens by yellowcosmo

What is Being Made

The First Snow Mittens are a pair of fingering weight knitted mittens designed by Connie Peng of yellowcosmo designs. These mittens feature decorative snowflake motifs worked in two-color stranded colorwork, creating a winter-themed accessory with both visual appeal and warmth. The mittens are sized to fit an average adult hand with a circumference of 8 inches (20.3 cm) and a total height of 11 inches (28 cm), including a proportionally sized thumb measuring 2¾ inches (7 cm) around and 2½ inches (6.5 cm) tall.

Construction and Techniques

These mittens are constructed using the popular method of knitting in the round from the cuff upward. The design employs two-color stranded colorwork, a traditional Fair Isle technique where two colors of yarn are carried across the back of the work to create the snowflake pattern on the mitten surface. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and a professional appearance.

The mittens feature set-in thumbs, a construction method where thumb increases begin at the base of the thumb and continue until reaching the full width needed for the thumb opening. Once the thumb section reaches its full width, those stitches are placed on waste yarn and set aside to be worked separately after the main hand section is completed. This approach creates a well-fitted thumb that integrates seamlessly with the hand.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches worked in the round, with the primary stitch structure being stockinette stitch as the base for the colorwork. The snowflake motifs are created through the stranded colorwork technique, where specific stitches are worked in the contrast color while others remain in the main color, building the design row by row. The cuff section may employ ribbing or other textured stitches to provide elasticity and ensure the mittens stay in place on the wrist.

Materials and Gauge

The First Snow Mittens are designed for fingering weight yarn, a fine yarn category ideal for creating garments with excellent stitch definition and drape. The sample shown was knitted in Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere, a luxurious natural fiber blend. The yarn requirements are 220 yards of main color yarn and 160 yards of contrast color yarn, totaling approximately 380 yards for the completed pair.

Needles required include US #1 / 2.5 mm needles for working the cuffs only, and US #2 / 2.75 mm needles for the remainder of the mittens. Both needle sizes should be in your preferred method for working in the round, whether that is double-pointed needles, circular needles, or the magic loop method.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 36 stitches by 36 rows measuring 4 inches by 4 inches (10 cm by 10 cm) in stranded colorwork. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly with mittens where circumference directly affects wearability. Knitters should swatch in the stranded colorwork pattern rather than in plain stockinette, as the two-color technique can affect gauge due to yarn tension differences.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the skills required to successfully complete it. The combination of working in the round, managing two colors simultaneously in stranded colorwork, executing set-in thumb construction, and maintaining consistent gauge throughout makes this project suitable for experienced knitters who have mastered basic circular knitting and colorwork techniques.