Gherkin Mittens

Gherkin Mittens by Rachel C. Brown

What is Being Made

Gherkin Mittens are a pair of hand-knitted mittens designed by Rachel C. Brown and inspired by the distinctive architecture of London's iconic Gherkin building. These mittens are available in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large—with finished mitten circumferences and total lengths ranging from 9.25 to 12 inches. The design captures the twisting, swirling visual character of the Gherkin structure through creative stitch work, making them both a functional winter accessory and a wearable piece of architectural inspiration.

Craft and Techniques

Gherkin Mittens are created using the knitting craft. This is an intermediate-level project that requires foundational knitting skills combined with more advanced techniques. The pattern employs twisted stitches as a central design element, which create the visual effect reminiscent of the Gherkin building's distinctive swirling lines. The mittens are worked using an afterthought thumb method, a technique where the thumb is added after the main body of the mitten is complete, allowing for a seamless integration and better fit. The pattern includes instructions for this thumb technique, making it accessible to knitters who may not have used this method before.

Stitches and Construction

The pattern requires fundamental knitting stitches as well as specialized techniques:

• Casting on to create the foundation stitches for the mitten cuff
• Knit and purl stitches for the base fabric structure
• Twisted stitches that form the primary decorative and structural element, creating the swirling visual pattern inspired by the Gherkin building
• Decreases used for shaping the mitten top and creating proper fit
• Afterthought thumb construction, a specialized technique where stitches are picked up and worked separately to form the thumb opening

Materials

Gherkin Mittens are knitted using aran weight yarn, also known as bulky-weight yarn. This heavier yarn weight allows for quick knitting progress and creates a cushy, warm fabric ideal for winter protection against cold winds. The pattern does not specify exact yardage or fiber content, leaving flexibility for knitters to choose their preferred aran weight yarn in colors of their choice.

Project Details

Designed as a quick-knitting project suitable for last-minute gift-giving, Gherkin Mittens combine practical winter functionality with architectural design inspiration. The intermediate difficulty level makes this pattern appropriate for knitters with some experience who are ready to work with twisted stitches and specialty techniques like the afterthought thumb method. The multiple size options ensure a proper fit for various hand sizes, from children to adults with extra-large hands.