Product Description
These mittens feature an unusual cable pattern that is set off by a corsage-like lacing at the thumb side. Pulled close, it looks like a row of hearts. The back of the hand is decorated with short rows. The mittens are crocheted entirely in slip stitches. The cables are worked horizontally - a technique that I invented.
The pattern includes written instructions and step-by-step picture tutorials for
the back loop only slip stitch
the front loop only slip stitch
the inverse back loop only slip stitch
horizontal open cables
size: The pattern is written for size M. The elastic stitch used makes the mittens fit most hands. Instructions are given to adjust the size to larger or smaller hands or to different yarn weights.
The pattern is available in English and German.
Hidden Hearts Mittens by Tanja Osswald
What is Being Made
Hidden Hearts Mittens are a pair of crocheted mittens designed by Tanja Osswald featuring decorative cable work that creates a hidden heart pattern. These mittens are sized to measure approximately 17 cm (7 inches) in length and 7 cm (3 inches) in width when unstretched at the widest part. With regular wear, the mittens will stretch slightly wider and become a little shorter, expanding by approximately 1-2 cm (0.5 inches) in both dimensions. The design combines functional ribbed construction with decorative lace elements, making them suitable for both practical use and aesthetic appeal.
Techniques Used
The Hidden Hearts Mittens employ several specialized crochet techniques to achieve their distinctive appearance. The primary construction method uses slip stitches throughout the mittens. The hand features wide ribs that provide structure and elasticity to the garment. A short row pattern is worked on the back of the hand to create shaping and contour. The most distinctive technical element is the use of horizontal cables with a modified open construction, a technique developed by designer Tanja Osswald. This cable technique is specifically adapted to create the decorative heart pattern that appears on the lace tie at the thumb side. The cables form the visual heart motif when viewed closely, combining both structural and decorative purposes.
Stitches Used
The mittens are constructed primarily using slip stitches as the foundational stitch throughout the project. The ribbed sections utilize stitch techniques that create vertical texture and elasticity. The cable work incorporates Tanja Osswald's signature horizontal cable technique with an open modification that allows the cables to be more visually prominent and decorative. The lace tie features these modified cables arranged to form the hidden heart pattern, combining both functional and ornamental stitching methods.
Materials
The Hidden Hearts Mittens are designed to be worked in sport weight yarn. The primary yarn used in the sample is 35 grams of Zitron Lifestyle, hand-dyed by Stricklilly in the colorway Petrolio. An additional 3 grams of Zitron Glanzpunkt in colorway 8022 (grey) is used for contrast or accent details. The pattern recommends having a few extra grams of yarn available to account for individual crochet tension variations. The mittens are worked with a 4 mm crochet hook, which corresponds to US size G. Waste yarn is also required for the construction process.
Difficulty Level
This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, indicating it is suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond basic skills. The combination of ribbed construction, short row shaping, and the specialized horizontal cable technique with heart pattern formation requires familiarity with multiple crochet methods and the ability to follow more complex stitch sequences.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Sport |
| Pages: | 28 |
| Designer: | Tanja Osswald |
| Craft: | Crochet |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English, German |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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