Radiator Mittens

Radiator Mittens by Cheryl Andrews

What is Being Made

Radiator Mittens are warm, felted hand mittens designed to keep hands toasty in snow and cold weather. The pattern offers six sizes ranging from toddler through extra large adult, making them suitable for the entire family. These mittens are inspired by a nostalgic tradition of drying wool mittens on warm radiators, which naturally thickens and felts the fabric over time. The finished mittens remain warm even when wet, making them ideal for winter play and outdoor activities.

Techniques Used

The primary technique involves machine felting after the knitting is complete. Radiator Mittens are partially felted in the washing machine, a process that thickens the fabric and increases its insulating properties. This felting step transforms the knitted mittens into denser, more durable garments that maintain warmth in wet conditions. The felting process is inspired by the traditional method of drying mittens on radiators, which causes the wool fibers to shrink and bond together naturally.

Stitches Used

The mittens are constructed using stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern. This classic knit stitch creates a smooth, even fabric that works well for mittens and provides an ideal base for the felting process. The stockinette stitch is worked in the round using double-pointed needles, a traditional construction method for mittens that eliminates the need for seaming.

Materials

• Yarn: Bulky weight wool, single ply yarn preferred. Yardage requirements vary by size: 60 yards (toddler), 80 yards (child small), 100 yards (child medium), 125 yards (child large/adult small), 165 yards (adult medium), and 195 yards (adult large and extra large). The pattern samples use Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky, which is 85% wool and 15% mohair, with 4 ounces yielding 125 yards per skein.
• Needles: Double-pointed needles in sizes 7 and 10, or whatever size is needed to achieve proper gauge. Size 10 needles are used for the main fabric.
• Additional Materials: 18 inches of waste yarn for provisional cast-on or stitch holders.

Gauge and Sizing

The gauge for Radiator Mittens, measured before felting on size 10 needles in stockinette stitch, is 13 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches. The pattern includes six distinct sizes: child small (ages 1-3), child medium (ages 4-7), child large and adult small, adult medium, adult large, and adult extra large. The felting process will reduce the finished dimensions, so gauge is measured on the pre-felted fabric to ensure proper fit after the mittens are washed and felted.

Difficulty Level

Radiator Mittens are rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the skills required to work with double-pointed needles, manage stitches in the round, and execute the felting process successfully. Knitters should be comfortable with basic knitting techniques and familiar with working on multiple needles before attempting this pattern.