Skinny Mitts

Skinny Mitts by Threebagsfulled

Project Overview

Skinny Mitts is an original knitted mitten design created by Threebagsfulled (Hilary Designs) in 2010. These are fitted, fingerless mittens designed for medium ladies with a hand circumference of 6" to 7" around the knuckles. The design features decorative cable and twist stitch elements that create visual interest while maintaining a slim, elegant silhouette.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft. The mittens are worked in the round using double-pointed needles and circular needles, a traditional method for creating seamless, fitted garments. The in-the-round construction ensures a smooth, professional finish without seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

Skinny Mitts incorporates several intermediate-level knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundational fabric
• Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) for decreasing stitches
• Right Twist (RT) and Left Twist (LT) for creating twisted stitch textures
• Cable stitches including C10B (cable 10 back) and C10F (cable 10 front), which involve slipping stitches to a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted rope-like patterns
• Pick up and knit (p/u&k) for adding stitches along edges, particularly useful for the thumb opening
• Cable cast on for creating a sturdy, elastic edge that holds its shape

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for 1 skein of Queensland Collection Rustic Wool DK yarn, making this an economical project requiring minimal yardage. DK weight yarn (also called light worsted) is a versatile medium weight that works well for fitted garments like mittens.

Tools and Equipment

To complete Skinny Mitts, you will need:

• Size 6 double-pointed needles (dpns) for working the ribbing and main body of the mittens
• Size 6 circular needles for the larger sections and maintaining even tension in the round
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing
• Contrasting waste yarn in a small length to temporarily hold thumb stitches while working the hand portion
• Cable needle for managing cable stitches

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 stitches to the inch when the mittens are being worn. This is an important measurement that ensures the finished mittens will fit properly and have the intended stretch and recovery. The medium ladies size accommodates hands measuring 6" to 7" around the knuckles.

Difficulty Level

Skinny Mitts is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. While the basic knitting techniques are foundational, the inclusion of cable stitches, twist stitches, and the construction of a fitted garment in the round makes this suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. The pattern requires understanding of how to work cables, manage multiple needle types, and shape a garment through strategic decreasing.