Totally wild

Totally Wild Mitts by Tracey Lee

What is Being Made

Totally Wild Mitts are a pair of textured fingerless mitts or gloves designed in a beginner-friendly knitting pattern. The mitts feature a distinctive Chain stitch pattern that creates a rib-like fabric with visual interest and texture. This project is ideal for crafters new to knitting who want to create wearable accessories with straightforward construction techniques.

Construction and Techniques

The Totally Wild Mitts employ an innovative modular construction method where the entire mitt is knit flat and then joined as you go, eliminating the need for finishing seams after completion. The pattern uses a sideways knitting approach, meaning the mitts are knit horizontally across their width rather than from cuff to fingertip. This sideways construction allows for easy customization of length and creates natural shaping.

A garter stitch thumb including gusset is knit separately and then attached to the hand portion before the mitt is joined into a tube. This method simplifies thumb shaping and ensures a comfortable fit. The relaxed gauge and straightforward stitch patterns make this an accessible project for beginners while still producing professional-looking results.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch pattern: The primary textured stitch that forms the main fabric of the mitts, creating a rib-like appearance and visual texture
• Garter stitch: Used for the thumb and gusset sections to provide structure and elasticity
• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P): Combined with knit stitches to create the Chain stitch pattern texture
• Slip stitch (S): Used strategically in the Chain stitch pattern, worked purlwise with yarn positioning at back (S1wyb) or front (S1wyf) as directed

Materials and Specifications

The Totally Wild Mitts pattern is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which provides a lightweight yet warm fabric ideal for mitts. The sample shown in the pattern was knit using Heirloom Baby merino, a premium natural fiber yarn that offers softness and breathability.

Gauge: 36 stitches and 48 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working the Chain stitch pattern knit flat and relaxed. Achieving proper gauge is essential for correct sizing and fit.

The pattern includes specific instructions for five sizes: XSmall, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, with sizing based on hand circumference and desired length. This range ensures a comfortable fit for various hand sizes.

Pattern Format

Totally Wild Mitts is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it convenient to access and print for reference while knitting. The pattern includes a comprehensive abbreviations guide and detailed notes to support knitters throughout the project, particularly regarding yarn positioning when slipping stitches for the Chain stitch pattern.