Wristlets in Spud & Chloe Stripey Fine - OTR16 - Downloadable PDF

Wristlets in Spud & Chloe Stripey Fine – Pattern OTR16 by Sarah Smuland

These charming Stripey Wristlets, designed by Sarah Smuland as part of the On the Run collection, are a quick and satisfying knitting project perfect for crafters at the beginner level. Worked in the round on double pointed needles, these fingerless mitts — sometimes called wristlets — cover the hand from the knuckles down to the wrist, leaving the fingers completely free for everyday tasks. The finished pair measures 8 inches in circumference and 4¾ inches in length, making them a snug and practical accessory for cooler weather.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of fingerless wristlets — close-fitting hand warmers that cover the wrist and the back of the hand without enclosing the fingers. A simple thumb hole is created by temporarily working flat (back and forth in rows) rather than in the round, then rejoining to continue the tube. The construction is elegantly straightforward: cast on at the knuckles, work toward the wrist, and bind off. Because both wristlets are identical, the pattern instructs knitters to simply repeat the process for the second piece.

Construction and Techniques

• Top-down construction: Wristlets are worked from the knuckles down toward the wrist, an intuitive direction that makes it easy to try on the piece as you go.
• Working in the round: Stitches are cast on and distributed across double pointed needles (dpns), then joined to work seamlessly in the round. This eliminates any seaming and creates a smooth, tube-shaped fabric.
• Flat knitting for the thumb hole: To create the thumb opening, the knitter temporarily switches to working flat — knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows — for a set number of rows before rejoining in the round. This is a classic and beginner-friendly method for adding a thumb hole without any complicated shaping or increases.
• Joining in the round: Care is taken not to twist stitches when joining, a foundational skill for any circular knitting project.
• Weaving in ends: The only finishing required is weaving in the yarn ends with a tapestry needle, keeping the project truly beginner-accessible.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Rib (k2, p2): A classic ribbing stitch worked over a multiple of 4 stitches. Ribbing is used at both the knuckle edge and the wrist edge of each wristlet, providing a neat, stretchy border that helps the wristlet grip the hand and stay in place. The alternating knit and purl columns create a textured, elastic fabric.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The body of each wristlet is worked in stockinette — knitting every round when working in the round, or alternating knit and purl rows when working flat for the thumb hole. Stockinette creates a smooth, classic fabric surface that showcases the colorful stripes of the yarn beautifully.

Materials

• Yarn: Spud & Chloë Stripey Fine — just 1 hank (50g / 191 yards) is needed for the pair. This is a 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn, known for its fine gauge and vibrant, self-striping colorways. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Cherry Sundae #7866, a colorway that produces cheerful, automatic stripes without any yarn changes.
• Needles: Size 3 (3.25mm) double pointed needles, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. Double pointed needles are essential for small-circumference circular knitting such as wristlets, gloves, and socks.
• Notions: A stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge is measured in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge ensures the wristlets will fit as intended,