Daisy Bulky Mittens

Daisy Bulky Mittens by Triona Murphy

What is Being Made

The Daisy Bulky Mittens are a pair of women's mittens designed to fit an average adult hand. These mittens measure approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in circumference and are crafted using a bulky yarn construction method that creates a warm, substantial fabric suitable for cold-weather wear.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as advanced difficulty. The pattern employs a distinctive technique of holding yarn double to achieve a super-bulky weight effect. Specifically, two strands of Aran weight yarn are held together simultaneously, or alternatively, a single strand of super-bulky weight yarn can be substituted. This doubling method allows knitters to work with standard Aran yarn while achieving the visual and textural qualities of a heavier yarn weight, creating a dense, quick-knitting fabric.

The mittens are constructed in the round using the double-pointed needle method, a traditional circular knitting technique that eliminates the need for seaming. This approach creates seamless mittens with a professional finish.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a V-pattern appearance on the right side. This fundamental stitch is worked in the round to form the mitten body.

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool (100% wool; 478 yards/437 meters per 250-gram skein) in color 8049. One skein is required for the project. The pattern uses approximately 170 yards of Aran weight yarn when worked with the double-strand technique. For those substituting a super-bulky weight yarn, approximately 85 yards will be needed.

Needles: US #11 [8.0 mm] double-pointed needles, set of four.

Additional Notions: Three stitch markers, waste yarn for holding stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: 12 stitches and 16 rows measure 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch when yarn is held double.

Pattern Overview

The pattern begins with casting on 24 stitches using the double-pointed needles and two held strands of yarn. These stitches are distributed across the needles as follows: 12 stitches on the first needle and 6 stitches on each of the remaining needles, allowing for efficient in-the-round construction. Stitch markers are used to denote pattern sections and the beginning of rounds, while waste yarn serves as a temporary holder for stitches that will later be worked into the mitten's thumb opening.