Winter's Stag

Winter's Stag Mittens by Margaret Warren

Project Overview

Winter's Stag is a downloadable knitting pattern for mittens inspired by George R. R. Martin's book series A Song of Ice and Fire. Designed by Margaret Warren, this intermediate-level project features the house crest of a stag, drawing inspiration from the fictional house of Baratheon. The mittens are sized to fit the average woman's hand and combine colorwork techniques with traditional mitten construction.

Craft and Construction

This is a knitting project that requires intermediate skill level. The pattern assumes knitters have foundational knowledge of basic mitten construction, can read and follow color charts, and understand how to carry floats—the technique of holding yarn strands across the back of work when working with multiple colors. The mittens are worked in the round using double-point needles, a classic method for seamless, fitted handwear.

Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch used is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork (also called Fair Isle knitting), where two colors are worked simultaneously to create the stag motif on the mitten surface. Knitters must manage yarn floats—the horizontal strands of yarn carried across the back of the work—to maintain proper tension and prevent loose, snagging stitches.

Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for 4-ply weight yarn, a lightweight option that creates fine, detailed fabric suitable for colorwork.

• Main Color (MC): The March Hare in Squash Blossom (70% merino wool/30% silk; 430 yards per 100g skein). One skein is required. Substitution option: Jamieson and Smith 2 ply jumper weight in colorway 91, using 3 balls of 25g each.
• Contrast Color (CC): The March Hare in Wine (70% merino wool/30% silk; 430 yards per 100g skein). One skein is required. Substitution option: Jamieson and Smith 2 ply jumper weight in colorway 134, using 3 balls of 25g each.

The yarn blend of merino wool and silk provides warmth, elasticity, and a subtle sheen, making these mittens both functional and elegant.

Needles and Notions

• Needles: One set of US #1 (2.25mm) double-point needles for the main knitting, and one set of US #2 (2.75mm) straight needles (likely for ribbing or cuff work).
• Notions: Waste yarn and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 36 stitches and 50 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, especially in mittens where sizing directly affects wearability.

Difficulty and Skill Level

Rated as moderate/intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have completed basic projects and are ready to tackle colorwork. The combination of mitten shaping, color chart reading, and float management makes this an excellent next-step project for developing advanced knitting skills.