Counterpose Fingerless Mitts

Counterpose Fingerless Mitts by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

Counterpose Fingerless Mitts are a pair of hand-warming accessories designed with a striking positive/negative colorwork concept. The design features two mitts that mirror each other in color placement: the first mitt uses the darker colorway as the main color while the second mitt reverses this, using the lighter colorway as the dominant color. This creates a balanced, complementary pair that showcases the interplay between two distinct hues. The mitts are part of a larger accessory collection that also includes a matching cowl and hat, allowing crafters to create a coordinated set.

Finished Dimensions

The mitts are designed to fit a range of hand sizes with the following measurements:

• Cuff circumference: 6 inches
• Hand circumference when stretched: 9 inches

Knitting Techniques

Counterpose Fingerless Mitts employ colorwork knitting as the primary technique, specifically a positive/negative color pattern that creates visual contrast and interest. The mitts are knit in the round, which is a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. This method requires careful attention to tension, particularly when working with multiple colors, as inconsistent tension can create uneven fabric and distorted colorwork patterns. The construction uses either double-pointed needles or a circular needle, both of which are suitable for working small circumference projects in the round.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques:

• Knit (K): The primary stitch used to create stockinette fabric
• Purl (P): Used in combination with knit stitches for the colorwork pattern
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Make one (M1): An increase technique for adding stitches
• Knit front and back (KFB): An alternative increase method

The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knitted surface ideal for showcasing colorwork patterns.

Materials and Yarn

The sample mitts were knit using Dragonfly Fibers Valkyrie, a 100% Superwash Merino yarn available in 200-yard skeins weighing 4 ounces. The sample was worked in two colorways: Julia's Tresses (Color A) and Birch (Color B). The complete Counterpose accessory set, including the matching cowl and hat, requires two full skeins of Valkyrie yarn. The sample mitts alone used 110 yards total, making this an efficient project for yarn stash utilization.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for size 7 US (4.50 mm) needles, or a size that achieves the specified gauge. Crafters may choose between a set of 5 double-pointed needles or a 16-inch circular needle, depending on personal preference and available tools. Both needle types are suitable for working small circumference projects in the round.

The required gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in blocked stockinette stitch, knit in the round. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the mitts fit appropriately.

Difficulty Level

Counterpose Fingerless Mitts are rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the base techniques—knitting in the round, working stockinette stitch, and performing basic increases and decreases—are fundamental, the addition of colorwork and the need to maintain consistent tension across color changes elevates the difficulty. Knitters should have experience with circular needle or double-pointed needle techniques and be comfortable managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously.

Designer and Format

This pattern is designed by Corrine Walcher and is available as a downloadable PDF, making it convenient for digital access and printing. The pattern is the intellectual property of the designer, and commercial reproduction or sale is not permitted.