Product Description
Traditional Bavarian/Austrian stitch patterns are used on the back of the mitt, with a traditional filler stitch worked on the palm and thumb gusset. The helix motif from the back of the hand is used as a traveling motif on the palms. The transitions into and out of the main pattern are planned so that they flow smoothly from and into the ribbing. The thumb gusset emerges out of the palm to keep the pattern panels on the back of the hand centered.
Use stockinette gauge to determine needle size needed to work the pattern. The pattern stretches to accommodate larger hands, but a loose gauge will make for a large, sloppy fitting mitt. Needles with very pointy tips and cabling without a cable needle will make these stitch patterns much more efficient to work!
This pattern uses charts, with some supplemental written instruction. The stitch patterns are charted using contemporary charting symbols.
These mitts require 50 g of fingering weight yarn, so you can get two pairs out of
Deep Freeze Helix Fingerless Mittens by Roxanne Richardson
Project Overview
Deep Freeze Helix is an intermediate-level knitting pattern for fingerless mittens designed by Roxanne Richardson. These mittens were created during a January cold snap as a practical solution for staying warm while working at a computer indoors. The design features distinctive textured patterning inspired by the visual movement of a helix, making them both functional and visually striking.
What Is Being Made
This pattern produces a pair of fingerless mittens (also called fingerless mitts) sized to fit hands measuring 7–8 inches in circumference, measured just above the thumb pit. The finished mittens measure 7 inches in circumference and 7 inches in length, with considerable stretch in the fabric for a comfortable, adaptive fit.
Design Features and Stitch Techniques
The Deep Freeze Helix mittens showcase Bavarian traveling twisted stitches as the primary textured pattern element. These twisted stitches create dynamic visual interest and are Roxanne Richardson's signature technique choice for this project. The chain pattern at each edge is designed to evoke the appearance of a helix, with chains that appear to move and shift in space. This helix-inspired motif extends to the palm area, where optional mirrored helix chains traverse the heel of the palm and then zig-zag upward toward the top ribbing, adding dimensional movement to the design.
Stitches Used
- Bavarian traveling twisted stitches (primary textured stitch)
- Chain stitches (edge and palm detailing)
- Mirrored helix chains (optional palm embellishment)
- Ribbing (top edge finishing)
Materials and Construction
The mittens are knitted using Cascade Heritage yarn, a high-quality option offering 437 yards per 100-gram hank. The yarn composition is 80% fiber content (specific fiber blend details continue in the full pattern). The pattern requires one hank of yarn for completion. Specific needle size and gauge information are detailed within the full downloadable PDF pattern.
Difficulty Level
This is an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with textured stitch patterns and shaping techniques. The Bavarian traveling twisted stitches and mirrored helix chains require attention to stitch manipulation and pattern reading, making this an engaging project for developing knitters.
Pattern Information
Deep Freeze Helix is an independent designer pattern by Roxanne Richardson, published as Version 1.0 (pattern code 006-FG) on May 2, 2013. The complete pattern spans 10 pages and is available as a downloadable PDF. Photography for the pattern was provided by Michael Schonwetter.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Designer: | Roxanne Richardson |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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