Dragon Mitts

Dragon Mitts by Dagmar Mora

What is Being Made

Dragon Mitts is a fingerless mitten pattern designed by Dagmar Mora that combines practical wearability with decorative flair. These are knitted fingerless mittens that wrap around the arm and feature adjustable sizing controlled by button placement. The design allows for creative personalization through color choices and button selection, making each pair unique to the knitter's preferences.

Construction Method

The mittens are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then wrapped around the arm for a custom fit. This construction approach offers flexibility in sizing without requiring complex shaping calculations. The thumb can be worked using either flat knitting or in-the-round techniques, giving knitters the option to choose their preferred method. Button placement along the wrapped edge determines the final circumference, allowing the same pattern to fit a range of hand and arm sizes.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs crossed and twisted stitches as primary structural elements. These specialized stitches serve a functional purpose beyond aesthetics: they provide the necessary elasticity to keep the mittens securely in place on the arm and prevent sagging during wear. The main pattern features a combination of knit through the back loop (ktbl) on right-side rows and purl stitches on wrong-side rows, creating textured fabric with inherent stretch and recovery properties.

Sizing and Fit

Dragon Mitts feature exceptionally flexible sizing through their button-closure system. The pattern accommodates:

• Hand circumference up to approximately 22cm (8½ inches)
• Wrist circumference up to approximately 20cm (8 inches)
• Arm circumference up to approximately 27cm (10½ inches) measured about 12cm (5¾ inches) from the wrist

This generous sizing range means a single pattern can fit multiple wearers by adjusting button placement, making it an economical choice for gift-giving or creating mittens for family members with varying measurements.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving proper tension is essential for this pattern's success. The designer specifies two gauge measurements:

• Stockinette stitch: 30 stitches and 42 rows = 10x10cm (4x4 inches)
• Main pattern stitch: 31 stitches and 43 rows = 10x10cm (4x4 inches) when worked with knit-through-back-loop on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows

The minimal difference between these two gauges indicates that the twisted stitch pattern creates fabric with consistent density and behavior throughout the mittens.

Materials and Tools Required

Dragon Mitts are worked in 4-ply fingering weight yarn, a fine yarn weight that creates delicate, detailed fabric suitable for the intricate stitch work. The pattern calls for:

• 50g (approximately 210-230 yards) each of two yarn colors: one variegated and one solid color
• The pictured example uses Regia 4-ply yarn in #5558 mosaik papagei color (variegated) and #1988 lavender (solid)
• 2.5mm needles (US size 1½) for working the pattern
• Buttons for closure and sizing adjustment

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, reflecting the specialized techniques required. Knitters should be comfortable with crossed and twisted stitches, gauge adjustment, and working with fine fingering-weight yarn. The flat construction and button-closure system, while innovative, require understanding of how these elements affect fit and function. Prior experience with mitten construction and stitch manipulation techniques is recommended before undertaking this project.

Design Features

The Dragon Mitts pattern emphasizes both function and self-expression. The fingerless design makes these mittens practical for activities requiring hand dexterity while maintaining wrist and arm warmth. The button-closure system serves dual purposes: it provides the adjustable sizing mechanism while simultaneously offering an opportunity for decorative embellishment. Knitters can select buttons that complement their yarn choices or reflect personal style, transforming a basic accessory into a statement piece.