Fingerless Scrap Mitts

Fingerless Scrap Mitts by Natalie Larson

Project Overview

Fingerless Scrap Mitts are knitted hand coverings designed by independent designer Natalie Larson. These mitts are an intermediate-level knitting project ideal for crafters looking to use up yarn scraps while creating a practical, wearable accessory. The pattern accommodates both women's and men's sizing, making it a versatile design suitable for various hand sizes.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of fingerless mittens—also called fingerless gloves or mitts—that cover the hand and wrist while leaving the fingers exposed for full dexterity. The design is sized to fit an average woman, with men's sizing provided in parentheses throughout the pattern. Fingerless mitts are popular for layering in cool weather, providing warmth while allowing unrestricted finger movement for typing, crafting, or other detailed hand work.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Fingerless Scrap Mitts employ fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern uses circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs) for constructing the mitts in the round, a technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric. Stitch markers are used to track the beginning of each round, helping maintain pattern consistency. The pattern incorporates basic shaping through make-one increases (M1 stitches) to adjust the fit around the hand and wrist.

Designers are encouraged to manage yarn yardage carefully by dividing balls into equal portions before beginning, ensuring both mitts reach the same length. The pattern also demonstrates yarn preparation techniques, such as unwinding and rewinding test skeins to divide limited yardage into usable portions.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Fingerless Scrap Mitts are constructed primarily using garter stitch, one of the most fundamental knitting stitches. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row (or every round when working in the round), producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch is ideal for beginners and intermediate knitters because it requires no complicated stitch sequences and creates a fabric with excellent drape and stretch.

• Knit (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P): Used selectively within the pattern structure
• Make One (M1): An increase stitch created by making a tight backward loop on the left needle and knitting through the back, used for shaping the mitts to fit the hand and wrist

Materials and Yarn

The Fingerless Scrap Mitts pattern is specifically designed to use yarn scraps, making it an economical and sustainable project. The pattern calls for two contrasting yarn colors:

• Color A: Malabrigo Merino Worsted, 100% Merino Wool. This yarn is supplied in 100-gram skeins containing 216 yards. Approximately 75 yards are needed for women's sizing or 90 yards for men's sizing. Merino wool is prized for its softness, breathability, and temperature-regulating properties, making it ideal for close-fitting hand wear.
• Color B: Wollmeise Merino-Lammdochtwolle test skein or approximately 12 yards of any coordinating color. This smaller quantity is used as an accent, making the pattern perfect for using up leftover yarn from previous projects.

Needles and Notions

The pattern is worked on US Size 7 and US Size 8 circular needles measuring at least 24 inches in length, or alternatively, US Size 7 and US Size 8 double-pointed needles (DPNs). The use of two needle sizes allows for gauge control and potential ribbing or cuff variations. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and stitch markers for tracking rounds during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 4.5 stitches over 2 inches in garter stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the mitts fit correctly. The pattern provides sizing for both average women and men, with stitch counts and yardage adjusted accordingly. Women's sizing requires 28 stitches to be cast on, while men's sizing requires 32 stitches.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is recommended for beginner to intermediate knitters. While the techniques are fundamental, the intermediate classification reflects the need to manage circular needle or DPN work and