Gladwyne Mitts

Gladwyne Mitts by Stacked Woolens

Project Overview

The Gladwyne Mitts are an elegant knitted accessory designed by Meridith Shepherd for Stacked Woolens. These delicate yet cozy mittens combine lace patterning with stockinette stitch construction, creating refined winter accessories that add sophisticated detail to any cold-weather wardrobe. The finished mitts measure 7 inches in circumference, making them a fitted, tailored accessory.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project worked in the round using double-pointed needles (DPNs). The pattern employs intermediate-level techniques suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace patterns and multiple stitch types. The design utilizes both written directions and charted instructions, allowing knitters to follow either format based on personal preference.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Gladwyne Mitts incorporate several key knitting techniques throughout the 14-round pattern repeat:

• Yarn overs (yo) — used extensively to create the lace openwork characteristic of the design
• Knit (k) — stockinette stitch rounds that provide structure and balance
• Purl (p) — used selectively in rounds 12 and 14 for textural variation
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) — a left-leaning decrease used throughout the lace pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for balanced lace
• Slip 2 knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over (s2kp) — a centered double decrease that creates the visual anchor points of the lace design

The combination of yarn overs with strategic decreases creates an openwork lace pattern that is both visually striking and structurally sound. The pattern alternates between lace rounds and stockinette rounds, allowing the lace motif to develop clearly while maintaining fabric integrity.

Materials and Specifications

The Gladwyne Mitts are designed to work with lace weight yarn. The pattern calls for 75 yards of yarn, with Filatura di Crosa Superior suggested as the designer's choice. Knitters will need US 5 (3.75 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs), allowing for needle size adjustments during construction. Additional materials include a stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches and optional stitch markers to track pattern rounds.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 28 stitches and 30 rounds equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when blocked on the smaller needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished size of 7 inches in circumference. Blocking is recommended to stretch the lace to its full, elegant points.

Pattern Construction

The mitts are constructed by casting on 36 stitches with the larger needles for the cuff, then transitioning to the smaller needles for the main pattern body. Knitters work the 14-round pattern sequence in the round, repeating as necessary to achieve desired length. The pattern includes instructions to make two mitts. Finishing involves weaving in ends and blocking the completed mitts to open and define the lace pattern.