Hjarta mitts

Hjarta Mitts by Alison Rendall

What is Being Made

The Hjarta mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Alison Rendall. "Hjarta" is a Norse term of endearment for a sweetheart, literally translating as "from the heart," and is referenced in the poem "Hjarta, haste dee to hame" by William J Tait, The New Shetlander, No.8. These mittens feature a traditional Fair Isle motif on the back of the hand and are finished with a Shetland-style folded cuff that maintains the pattern and design on the outside while displaying ribbing on the inside. The finished hand circumference measures 20.5cm with a cuff circumference of 18cm and a total length of 18cm, making them a one-size design.

Techniques Used

The Hjarta mitts are worked in the round using the Fair Isle colorwork technique, a traditional method that involves stranding two colors of yarn to create intricate patterned designs. The mittens are constructed using double pointed needles, which allow for seamless knitting in small circumferences. The distinctive Shetland folded cuff is a traditional finishing technique that creates a reversible edge with the Fair Isle pattern visible on the outside and ribbing on the inside, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical durability.

Stitches Used

• Fair Isle colorwork motif on the hand
• Ribbing on the cuff (visible on the inside of the folded cuff)
• Stockinette stitch as the base fabric

Materials Required

The Hjarta mitts are knitted using Uradale 2 ply jumper weight yarn (equivalent to 4 ply or fingering weight), which is 100% organic Shetland wool. You will need 1 x 50g ball of the main color (MC) in graeff and 1 x 25g ball each of contrasting shades for the Fair Isle pattern; specific color options are provided in the pattern's color chart. Knitting is worked on one set of UK metric 3mm double pointed needles or the knitter's preferred needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round. The pattern specifies a tension of 30 stitches and 33 rounds to 10cm after blocking, which should be carefully checked before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

The Hjarta mitts are rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the skills required to work Fair Isle colorwork while managing two colors of yarn simultaneously, combined with the technique of working in the round on double pointed needles and executing the traditional Shetland folded cuff finish.