Keelback Mitts

Keelback Mitts by Triona Murphy

What is Being Made

The Keelback Mitts are a pair of advanced-level knitted mittens designed by independent designer Triona Murphy. These mittens feature a distinctive cabled band at the cuff, with finished palm circumferences of 7.25 inches (18.5 cm) for the Medium size and 8.25 inches (21 cm) for the Large size. Both sizes measure 7.75 inches (19.5 cm) in length, making them a versatile accessory suitable for various hand sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Keelback Mitts employ several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that make this project engaging for experienced crafters. The construction begins with a cabled band worked for the cuff, which serves as both a decorative and functional element. After completing the cuff, stitches are picked up from the cabled band to continue the body of the mittens. This pick-up technique requires careful attention to maintain consistent stitch tension and proper stitch count. The pattern utilizes double-pointed needles for seamless, in-the-round construction, which is the traditional method for creating fitted mittens without seams.

Gauge is particularly important for this project, and knitters are strongly advised to knit a swatch for the Small Keelback Mitts Cables pattern and check their row gauge carefully before beginning the full project. The pattern provides two distinct gauges: one for the cabled pattern section and another for stockinette stitch sections, allowing knitters to adjust needle sizes as needed to achieve proper fit and fabric drape.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitches: The defining feature of these mitts, cables create a textured, twisted pattern in the cuff band and are worked using a cable needle to create the characteristic crossed stitch effect
• Stockinette stitch: Used for the main body of the mittens, this fundamental knit stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric
• Stitch markers: Five stitch markers are used throughout the pattern to help track pattern repeats and maintain proper stitch placement during in-the-round knitting

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Keelback Mitts are designed to be worked in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK, a luxury yarn composed of 100% merino wool. One skein provides 225 yards (206 meters) of yarn, which is sufficient to complete both mittens. The recommended color shown in the pattern is Grey Garden, though the DK weight classification allows for substitution with other DK-weight yarns of similar yardage and fiber content.

Knitting needles required for this project include a set of 4 or 5 US #5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles for the ribbed or initial sections, and a set of 4 or 5 US #6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles for the main body. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches that define the cuff design. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, smooth waste yarn for provisional cast-on purposes, and 5 stitch markers for tracking pattern progression. An optional crochet hook in size US #7 (4.5 mm) or US #8 (5.0 mm) may be used if the crafter prefers a crochet provisional cast-on method rather than traditional knit-on techniques.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an advanced knitting project, the Keelback Mitts require solid foundational knitting skills and comfort with cable work. The combination of cable stitches, stitch pick-up techniques, and in-the-round knitting on double-pointed needles makes this pattern suitable for experienced knitters seeking an interesting and rewarding project. The pattern notes that these mitts are both interesting to knit and fun to wear, suggesting that the technical challenge is balanced by an attractive finished product.