Lichen Mitts

Lichen Mitts by Donna Jones Designs

Project Overview

The Lichen Mitts are part of a coordinating set designed by Donna Jones Designs, inspired by vibrant yellow lichen found on trees and rocks. This intermediate-level knitting project combines a generous cowl and a pair of fitted mitts, both featuring richly textured stitch patterns. The collection showcases how natural inspiration translates into wearable, textured knitwear suitable for intermediate knitters seeking a satisfying and straightforward project.

What Is Being Made

• Lichen Cowl: A large, versatile neckwear piece measuring 120cm (47¼in) in circumference and 39.5cm (15½in) deep when laid flat at 60cm (23½in) wide. The cowl can be worn around the neck or draped over the head and shoulders for styling flexibility.
• Lichen Mitts: A pair of fitted mittens designed to fit an average adult female hand with approximately 20cm (8in) circumference above the thumb and 26cm (10in) length measured flat.

Knitting Techniques

Both pieces in this collection employ straightforward construction methods suitable for intermediate knitters. The Cowl is knitted in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless, satisfying finished garment. The pattern begins with ribbing at the edges before progressing into the main stitch pattern, making it simple to establish and maintain.

The Mitts are knitted flat and shaped through a minimalist approach: decreasing the size of needles used to create the fitted shaping. This technique avoids complex decreases and shaping rows, keeping the focus on stitch pattern consistency. However, the pattern provides flexibility—knitters who prefer circular construction will find instructions for converting the mitts to in-the-round knitting, allowing customization based on individual preference and skill level.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout both the cowl and mitts is the cobnut stitch, a textured stitch that creates the rich, dimensional surface inspired by lichen. The cobnut stitch is described as simple and easily memorised, making it accessible for intermediate knitters despite its visually complex appearance. The pattern incorporates ribbing at the edges of both pieces to provide structure and definition.

Materials and Yarn

Both the cowl and mitts are designed to be knitted in DK weight yarn with good drape characteristics. The sample shown in the pattern uses Rowan alpaca yarn, which provides the softness and drape ideal for this project. DK weight yarn is versatile and widely available, allowing knitters to choose from numerous fiber content options while maintaining the intended finished dimensions and fabric characteristics.

Skill Level and Project Characteristics

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with texture stitches and simple shaping techniques. The straightforward construction—in-the-round knitting for the cowl, flat knitting with needle-size shaping for the mitts—combined with the easily memorised cobnut stitch pattern, makes this an ideal intermediate project that builds confidence without overwhelming complexity.