Metropolis mitts

Metropolis Mitts by Bristol Ivy

What is Being Made

The Metropolis Mitts are a pair of knitted fingerless mittens designed by Bristol Ivy, inspired by the 1920s silent film Metropolis directed by Fritz Lang. These mitts capture the aesthetic of Art Deco imagery and futuristic design through their construction and stitch patterns. The finished mittens measure 8½ inches in length with a circumference that stretches to fit wrists ranging from 6 to 8½ inches, making them a versatile accessory suitable for various hand sizes.

Techniques Used

The Metropolis Mitts are constructed using in-the-round knitting, a technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for wearable accessories. The pattern employs circular needles or double-pointed needles to work continuously in rounds, eliminating the need for seaming. This method allows for precise stitch placement and creates a polished, professional finish. The design incorporates stitch markers to clearly denote the beginning of round and pattern sections, ensuring accurate pattern repeats throughout the construction.

Stitches Used

The cuff of the Metropolis Mitts features a ribbed stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches. Specifically, the pattern uses knit through the back loop (k1tbl) combined with purl stitches (p1) to create textured ribbing that provides elasticity and helps the mitts stay securely on the wrist. The pattern also incorporates a Braid stitch as a decorative element, which is worked across specific rounds to add visual interest and dimensional texture to the design. The combination of these stitches creates the strong, clear lines characteristic of Art Deco design that inspired the project.

Materials

The Metropolis Mitts are worked in 4-ply yarn weight, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition and durability for a frequently-worn accessory. The pattern is designed to be worked on circular needles or double-pointed needles appropriate for the yarn weight, allowing for seamless in-the-round construction. The 4-ply weight provides an excellent balance between fabric drape and structural integrity, making it suitable for both the ribbed cuff sections and the decorative braid stitch elements.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Metropolis Mitts require foundational knitting knowledge including comfort with in-the-round techniques, stitch markers, and the ability to follow multi-round pattern repeats. The combination of ribbed stitching and the braid stitch pattern adds moderate complexity, making this project suitable for knitters who have completed several basic projects and are ready to expand their technical skills.