Mittens Unzipped

Mittens Unzipped by Anne Hanson

What is Being Made

Mittens Unzipped is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of cozy, fitted mittens designed by Anne Hanson. The pattern provides three size options (small, medium, and large) to accommodate different hand sizes. The mittens shown in the pattern photography are size medium, knitted in Bare Naked Wools Icelandic yarn in Medium Gray. These mittens are ideal for winter wear and outdoor activities, offering both style and warmth for gift-giving or personal use.

Techniques and Construction

Mittens Unzipped employs several key knitting techniques to create a well-fitted, seamless garment. The mittens are constructed in the round, meaning they are knitted circularly rather than flat, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a more polished finish. This method is worked from the bottom up, beginning at the cuff and progressing toward the fingertips. A fitted gusset is incorporated into the construction to ensure a snug, seamless fit around the hand and thumb area—a technique that provides comfort and prevents gaps or loose spots.

The pattern is designed for beginner-level knitters, making it an accessible project for those new to mittens or circular knitting. The straightforward construction and simple stitches mean that even less experienced knitters can complete a professional-looking pair. Additionally, the pattern offers flexibility for customization: mittens may be lengthened or shortened by adjusting the number of rows worked in the cuff or hand sections. For those seeking enhanced warmth, the finished mittens may be slightly felted to create a denser, warmer fabric ideal for extended outdoor winter activity.

Stitches Used

Mittens Unzipped features simple stitches throughout the pattern, keeping the design beginner-friendly and quick to complete. While the pattern description does not specify individual stitch names, the use of basic, uncomplicated stitchwork allows knitters to focus on mastering circular construction and shaping techniques rather than complex stitch patterns.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Mittens Unzipped is designed to be knitted in aran weight yarn (also known as worsted weight), a medium-weight yarn that knits up quickly and provides good structure and warmth. The pattern is worked on double-pointed needles (DPNs), which are the traditional tool for knitting small circumference projects in the round.

The pattern is versatile and accommodates yarn substitution. Suggested yarns include:

• Bare Naked Wools Icelandic
• Kent Worsted
• Confection Worsted
• Better Breakfast Worsted
• Briar Rose Fibers Charity
• Briar Rose Fibers Fourth of July
• Jill Draper Makes St (pattern text cuts off)

Knitters may also customize the overall size, elasticity, and yardage requirements by adjusting needle size up or down from the pattern recommendations. Substituting different yarns or needle sizes will result in variations to the finished mitten dimensions and the amount of yarn needed to complete the project.