Mosh Pit mitts

Mosh Pit Mitts by Rachel Atkinson

What is Being Made

Mosh Pit Mitts are a pair of fingerless mittens designed by Rachel Atkinson, specifically crafted for keeping hands warm during chilly festival nights. These mitts offer practical hand coverage while leaving fingers free for movement and activity. The pattern is available in three sizes: Small (18cm / 7 inches around), Medium (19cm / 7½ inches around), and Large (20cm / 8 inches around the widest part of the hand.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using the knitting craft with straightforward techniques suitable for beginners. The primary construction method uses garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This simple stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric that is ideal for beginners learning fundamental knitting skills.

The pattern employs a cable cast on technique to begin the mittens. This cast-on method involves creating a slipknot, placing it on the left-hand needle, and then systematically knitting new stitches by inserting the needle into the gap between stitches on the left-hand needle. This creates a sturdy, flexible edge suitable for cuff construction.

The pattern includes a helpful tip for customization: knitters can create a longer cuff by simply casting on additional stitches at the very beginning of the project, allowing for personalized fit and style preferences.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (G-st): The primary stitch throughout the mittens, created by knitting every row on both right-side and wrong-side rows
• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (p): Used as needed within the pattern structure
• Cable cast on: The foundation technique for beginning the mittens with a secure edge

Materials

Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Barn Red, an Aran/Worsted weight yarn composed of 80% cotton and 20% merino wool. One 100-gram ball provides 197 meters (215 yards) of yarn, which is sufficient for completing one pair of mitts.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires 3.5mm (US size 4) straight knitting needles for the main construction, along with 3.5mm (US size 4) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working small sections. Additional materials include two stitch markers for tracking pattern placement, six buttons with matching thread for attaching closures, and smooth waste yarn in a similar weight for holding stitches during construction.

Difficulty Level

Mosh Pit Mitts are rated as a beginner difficulty project, making them an excellent choice for knitters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward, confidence-building pattern. The reliance on garter stitch and basic knitting techniques ensures accessibility for all skill levels.