Nabati

Nabati Knit Mittens by Ranée Mueller

Project Overview

Nabati is a pair of knit mittens inspired by the Nabatean civilization of northwestern Saudi Arabia, a people historically significant to the incense trade routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula to Israel and Egypt. These mittens celebrate the traditional crafts and artistic heritage of the region through their design, incorporating two-color patterning that echoes the distinctive pottery of Nabatean culture. This downloadable knitting pattern is designed for beginners and offers a rewarding introduction to colorwork and custom shaping techniques.

What You Will Make

You will create a pair of fitted mittens featuring two-color knit patterning. The mittens are constructed in the round, creating a seamless, tubular fabric that fits comfortably on the hand. The design includes a custom thumb gusset that is worked separately and picked up at the end of the main mitten body, allowing for a well-fitted thumb opening that accommodates various hand sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round: The mittens are constructed using circular needles or double-pointed needles to create seamless, tubular fabric
• Two-color stranded colorwork: The pattern incorporates contrasting colors worked simultaneously to create the traditional patterning inspired by Nabatean pottery
• Thumb gusset construction: A custom-fitted thumb opening is created using increases worked into the mitten body, then returned to and picked up at the completion of the main piece
• Seamless shaping: The mittens are shaped through strategic increases and decreases worked in the round for a professional finish

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Nabati mittens use fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginners. The primary stitch is stockinette stitch (knit stitches worked in the round), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The two-color patterning is achieved through stranded colorwork, where both yarn colors are carried along the inside of the fabric and floated across the back until needed. This technique requires managing two working yarns simultaneously but creates a dense, warm fabric ideal for mittens.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, specifically Malabrigo Rios (100% Superwash Merino wool) in a main color and a contrasting color. Approximately 85 yards (80 meters) to 180 yards (165 meters) of worsted weight yarn in the main color is required, depending on the size being knit. One skein each of the main color and contrast color in Malabrigo Rios (210 yards per 100-gram skein) provides sufficient yardage. The superwash treatment makes these mittens easy to care for and suitable for frequent wear.

Needles and Tools

Circular needles or double-pointed needles appropriate for worsted weight yarn are needed to knit these mittens in the round. The pattern accommodates multiple sizes, allowing knitters to choose needle sizes based on their gauge and desired fit.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, Nabati introduces knitters to colorwork and custom shaping in a manageable project. While two-color stranded knitting requires attention to tension and yarn management, the straightforward construction and clear shaping make this an excellent first colorwork project for developing knitters.

Design Credits

Nabati is designed by Ranée Mueller of Arabian Knits Designs, © 2023. All rights reserved. Commercial use of items made from this pattern requires permission from the designer.