Silver Birch

Silver Birch Gloves and Mittens by Anniken Allis

What is Being Made

Silver Birch is an intermediate-level knitting pattern for a pair of gloves or mittens designed by Anniken Allis. The pattern offers two size options: Small with a 20cm (8 inch) circumference and 19cm (7½ inch) length, and Large with a 22cm (8½ inch) circumference and 22cm (8½ inch) length. This downloadable PDF pattern allows crafters to create a coordinated set in their choice of colorways.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs stranded colorwork, a traditional knitting technique where two colors are carried across the fabric to create a patterned design. The stranded method requires managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously, which is why this project carries an intermediate difficulty rating. Crafters will work in the round using either double-pointed needles or a circular needle, both common methods for creating seamless tubular garments like gloves and mittens. The pattern includes shaping for the thumb gusset, with stitches held on waste yarn during construction and later reknitted to complete the thumb opening.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, worked in the round to create a smooth fabric. The colorwork pattern is achieved through stranded knitting, where stitches alternate between two colors (C1 and C2) to form the decorative design. The pattern includes abbreviations such as k for knit and uses waste yarn techniques for managing the thumb construction, allowing for a neat and professional finish.

Materials and Gauge

Silver Birch is designed to be worked in 4-ply yarn, specifically Navia Duo, which is 100% pure wool with a yardage of 180m per 50g ball. For the Small size, crafters need 1 ball each of color 24 Charcoal (C1) and color 217 Lime (C2). For the Large size, 1 ball each of color 22 Light Grey (C1) and color 235 Bahama Blue (C2) is required.

The pattern is worked on 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) needles, using either double-pointed needles or a circular needle measuring 80cm (32 inches) in length. The recommended tension is 28 stitches and 26 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stranded pattern after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential, as variations in tension may affect the final size and yarn requirements of the finished gloves or mittens.