Smitten Glittens

Smitten Glittens by Christina Loman

What is Being Made

Smitten Glittens are convertible mittens designed for cold-weather wear with removable finger caps. These mittens feature a practical flip-top design that allows the wearer to free their fingertips when needed while maintaining warmth, then quickly cover them again when temperatures demand it. The mittens are sized to fit most women, with finished wrist measurements of 6–10 inches when stretched, and customizable length. This design makes them ideal for people who need dexterity in cold climates without sacrificing hand warmth.

Techniques Used

Smitten Glittens are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern employs double-point needles to create seamless, tubular fabric in the round. Knitters will work with stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping. The convertible cap construction requires careful attention to decreasing and shaping to ensure the removable finger covers fit properly and stay secure. The project is designed to work up relatively quickly, making it an efficient stash-busting option for experienced knitters looking for a practical, wearable project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure in Smitten Glittens is stockinette stitch, worked in the round on double-point needles. The pattern calls for a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which establishes the foundation for proper fit and finished measurements. Shaping techniques including decreases are incorporated to form the mitten silhouette and create the removable finger caps.

Materials

Yarn: Smitten Glittens uses two contrasting yarns in a main color and contrasting color combination. The main color is worked in Cascade Superwash 220, a 100% superwash wool yarn in royal purple, requiring 1 skein (220 yards/201 meters per 100-gram skein). The contrasting color is Classic Elite Yarns Princess in cream, a luxury blend containing 40% wool, 28% rayon, 15% nylon, 10% cashmere, and 7% angora, requiring 1 skein (150 yards/137 meters per 50-gram skein). This yarn weight is classified as DK weight, appropriate for the intermediate difficulty level and quick construction.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two sets of US double-point needles: one set of US #4/3.5mm needles and one set of US #5/3.75mm needles, allowing for gauge adjustment to customize fit. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, scrap yarn for holding stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing.