Thunderbird Mitts

Thunderbird Mitts by Wanded Knit and Crochet

Project Overview

Thunderbird Mitts are a pair of knitted fingerless gloves designed by Jenny Noto of Wanded Knit and Crochet. These intermediate-level mitts draw inspiration from the mythical Thunderbird, a powerful creature known for its iridescent feathers that shift through shades of gold, blue, grey, silver, white, and deep navy. The design captures the essence of this magical being through its construction and visual appeal.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using the knitting craft. The mitts are worked in the round, which is a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments like gloves and fingerless mitts. Knitters can choose their preferred method for working in the round: using double-pointed needles (DPNs), short circular needles, or the magic loop method with a longer circular needle. This flexibility allows crafters to select the technique they are most comfortable with.

Stitches and Construction

The Thunderbird Mitts feature stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern. The gauge is worked at 20 stitches by 28 rounds over a 4-inch by 4-inch swatch in stockinette stitch in the round. The pattern also incorporates cable work, as indicated by the inclusion of a cable needle in the materials list, adding textural interest and visual complexity to the design.

Yarn and Materials

The mitts are constructed using worsted weight yarn (weight category 4), requiring 105 to 108 yards total. This yardage is modest, making the project an excellent choice for using yarn scraps or smaller quantities from a stash. Knitters will need US 6 (4mm) needles in their preferred format—shorties, DPNs, or circular needles for the magic loop method. Additional materials include stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a cable needle for cable work, and scrap yarn or a stitch holder for securing stitches during construction.

Finished Specifications

The Thunderbird Mitts are designed in one size to fit adult medium hands, with a palm circumference of approximately 7.5 inches. The intermediate skill level indicates that crafters should be comfortable with basic knitting techniques, working in the round, and cable stitches before beginning this project.