Vagaland mitts version 2

Vagaland Mitts Version 2 by Alison Rendall

What is Being Made

The Vagaland Mitts Version 2 are a pair of knitted fingerless mitts designed to fit average women's hands. This second version features an updated colourway and revised palm and thumb gusset construction compared to the original design. The finished mitts measure 18cm in cuff circumference and 17.5cm in length, making them a practical accessory for keeping hands warm while maintaining finger dexterity.

Design Heritage and Inspiration

These mitts are inspired by traditional Shetland knitting techniques and construction methods that have been passed down through generations of Shetland knitters. The designer, Alison Rendall, drew inspiration from a pair of gloves made by her grandmother, Jemima, which were constructed using the same traditional style and techniques. The fair isle motif featured on these mitts is a particular favourite of the designer and reflects authentic Shetland knitting heritage.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Vagaland Mitts are worked in the round using fair isle colorwork, a traditional technique that involves carrying multiple yarn colors across rounds to create patterned designs. The mitts feature a palm and thumb gusset construction, which allows for shaping around the hand and thumb area. This intermediate-level project requires knitters to be comfortable with fair isle stranding, working on double pointed needles, and managing tension across color changes.

Knitters must pay particular attention to the required tension of 30 stitches and 33 rounds to 9cm after blocking, as this measurement is critical for achieving the correct finished size. The pattern includes charts that should be read from right to left, a standard convention in fair isle knitting patterns.

Materials Required

The Vagaland Mitts are knitted using Jamieson & Smith 2 ply jumper weight yarn, which is equivalent to 4 ply or fingering weight. One 25g ball of each shade shown on the colour chart is required to complete the mitts. The pattern calls for one set of UK metric 3mm double pointed needles, or knitters may substitute their preferred needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round. The use of Jamieson & Smith yarn, a renowned Shetland yarn producer, further connects these mitts to their traditional Shetland knitting roots.

Pattern Specifications

• Craft: Knitting
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Yarn Weight: 4 ply (2 ply jumper weight equivalent)
• Needle Size: UK metric 3mm double pointed needles
• Size: One size to fit average woman's hands
• Finished Cuff Circumference: 18cm
• Finished Length: 17.5cm
• Tension: 30 stitches and 33 rounds to 9cm after blocking
• Construction: Worked in the round
• Format: Downloadable PDF pattern

Colorwork and Pattern Details

The pattern includes a fair isle chart that knitters must read from right to left. The second version of the Vagaland Mitts features a new colourway, offering an updated aesthetic while maintaining the traditional fair isle design elements. The specific shades required are indicated on the colour chart provided in the pattern, allowing knitters to select their preferred color combinations from the Jamieson & Smith range.