Bi-Color Fingerless Mitts

Bi-Color Fingerless or Full Mitts by Terry Morris

What is Being Made

These are versatile adult-sized mitts that offer flexibility in coverage options. Knitters can choose between fingerless mitts for maximum dexterity or full mitts for complete hand warmth. The one-size-fits-most design accommodates most adult hands, making this pattern accessible to a wide range of knitters. The mitts feature a distinctive bi-color vertical stripe pattern that creates visual interest without the complexity of traditional stranding techniques.

Techniques Used

The primary innovation in this pattern is the creation of vertical lines without using stranding or slip-stitch methods. This approach simplifies the construction process while achieving striking color work effects. The pattern employs an alternating yarn color technique worked in the round, where knitters switch between two yarn colors every round. This method creates the appearance of a single round of bi-color work through a two-round sequence, making the pattern more manageable than traditional multi-color knitting methods.

Stitches Used

• Knit One Below (k1B): This specialized stitch is central to the pattern's construction. To work a knit one below, insert the right needle tip into the stitch immediately below the next stitch on the left needle, knit as usual, and allow the un-knit upper stitch to slip off and drop from the left needle. This technique creates the vertical color lines that define the mitts' appearance.
• Standard knit stitches worked in the round

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for worsted or heavy-worsted weight yarn. The sample photographed in the pattern was knit using two different yarn types: Interlacements Oregon Worsted in 100% Merino Wool (color #201) and Knit Picks Bare Natural in 100% Peruvian wool. Knitters will need one set of US Size 8 (5mm) double point needles or the size required to achieve the correct gauge. Smooth waste yarn is also needed for the project. The gauge for this pattern is 3.75 stitches per 1 inch over the pattern stitch.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the specialized techniques required. While the knit one below stitch and color-work method are not beginner-friendly, experienced knitters will find the pattern's approach to creating vertical stripes without traditional stranding to be an interesting and rewarding technique to master.