Mitt the Family

Mitt the Family Knitted Mittens by neish design

What Is Being Made

Mitt the Family is a collection of knitted mittens designed by neish design, available in five sizes ranging from Toddler through Large Adult. These are quick and fun knit projects that feature a reversible texture, with a 'nubby' pinstripe appearance on one side and a textured rib on the reverse. The mittens are ideal for stash-busting projects and work well for knitters seeking a straightforward yet satisfying make.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern includes five size options to accommodate different hand sizes:

• Toddler: Fits hand circumference up to 6½ inches (16.5 cm), length 4 inches (10 cm)
• Child: Fits hand circumference up to 6¾ inches (17 cm), length 4¾ inches (12 cm)
• Teen/Adult Small: Fits hand circumference up to 7¼ inches (18 cm), length 6 inches (15 cm)
• Medium: Fits hand circumference up to 7¾ inches (20 cm), length 6¼ inches (16 cm)
• Large: Fits hand circumference up to 8½ inches (22 cm), length 7 inches (18 cm)

Knitting Techniques

Mitt the Family employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern uses double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working in the round, which is the standard method for creating seamless mittens. The construction involves thumb gusset shaping to create a properly fitted thumb opening, marked with stitch markers during the knitting process. Knitters will work with increases and decreases to shape the thumb gusset and mitten cap, using make-one stitches and knit-two-together reductions.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The mittens feature a reversible stitch pattern that repeats over a multiple of 3 stitches. The pattern alternates between purl rounds and mixed knit-purl rounds to create the distinctive textured appearance:

• Round 1: Purl all stitches
• Round 2: Purl 1, knit 1, purl 1 (repeat across)

This simple two-round repeat creates the 'nubby' pinstripe texture on one side while producing a textured rib on the reverse, making these mittens reversible and visually interesting from either direction. The intermediate difficulty rating reflects the need to manage the stitch pattern consistency while simultaneously working thumb gusset increases and eventual decreases for the mitten cap.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for DK weight yarn in quantities ranging from 50 meters (55 yards) for the Toddler size up to 120 meters (132 yards) for the Large size. The sample mittens were created using Blacker Swan Falkland Islands DK, a natural fiber option that provides excellent stitch definition for displaying the textured pattern.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need 4mm (US 6) double-pointed needles for working the mittens in the round. Additional supplies include three stitch markers—two in a matching color to specifically mark the thumb gusset increases—and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working in the stitch pattern. Achieving accurate gauge is important for obtaining the correct mitten size and ensuring proper fit across the different size options.