Ametrine Mitts

Ametrine Mitts by Mandy Spoth

What is Being Made

The Ametrine Mitts are a pair of knitted gloves designed to fit most adults, with a finished circumference of 7.5 inches (19 cm) and a length of 8.5 inches (21.5 cm). Named after ametrine, a variety of quartz containing both amethyst and citrine, these mitts feature a distinctive color-shifting design that brings visual clarity and beauty to your hand wear. The pattern allows for size adjustments by modifying the gauge to accommodate different hand sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Ametrine Mitts are constructed using charted colorwork, a technique that creates intricate patterned designs through the use of multiple yarn colors worked from a visual chart. The mitts employ a gradual color shift technique, incorporating up to six contrasting colors that transition smoothly throughout the piece. This creates a sophisticated ombre or gradient effect reminiscent of the natural color variations found in ametrine gemstones.

The project is worked in the round using double-pointed needles (DPNs), a traditional method for creating seamless tubular garments like mittens and gloves. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a more polished, professional finish.

Stitches Used

The Ametrine Mitts utilize stockinette stitch as the foundation, worked over a charted pattern. The charted pattern guides the placement of contrasting colors to create the colorwork design. The specific stitch pattern is worked at a gauge of 7.5 stitches per 1 inch (2.5 cm) when measured over the charted pattern, ensuring proper fit and drape.

Materials Required

Yarn: Nature Spun Sport by Brown Sheep, a 100% wool yarn in sport weight. You will need approximately 130 yards of the main color (Gray Heather N03S) and a combination of contrasting colors totaling between 15 to 75 yards, depending on how many contrast colors you choose to use.

Recommended Contrast Colors:

• CC1: Sunburst Gold 308S
• CC2: French Clay N17S
• CC3: Bordeaux 200S
• CC4: Spiced Plum 142S
• CC5: Amethyst N62S
• CC6: Mountain Purple N80S

If using fewer than six contrast colors, plan on having approximately 75 yards total of contrasting yarn. The contrasting yarns are used in order, beginning with CC1, to create the gradual color transition.

Needles: A set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size US 2.5 (3.00 mm), or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge of 7.5 stitches per 1 inch.

Difficulty Level

The Ametrine Mitts are rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the skills required to work charted colorwork patterns and manage multiple yarn colors while knitting in the round with DPNs. Knitters should be comfortable reading charts and carrying yarn colors while maintaining even tension.