Corundum Mittens

Corundum Mittens by Mandy Spoth

What is Being Made

The Corundum Mittens are a pair of adult-sized knitted mittens designed by Mandy Spoth. Named after the mineral corundum—which forms rubies when red—these mittens measure 8.25 inches (20.5 cm) in finished circumference and 9.5 inches (24 cm) in length, fitting most adults comfortably. The finished size can be adjusted by modifying gauge for larger or smaller hand sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

These mittens employ several advanced knitting techniques that elevate them beyond basic mitten construction. The mittens begin with an i-cord cast on, a decorative and structured foundation method that creates a finished edge without requiring a separate bind-off for the cuff. The pattern incorporates charted colorwork, allowing knitters to follow a visual pattern guide for precise stitch placement. The mittens conclude with checkerboard decreases, a decorative decrease technique that creates a geometric pattern as stitches are reduced toward the fingertips, adding visual interest to the crown of the mittens.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Corundum Mittens utilize fundamental knitting stitches combined in a charted pattern. Key stitches employed include:

• Knit (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches, particularly in the charted pattern
• Knit Front and Back (KFB) – an increase stitch for shaping
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Purl Two Together (P2tog) – a decrease worked in purl
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease used in the checkerboard decrease sequence
• Slip (Sl) – used to move stitches on the needle without working them

The pattern is worked from a charted pattern measured over the colorwork section, with gauge specified as 7.75 stitches per 1 inch (2.5 cm) when measured over the charted pattern.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The Corundum Mittens are knitted using Berocco Ultra Alpaca Light, a sport-weight yarn composed of 50% alpaca and 50% wool. This fiber blend provides warmth, softness, and durability. The pattern calls for two colors: Salt & Pepper #4207 as the main color (MC) and Redwood Mix #4281 as the contrasting color (CC). One skein of each color is required, with each skein containing 50 grams (1.75 ounces) and yielding 144 yards (132 meters).

Needles: The mittens are worked on double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US size 1.5 (2.5 mm), or a size adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge of 7.75 stitches per inch over the charted pattern. The use of DPNs allows for seamless, circular knitting in the round.

Notions: Additional supplies needed include a stitch marker for tracking rounds, a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming if needed, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Difficulty Level

The Corundum Mittens are rated as an advanced knitting project. This classification reflects the combination of techniques required: proficiency with i-cord cast-on methods, the ability to read and follow a charted colorwork pattern, and skill in executing decorative decreases such as the checkerboard decrease sequence. Knitters should have solid foundational skills in circular knitting, color work, and shaping before attempting this pattern.