Product Description
These fun little mittens are knit in the round on long circular needles, although you can use whatever method you prefer. The double start cast on is used to make a stretchy cuff that will still fit snug around your wrist. The ribbing used in the pattern makes for a super squishy fabric that feels lovely on your hand. The lace pattern is very easy to memorize and the bobbles are fun to knit. These mittens are sure to work up in no time and use only 100 yards (92 meters) of DK weight yarn making them a great stash buster.
Cranberry Trails Fingerless Mittens by Paula Drouillard
What is Being Made
The Cranberry Trails Fingerless Mittens are a pair of knitted hand coverings designed for adults in three sizes to fit hand circumferences of 7, 7.75, and 8.5 inches (17.5, 19.7, and 21.6 centimeters). These fingerless mittens feature an open-hand design that allows full finger mobility while providing warmth to the palm and back of the hand, making them practical for cooler weather when dexterity is needed.
Techniques Used
This knitting pattern incorporates several intermediate techniques that elevate it beyond basic knitting fundamentals. The pattern employs the magic loop method, a technique for working small circumference projects on circular needles, which is particularly useful for creating seamless mittens. Knitters will also practice lace knitting to create decorative openwork sections, bobble construction for textured embellishments, and thumb gusset shaping to ensure a proper fit around the hand. Additional skills include the double-start cast-on for creating a secure foundation and picking up stitches to join sections seamlessly.
Stitches Used
The pattern features stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knit appearance. The pattern also incorporates specialized stitches including knit one below (k1b), a technique where the needle is inserted into the space directly below the next stitch to create unique textural effects. Lace stitches are integrated into the design to create openwork patterns characteristic of the Cranberry Trails aesthetic.
Materials
Approximately 25 grams of yarn totaling 100 yards (92 meters) is required to complete this project. The pattern calls for DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn suitable for creating delicate, well-fitted garments. The sample shown uses De Rerum Natura Ulysse French Merino Wool in the Dragon colorway, which provides 202 yards (185 meters) per 50-gram skein. Knitters will need US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles or double-pointed needles for the ribbed cuff sections and US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles or double-pointed needles for the main body, with needle size adjustable to achieve proper gauge. Additional notions include three stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and the ability to work with either circular needles using the magic loop technique or traditional double-pointed needles.
Gauge and Sizing
The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows equaling 2 inches (5 centimeters) when worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the mittens fit correctly across all three available sizes.
Difficulty Level
Despite incorporating advanced techniques, this pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for knitters who have mastered basic skills and are ready to explore intermediate methods like magic loop and lace knitting in a manageable project.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | DK | Light Worsted, Sport |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Paula Drouillard |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
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