Doric Mitts

Doric Mitts by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

The Doric Mitts are a pair of fingerless mittens designed by Becky Herrick and published by Sugar Tree Designs. These mitts are available in five sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large, with hand circumference measurements from 5 inches (12.5 cm) to 9 inches (23 cm) and total lengths from 6 inches (15 cm) to 9.5 inches (24 cm). The pattern includes colorway suggestions for men's, women's, and children's versions, making these versatile mitts suitable for various recipients and occasions.

Techniques and Construction

The Doric Mitts showcase a distinctive construction method that sets them apart from standard mitten patterns. The mitts are worked inside out during the knitting process, which simplifies the construction and makes the project more accessible to intermediate knitters. This technique allows the knitter to work in a more intuitive direction while still achieving the desired finished appearance.

The design features reverse stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, combined with columns of twisted stitches that create visual interest without adding significant complexity. These simple, clean lines are inspired by Doric columns from classical architecture, embodying the philosophy that sometimes simplicity is best. The twisted stitch columns allow the beautiful characteristics of the yarn to become the focal point of the finished mitts.

Stitches Used

• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Forms the main fabric base, creating a smooth, refined surface that showcases the yarn's qualities
• Twisted Stitches: Worked in vertical columns throughout the design, adding subtle texture and visual definition
• Stockinette Stitch: Referenced in the gauge measurement, indicating standard knit and purl techniques are employed

Materials and Yarn

The Doric Mitts pattern calls for Malabrigo Silky Merino yarn, a luxury blend consisting of 51% silk and 49% merino wool. This yarn is available in 150-yard skeins weighing 50 grams, and only one skein is required to complete the project. The yardage needed varies by size, ranging from 55 yards for the extra-small size to 146 yards for the extra-large size, making this an economical project that uses minimal yarn.

The pattern provides specific colorway recommendations: Manzanilla Olive for men's versions, Pradera for women's versions, and Bahia for children's versions. These carefully selected colors are chosen to complement the elegant construction and allow the silk-merino blend to shine through.

Knitting needles required include US5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles or preferred circular needles, worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 35 rows per 4-inch square in stockinette stitch. Additional notions include scrap yarn or a stitch holder, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and three markers including one unique marker to denote the start of each round.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Doric Mitts are suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore more refined construction methods. The inside-out working technique and twisted stitch columns provide gentle challenges without overwhelming newer intermediate knitters.