Helena

Helena Mittens by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren

What is Being Made

Helena is a pair of textured mittens designed for adult hands in three size options: small, medium, and large. These mittens are engineered to keep hands warm during chilly weather while remaining quick to complete. The finished mittens feature a palm circumference of approximately 17 cm (6¾"), 19 cm (7½"), or 21 cm (8¼") depending on size selection. The design showcases a decorative basketweave pattern on the back of the hand, adding visual interest to this practical accessory.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs fundamental techniques suitable for beginner knitters. The mittens are worked in the round using either double pointed needles or circular needles, a method that creates seamless fabric and eliminates the need for seaming. Key techniques include casting on, working in the round with stocking stitch as the base fabric, executing the basketweave texture pattern on the back, increasing stitches to shape the hand and thumb, picking up stitches for the cuff or opening, and casting off to finish edges. Weaving in ends completes the project.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes basic knitting stitches accessible to beginners. Stocking stitch (knit stitches on the right side, purl stitches on the wrong side when working flat, or continuous knit stitches when working in the round) forms the primary fabric. The basketweave pattern on the back is created through a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged to produce the characteristic textured appearance. Increases are incorporated to shape the mittens appropriately for the hand and thumb sections.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern requires 60 grams for small, 70 grams for medium, or 80 grams for large mittens, using double knit (DK) weight yarn with approximately 220 meters per 100 grams. The sample shown uses Hooligan yarns Cindy and Spice, a Corriedale and alpaca blend in the fawn colorway. This yarn is DK weight, 100% wool content, with yardage of 165 meters or 181 yards per 100 grams.

Needles: The project calls for 4.0 mm (US size 6) double pointed needles or circular needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round. A 60 cm (24") circular needle length is suggested for this application.

Notions and Tools: Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and sections, and safety pins or waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 30 rows over 10 cm (4") measured in stocking stitch after blocking. Achieving this gauge is essential for mittens to fit properly. The three size options accommodate different adult hand sizes, with stitch counts provided for each size to ensure proper fit and finished circumference.