Leafy Squares Fingerless Mitts

Leafy Squares Fingerless Mitts by Sharon Slarke

Project Overview

The Leafy Squares Fingerless Mitts are a pair of warm, fingerless hand coverings designed to showcase an elegant leafy squares stitch pattern running along the back of each mitt. This downloadable knitting pattern combines functionality with decorative stitch work, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking to add texture and visual interest to a practical accessory. The fingerless design allows for freedom of movement while the mitts provide warmth to the hands and wrists during cooler weather.

Design Features and Stitch Pattern

The distinctive leafy squares pattern featured on these mitts originates from volume three of a 1980s English knitting series called Creative Knitting. This vintage stitch pattern brings a classic, timeless aesthetic to the project. The combination of the leafy squares motif with the functional fingerless construction creates a balanced design that is both decorative and wearable. The pattern incorporates special abbreviations including M1R (make one right), M1L (make one left), and M3 (make three stitches into one stitch), which are techniques used to create the dimensional leafy elements within the squares.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its finished design. The base construction uses Stockinette Stitch, which provides a smooth, classic fabric foundation. The leafy squares pattern is created using increase techniques, specifically right-leaning increases (M1R) and left-leaning increases (M1L), which are strategically placed to form the decorative motif. The M3 technique, which creates three stitches from a single stitch, adds dimensional texture and complexity to the pattern. Knitters will work with double-pointed needles in the round, requiring familiarity with circular knitting techniques and marker placement to track pattern repeats and stitch sections.

Finished Measurements

• Length: 25.5cm (10 inches)
• Hand Circumference: Two sizes available—17cm (6¾ inches) and 19.5cm (7¾ inches) unstretched

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Leafy Squares Fingerless Mitts are designed to be worked in Aran weight yarn (also known as 10ply), requiring a total of 2 balls of yarn. The pattern specifically recommends Heirloom Shetland 10ply, with each 50g ball providing approximately 80 meters (87½ yards) of 100% wool fiber. However, the pattern is versatile and can be worked with any Aran or 10ply yarn of similar yardage and fiber content. The recommended needle size is 5mm double-pointed needles, though knitters should select the needle size that achieves the correct gauge with their chosen yarn.

Gauge and Construction Notes

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when working Stockinette Stitch using 5mm double-pointed needles. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch and measure carefully before beginning the project, as gauge variations will affect the finished fit of the mitts. The pattern is worked in the round using double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless construction and continuous circular knitting.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic knitting skills. The intermediate classification reflects the use of specialized increase techniques, the leafy squares stitch pattern, and the requirement to work in the round with double-pointed needles. Knitters comfortable with these techniques will find this project manageable and rewarding.