Lydia's Mittens & Headband

Lydia's Mittens & Headband by Bonnie Bay Crochet

Project Overview

Lydia's Mittens & Headband is an elegant crochet set designed by Bonnie Bay Crochet, featuring a coordinated pair of mittens and matching headband. This intermediate-level project celebrates luxury fibers and can be completed over a weekend, making it an ideal handmade gift. The design showcases the natural beauty of premium yarn blends through thoughtful stitch selection and post-stitch techniques.

What Is Being Made

This pattern provides instructions for creating a complete winter accessory set consisting of two mittens and one coordinating headband. The mittens are designed to fit comfortably while the headband complements the set with matching construction and aesthetic appeal. Together, these pieces create a cohesive, luxurious gift set suitable for special occasions or personal use.

Yarn & Materials

The pattern recommends Lydia's Opulence Fingering Yarn in the colorway "Birds of a Feather," which features a premium blend of 70% Alpaca, 20% Silk, and 10% Cashmere with yardage of 437 yards per 100 grams. One hank provides sufficient yardage to complete both mittens and the headband. Alternatively, SweetGeorgia Cashluxe Fine can be substituted, offering 70% Merino Wool, 20% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon with approximately 400 yards per 366 grams (4.1 oz). The yarn weight is fingering weight (4-ply), creating a delicate, refined fabric suitable for fitted accessories.

A size G crochet hook (6/4.00 mm) is required for this project. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in loose ends after completion.

Crochet Techniques & Stitches

This intermediate project utilizes a variety of crochet techniques to create visual interest and texture. The pattern incorporates post-stitch methods, which are worked around the post of previous stitches rather than into the top loops, creating a dimensional, ribbed effect.

• Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc) – worked around the back of the stitch post to create raised texture
• Back Post Treble Crochet (bptr) – a taller back post stitch for deeper dimensional effects
• Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) – worked around the front of the stitch post for contrasting raised texture
• Front Post Treble Crochet (fptr) – a taller front post stitch creating prominent surface definition
• Single Crochet (sc) – the foundation stitch providing structure and density
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – a medium-height stitch used for fabric body
• Treble Crochet (tr) – a tall stitch creating openness and drape
• Slip Stitch (slip st) – used for joining rounds and seamless transitions
• Yarn Over (yo) – the fundamental technique underlying all crochet stitches

The pattern also employs space (sp) references and skip (sk) instructions, indicating that the design likely features stitch patterns with deliberate gaps or skipped stitches for texture or lace effects. The combination of post stitches with standard stitches creates a sophisticated, three-dimensional fabric that showcases the luxury yarn's sheen and drape.

Skill Level & Construction

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and comfort working with post-stitch techniques. The intermediate classification reflects the use of front and back post stitches, which demand precise stitch placement and tension control. Despite the technical elements, the project is designed to be achievable within a weekend timeframe, making it accessible to experienced beginners and intermediate crocheters.

The use of fingering-weight yarn with a size G hook creates a refined, fitted fabric ideal for mittens and headbands that require structure without excessive bulk. The premium fiber content—alpaca, silk, cashmere, or merino wool blends—provides natural elasticity and drape, enhancing the finished garment's comfort and appearance.