Meadow Mill

Meadow Mill Knitted Mitts by Joan Forgione

What is Being Made

Meadow Mill is a pair of knitted mitts designed by Joan Forgione, an independent designer. The mitts are named after an iconic Baltimore mill built in the late 1800s that was renowned for producing 80% of the world's cotton duck, twine, yarn, lampwick, sheeting, shirting, and calico. These fingerless mitts feature slip-stitch patterning that evokes a brocade-like texture, reminiscent of the finely-milled fabrics produced during the mill's height.

Finished Measurements

• Hand circumference: 7¾" [19cm]

Techniques Used

Meadow Mill employs several knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Knitting in the round: The mitts are constructed using circular knitting methods, which creates seamless fabric ideal for fitted hand garments
• Slip-stitch knitting: This technique forms the primary textural element of the design, creating a brocade-like surface that pays homage to the historical mill's textile heritage
• Reading colorwork charts: Optional colorwork elements are available for crafters who wish to add additional visual interest to their mitts

Stitches Used

The pattern centers on slip-stitch colorwork, a technique that creates dimensional, textured patterns without requiring complex color changes. This stitch method produces the brocade-like appearance characteristic of the design while remaining accessible to intermediate-level knitters.

Yarn and Materials

Meadow Mill is worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for the slip-stitch patterning. The pattern requires needles appropriate for DK weight yarn in the round, allowing knitters to achieve the specified gauge of 25 stitches and 52 rounds over 4 inches [10cm] in slip-stitch pattern, blocked. Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to achieve the correct gauge for proper fit.

Difficulty Level

Meadow Mill is rated as an intermediate project, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting and basic colorwork techniques. The slip-stitch method, while creating an impressive visual effect, is manageable for experienced beginners to intermediate crafters.

Pattern Format

This design is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, an original Paper Moon Knits design by Joan Forgione, protected by copyright.