Moa

Moa Lacy Fingerless Mitt by Åsa Tricosa

What is Being Made

Moa is a lacy fingerless mitt designed by Åsa Tricosa. This knitted accessory features an open-hand design that leaves the fingers and palm exposed while providing warmth and coverage to the wrist and back of the hand. The mitt is worked in a single size (M/L) with a hand circumference of approximately 19.5 cm (7¾ inches) and a total length of approximately 21 cm (8¼ inches).

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Moa is knitted top-down in the round, a construction method that allows for seamless shaping and easy customization. The cuff can be lengthened by adding as many lace pattern repeats as desired, making this design adaptable to personal preference and fit requirements. The pattern offers two design variations: an all-over lace option throughout the mitt, or an alternative version featuring ribbing in the palm area for added structure and grip.

This fingerless mitt can be worked using either circular needles or the magic loop technique, providing flexibility in needle choice and making it accessible to knitters with different equipment preferences.

Stitches and Lace Pattern

The primary stitch technique used in Moa is lace knitting, which creates an openwork fabric through strategic yarn-overs and decreases. The lace pattern is worked in repeating rounds, allowing knitters to customize the cuff depth by adjusting the number of pattern repeats. The alternative palm variation incorporates ribbing, which typically uses knit and purl stitches in alternating columns to create vertical texture and elasticity.

Yarn and Materials

Moa is designed for 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn, requiring approximately 135–185 meters (150–200 yards) of yarn. The pattern provides specific yarn recommendations including Wollmeise Blend (a merino, cashmere, and nylon blend), Posh Yarn Miranda Sock (alpaca, silk, and cashmere blend), and Drops Alpaca (100% alpaca). Alternative yarn suggestions include Dibadu Twisted Fifties, Malabrigo Sock, Posh Yarn Elinor Sock, and Wollmeise Pure. Any sock, fingering, or sport weight yarn that knits to the specified gauge is suitable for this project.

The pattern is worked on 2.5 mm (US 1½) circular needles measuring 80–100 cm (32–40 inches) in length. Additional notions required include 2 stitch markers, a stitch holder, and 2 short double-pointed needles for finishing the finger openings.

Difficulty Level

Moa is rated as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting, lace techniques, and basic shaping. The top-down construction and customizable cuff length make this design both achievable and rewarding for intermediate-level crafters.