Passport Mitts

Passport Mitts by Carol Herman

What is Being Made

Passport Mitts are elegant fingerless mitts designed as a stylish accessory for everyday wear and gift-giving. These mitts are a companion piece to The Wayfarer Hat, creating a coordinated collection. The pattern offers two sizes—Women's Small and Women's Large—with hand circumferences of 6 ½ inches (16.5 cm) and 7 ½ inches (19.1 cm) respectively at the widest part of the hand. The mitts measure approximately 7 ¾ inches (19.7 cm) in length and are constructed with zero to negative ease for a snug, secure fit.

Knitting Techniques and Skills

This beginner-friendly pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques that build essential skills. Knitters will practice working in the round, a core technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. The pattern includes knitting through the back loop, which creates textural variation and twisted stitches. Cable work adds visual interest and sophistication to the design. Additional techniques include the Backwards-Loop Cast-On for starting stitches, picking up stitches to add new sections, and various increases and decreases.

Stitches Used

The Passport Mitts pattern employs a variety of essential knitting stitches to achieve its finished structure and design. Knitters will work with k2tog (knit two together) and p2tog (purl two together) for decreasing stitches. M1 (make one) and kfb (knit front and back) are used for increasing stitches, allowing the pattern to shape the mitts to fit the hand comfortably. Cable stitches create the decorative elements that give these mitts their elegant appearance.

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Passport Mitts are designed to be worked in DK or Sport weight yarn, offering versatility in yarn selection. Approximately 200 yards (183 meters) of yarn is required to complete the project. The sample shown is crafted in Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino in white, a 100% Merino fiber that provides softness and durability. This yarn is available at 306 yards per 100 grams, making it an excellent choice for this fingerless mitt project.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US size 2 (2.75 mm) and US size 3 (3.25 mm), or the appropriate needle size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Knitters may substitute their preferred style of needles, such as circular needles or other methods for working in the round, as long as the correct gauge is maintained. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the intended fit and snug circumference of the finished mitts.