Reversie

Reversie: Stylish Mitts & Ear Warmer Set by Char Kohl

Project Overview

Reversie is a reversible knitted headwear and mittens set designed by Char Kohl. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a coordinated pair of mittens and an ear warmer, both featuring a clever reversible construction with no defined right or wrong side. The set is worked in aran weight yarn, making it a quick and satisfying project suitable for knitters with some experience.

What Is Being Made

The Reversie pattern includes two main components:

• Mittens: A pair of reversible mittens in one size that fits most hands, featuring thumb gusset shaping for a custom fit
• Ear Warmer: A coordinating headwear piece designed to complement the mittens

Materials Required

This project uses premium yarn in aran weight. The pattern calls for Sublime cashmere, merino, and silk blend yarn in aran weight, with a total yardage requirement of 282 yards across 3 skeins. Alternatively, knitters may substitute any worsted weight yarn of their choice.

Essential tools and notions include:

• US size 5 and US size 7 double-pointed needles (dpns), or size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Small stitch holder for managing stitches during construction
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming

Knitting Techniques Used

The Reversie pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Circular knitting on double-pointed needles: The mittens and ear warmer are constructed in the round using dpns, which allows for seamless construction and the reversible design
• Thumb gusset shaping: Increases are strategically placed to create room for the thumb, ensuring proper fit and comfort
• Increases using M1L and M1R: The pattern utilizes make-one-left (M1L) and make-one-right (M1R) increases, which are worked by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting through the loop. M1L creates a left-slanting increase by lifting the strand front to back and knitting through the back loop, while M1R creates a right-slanting increase by lifting the strand back to front and knitting through the front loop. These directional increases are used in pairs to create balanced, decorative shaping
• Stitch pattern work: The cuff features a textured pattern combining knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence
• Gauge management: Working with two needle sizes allows the knitter to achieve the correct gauge, with size 5 needles used for the cuff and size 7 needles for the body

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch for the mitt body, creating a smooth, classic fabric. Gauge is measured at 5 stitches and 7 rows per inch in stockinette stitch using the size 7 needle
• Knit stitch (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of stockinette and appears throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P): Used in the cuff pattern to create texture and visual contrast
• Make-one increases (M1L and M1R): Directional increases that add stitches for shaping without creating visible holes, essential for the thumb gusset

Pattern Structure and Skill Level

Reversie is rated as an intermediate-level pattern, appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with shaping and stitch manipulation. The pattern requires understanding of in-the-round construction, working with multiple needles, and executing increases in a coordinated manner. The reversible design adds interest while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

Sizing and Gauge

The mittens are designed in one size that fits most hands. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of