Rowan Mittens

Rowan Mittens by Dagmar Mora

What Is Being Made

Rowan Mittens are thick and warm mittens designed to keep your hands cosy during chilly autumn days. Named after the rowan tree, these mittens feature a stitch pattern reminiscent of the distinct pinnate leaves characteristic of the rowan tree. The rowan tree is celebrated for its vibrant autumn colours, and the name "Rowan" is thought to derive from the proto-Germanic word raudnian, which means "getting red"—making these mittens an ideal accessory for the cooler seasons.

Sizes and Fit

Rowan Mittens are available in Women's sizes Small, Medium, and Large, accommodating hands with a circumference of approximately 17.5cm (6⅞"), 19cm (7½"), and 20.5cm (8") respectively.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques. The mittens are constructed using cast-on methods to establish the initial stitches, and incorporate yarn-over increases to create decorative elements within the stitch pattern. Knitting through the back of the loop is used selectively to add texture and definition to specific areas of the design.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Knit through back of loop (k1tbl): Creates twisted stitches for textural variation
• Yarn over (yo): Generates decorative increases and openwork elements within the leaf-inspired stitch pattern
• Inc2 and Inc2tbl: Specialized increase techniques that work {k1, yo, k1} or {k1tbl, yo, k1tbl} into the same stitch, creating 2 stitches from 1 and producing the characteristic pinnate leaf motif

Materials and Tools

Rowan Mittens are knitted using aran weight yarn, with yardage requirements of 154m (168 yards) for size Small, and 308m (336 yards) for sizes Medium and Large. The pattern recommends yarn such as Wendy Traditional Aran. Knitting needles appropriate for aran weight yarn are required to complete this project.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate knitting project, Rowan Mittens require familiarity with basic knitting techniques as well as comfort working with yarn-over increases and stitch pattern repeats.