Share a pair handwarmers

Share a Pair Handwarmers by Kelly Spenhoff

Product Overview

Share a Pair handwarmers are a creative knitted accessory designed by Kelly Spenhoff that allows two people to share warmth by buttoning the pieces together. These intermediate-level knitted handwarmers feature a unique construction that combines individual hand coverings into a connected pair, making them a thoughtful and functional gift or personal project.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a set of two knitted handwarmers designed to be worn individually or buttoned together as a connected pair. The finished handwarmers measure 8 inches (20.5 cm) in length when buttoned together, with a width of 4 inches (10 cm) at the hand for the small size, or 5 inches (13 cm) at the hand for the large size. These are hand-covering accessories rather than full gloves or mittens, providing warmth while allowing finger mobility.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and structural complexity to the handwarmers. The design incorporates a decorative motif created through a combination of decreases and yarn overs, which creates a textured pattern element. Knitters will work in the round using double-pointed needles, a technique that requires comfort with managing multiple needles simultaneously. The pattern also involves picking up and knitting stitches, a skill essential for attaching cuffs or edgings to the main body of the handwarmers.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Share a Pair handwarmers utilize a variety of knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• k3tog (knit 3 together) and p3tog (purl 3 together) are decrease stitches used to shape the handwarmers and create the decorative motif
• m1 (make one) is an increase stitch that adds stitches where needed for shaping
• kfb (knit front and back) provides another method for increasing stitches
• Cable cast on creates a sturdy, finished edge to begin the project
• The pattern features a custom make motif (MM) abbreviation that combines p3tog with k3tog in a specific sequence to create a textured design element

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5 stitches per 1 inch (2.5 cm) in stockinette stitch. Two sizes are provided: small and large, allowing knitters to customize the fit of their handwarmers. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring the handwarmers fit properly when buttoned together.

Materials and Yarn

The Share a Pair handwarmers are designed to be knitted using worsted weight yarn, specifically Stitch Nation Full o' Sheep, which is composed of 100% Peruvian wool. One skein each of two coordinating colors (the original pattern calls for Plummy and Meadow colorways, though these are noted as discontinued) provides sufficient yardage at 155 yards per 100 grams. This yarn weight and fiber content create a warm, durable fabric suitable for handwarmers.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need US9 double-pointed needles, or the size required to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily, needle and thread for sewing, and 2 buttons for fastening the handwarmers together. The pattern recommends purchasing buttons after knitting is complete to ensure proper fit and aesthetic coordination.

Construction and Assembly

The handwarmers are constructed by knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, which creates seamless tubes. The pattern involves picking up and knitting stitches to add cuffs or edgings, and the two handwarmers are finished with buttons that allow them to be buttoned together into a connected pair. This clever construction method means the handwarmers can function as individual accessories or be joined for shared warmth.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate project, the Share a Pair handwarmers are suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are comfortable working with double-pointed needles and in the round. The