Starstuff

Starstuff Fingerless Mitts by Amy van de Laar

What is Being Made

Starstuff is a pair of fingerless mitts designed by independent designer Amy van de Laar. Named in honour of astronomer and science communicator Carl Sagan, these mitts feature a starry stranded knit pattern. Fingerless mitts are practical hand coverings that keep the wearer warm while allowing full finger mobility for tasks such as using phones, handling small objects, turning pages, and other detailed work. The open-finger design makes them ideal for active use while maintaining warmth.

Craft and Techniques

Starstuff is created using the knitting craft. The primary technique employed is stranded knitting, also known as fair isle knitting, which involves working with two colours simultaneously to create the starry pattern. In stranded knitting, the yarn not in use is carried across the back of the work, creating a dense, insulating fabric with a reversible pattern on both sides. This technique is classified as advanced difficulty, requiring experience with managing multiple colours and maintaining even tension throughout the work.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch details are not fully outlined in the available pattern information, the stranded colourwork technique uses standard knit stitches worked in alternating colours to build the star motif against a contrasting background. The mitts are worked in the round, which can be accomplished using either double-pointed needles (dpns) or circular needles with the magic loop method, allowing knitters to choose their preferred small-circumference knitting approach.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Starstuff is designed for 4-ply yarn, also referred to as fingering or sock weight yarn. The pattern requires:

• Star colour (SC): 80 yards
• Background colour (BC): 95 yards

The designer used Zealana Kauri Fingering yarn in two colourways: 'Kea' for the star colour (77 yards) and 'Blue Pania' for the background colour (94 yards). Less than one ball of Zealana Kauri in each colour is required to complete the project. The pattern notes that a possum-blend yarn provides exceptional warmth, making it an excellent fibre choice for these mitts.

Needles

The pattern calls for 2.75mm needles (US size 2, UK size 12). Knitters may use either double-pointed needles or circular needles with the magic loop technique, depending on personal preference. Needle size adjustment is recommended if necessary to achieve the correct gauge for the project.