Sturbridge Fingerless Mitts

Sturbridge Fingerless Mitts by Linda Lehman

What is Being Made

The Sturbridge Fingerless Mitts are long fingerless gloves designed to provide arm coverage while leaving the fingers free. These wearable accessories are crafted as a fairly intricate knitting pattern that offers both style and functionality. The design features exceptional elasticity in the horizontal direction, allowing a single pattern size to accommodate a wide range of wearer sizes from small to 1X, with the primary variation being how far up the arm the gloves extend based on the wearer's dimensions.

Techniques and Construction

This fingerless mitt pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that elevate it beyond basic projects. The construction utilizes cable knitting, which creates the intricate textured details characteristic of the design. The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, a technique that allows for seamless construction and consistent stitch definition throughout the gloves. The horizontal elasticity built into the pattern design is a key feature that enables the one-size-fits-most approach, meaning the gloves will stretch and conform to different arm circumferences without requiring multiple size variations.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary stitch base, which provides a smooth, classic fabric foundation. Cable stitches are worked into the design to create the intricate, textured pattern elements that define the visual appeal of these fingerless mitts. The combination of these stitches creates both visual interest and the structural elasticity that makes the pattern so versatile across different sizes.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: 350–400 yards of heavy tightly plied weight fingering yarn or light tightly plied sport yarn. The yarn weight and tight ply construction contribute to the durability and elasticity of the finished gloves.
• Needles: Two 24-inch circular needles in size #3 (or as needed to achieve proper gauge)
• Additional Tools: One cable needle for working cable stitches and 2–4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Gauge: 6¼ stitches equals 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the proper fit and elasticity

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Sturbridge Fingerless Mitts are suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with cables and more complex stitch patterns. While the pattern requires extra work compared to beginner projects, the designer emphasizes that the finished gloves are worth the effort, offering both an enjoyable knitting experience and practical, stylish wearables.