Tartanesque mitts

Tartanesque Mitts by Atelier des Glenettes

Project Overview

Tartanesque mitts are a pair of textured knitted hand coverings designed by independent designer Atelier des Glenettes. These mitts feature a distinctive textured pattern that creates visual interest while maintaining a practical, wearable design. Available in three sizes to accommodate different hand dimensions, these mitts are an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with foundational knitting skills.

What Is Being Made

The Tartanesque mitts are fingerless hand coverings that extend from the wrist to mid-hand. The design includes a fitted wrist section and a hand section featuring a textured motif pattern. Three size options are provided:

• Small (S): 8 cm (3 ¼ inches) wide and 15 cm (6 inches) long
• Medium (M): 9 cm (3 ½ inches) wide and 17 cm (6 ¾ inches) long
• Large (L): 10 cm (4 inches) wide and 20 cm (8 inches) long

Knitting Techniques Used

The Tartanesque mitts employ several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The project begins with casting on using the specified stitch count, followed by circular knitting worked in the round using circular needles. This seamless construction method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. Stitch markers are used to denote the beginning of each round and to track pattern repeats, ensuring accurate stitch placement throughout the project. The mitts incorporate increases using the kfb (knit into the front and back) technique to shape the hand section as needed.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The wrist section is worked in 2x2 ribbing (*k 2, p 2*), which creates an elastic, fitted cuff that hugs the wrist comfortably. The ribbed texture is achieved by alternating knit and purl stitches in a two-stitch repeat pattern. The hand section features a textured motif pattern that provides visual interest and dimension. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that serves as the foundation for the textured pattern elements. The gauge for stockinette stitch is 24 stitches by 32 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when worked on 3.5 mm needles and blocked.

Materials and Tools

The Tartanesque mitts are knitted using DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition and drape. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 90 meters (100 yards), Medium requires 110 meters (120 yards), and Large requires 130 meters (150 yards). The pattern sample shown in the original design was worked in (Vi)laines Tordues DK yarn. Circular needles measuring 3.5 mm (US #4) are used throughout the project to facilitate seamless in-the-round knitting. Two stitch markers are required to track rounds and pattern repeats. Blocking after completion helps set the gauge and even out the textured pattern for a polished final result.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Tartanesque mitts require competency with basic knitting techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, circular knitting, and reading simple stitch patterns. The textured motif pattern adds complexity beyond beginner projects but remains accessible to knitters with some experience.