Tea Time

Tea Time Fingerless Mitts by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

Tea Time is a pair of fingerless mitts designed by Becky Herrick, available in two sizes: small and large. These elegant mitts feature a length of 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) and hand circumferences of 7.25 inches (18.5 cm) for the small size and 8.25 inches (21 cm) for the large size. The mitts are inspired by the aesthetic of old-fashioned tea time, combining delicate lace work with functional buttoned cuffs that evoke the charm of vintage afternoon tea traditions.

Techniques and Construction

Tea Time employs a thoughtful two-stage construction method that prioritizes the lace pattern throughout the design. The cuffs are knit first as the foundation of each mitt. Once the cuff stitches are completed, new stitches are picked up along one edge to begin working the hand section in the round. This approach allows the lace pattern to flow continuously across the back of the hand without interruption. An afterthought thumb technique is used, meaning the thumb is added after the main body is complete, ensuring that the delicate lace motif remains unbroken across the back of the hand where it is most visible.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout Tea Time is stockinette stitch, which serves as the base fabric. The mitts feature lace work that covers the back of each hand, creating an openwork design characteristic of delicate, feminine fingerless mitts. The construction also incorporates buttonholes in the cuffs to accommodate the six decorative buttons that close the mitt openings.

Materials and Specifications

Tea Time is worked in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% Targhee-Columbia wool. Each skein contains 140 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern shown uses the colorway Faded Quilt and requires 2 skeins, with yardage totaling 149 yards for the small size and 169 yards for the large size.

The recommended needles are US 6/4mm double-pointed needles (dpns) or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. Additional notions include 6 buttons measuring 0.5 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scrap yarn or a stitch holder for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 19.5 stitches and 30 rows per 4-inch (10 cm) square in stockinette stitch. Tea Time is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with lace patterns, double-pointed needles, and picking up stitches.