Thistle Handwarmers

Thistle Handwarmers by MunroSisters3

What is Being Made

The Thistle Handwarmers are a pair of knitted fingerless gloves or mittens designed by Fiona Munro from MunroSisters3. These handwarmers feature a decorative thistle motif and are available in two sizes: Small with a 6.5" circumference around the knuckles, and Medium with an 8" circumference. The design showcases colorwork techniques with a charted thistle pattern worked into the fabric.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch as the primary fabric base, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Colorwork Charting to integrate the thistle design throughout the handwarmers
• Thumb Gusset Construction with stitches placed on a stitch holder for later pickup and completion
• Double Pointed Needle Knitting for working in the round to create seamless cylindrical pieces

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch with an established gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters). The thistle motif is worked from a provided chart, allowing knitters to follow the colorwork pattern row by row. Thumb stitches are held on a stitch holder during the main body construction and worked separately afterward.

Materials and Yarn

The Thistle Handwarmers are designed to be knitted with Drops Alpaca, a luxurious 100% alpaca yarn in 4 ply weight. The pattern requires one 50-gram ball (167 meters or 183 yards) each of three colors:

• Off White (color A, shade 0100)
• Dark Green (color B, shade 7895)
• Navy/Purple (color C, shade 6736)

Tools and Needles

Knitters will need 3.00mm (US 2.5) double pointed needles or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional tools include a stitch holder for managing the thumb stitches and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Pattern Overview

Instructions are provided for both sizes, with the larger size measurements given in brackets throughout. The pattern is written for the Small size as the default, with all adjustments for Medium clearly marked. The photograph shows the handwarmers worked in the Medium size, providing a visual reference for the finished project. The intermediate difficulty level indicates this project suits knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle colorwork and shaping techniques.