Tread mark mittens

Tread Mark Mittens by Maryna Radzko

What Is Being Made

The Tread Mark Mittens are a knitted accessory project designed by Maryna Radzko. This pattern offers flexibility in construction, allowing crafters to create either full mittens or fingerless mittens depending on preference. The mittens are sized to fit medium hands and showcase a distinctive tread mark design element that gives the project its name.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its finished design. The mittens are primarily constructed using the magic loop method, a technique that allows knitters to work small circumference projects on a single circular needle by creating a loop with the cable. However, the pattern is adaptable and can also be worked using double-pointed needles (DPNs) or two circular needles if preferred. The pattern instructions reference Needle 1 and Needle 2 to denote each half of the total stitch count, making it compatible with multiple needle styles. The tread mark design is created using cable knitting, which requires a cable needle or cable stitch holder to manipulate stitches and create the textured, twisted pattern that defines these mittens.

Stitches and Stitch Details

While the pattern focuses on cable work as its primary design element, the construction involves fundamental knitting stitches worked in the round. The mittens are worked from the cuff upward, utilizing stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction sections. The cable techniques create the distinctive tread mark visual effect throughout the mitten body.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Yarn Weight and Yardage: A fingering weight yarn is recommended for this project. Select yarn with approximately 250–400 metres (273–437 yards) per 100 grams. The total yarn requirement is approximately 40–80 grams, depending on the desired glove size.

Yarn Examples: The pattern provides specific examples of suitable yarns. For mittens in size medium, Sandnes Garn mini duett yarn (175 metres or 192 yards per 50 grams) works well, with 45 grams used for the finished pair. For fingerless mittens in size medium, 100% merino yarn (350 metres or 383 yards per 100 grams) is an alternative, requiring approximately 36 grams.

Needles: This project requires two circular needles in different sizes: 2 mm (US 0) and 2.5 mm (US 1½). The needles must be long enough to accommodate the magic loop method or alternatively, five double-pointed needles of each size. Needle selection should be based on achieving the recommended gauge.

Additional Supplies: Crafters will need stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a cable needle or cable stitch holder for managing cable stitches, waste yarn for provisional cast-ons or stitch holders, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a row counter to track progress through the pattern.

Gauge

The recommended gauge for this project is 26–28 stitches per 10 centimeters (4 inches) when worked on the appropriate needle size with the specified yarn weight. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the mittens fit correctly and the cable pattern displays as intended.