Two Way Street Mitts

Two Way Street Mitts by Petitchoufleur Knits

What is Being Made

The Two Way Street Mitts are a pair of textured fingerless mitts or gloves designed for versatile wear. These beginner-friendly hand coverings can be constructed and finished in two different orientations, allowing crafters to choose whether the textured ridges run vertically or horizontally on the finished piece. The mitts are available in two sizes: small-medium (for a 6-inch hand circumference) and medium-large (for a 7-inch hand circumference).

Knitting Techniques Used

The Two Way Street Mitts employ fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The pattern uses the flat knitting method on two needles, meaning stitches are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The construction creates a naturally textured fabric through the basic interaction of knit and purl stitches, which form visible ridges across the surface of the mitts. The directional flexibility of this pattern—allowing the ridges to be oriented either vertically or horizontally—is achieved through the simple choice of how the finished flat piece is seamed and worn.

Stitches and Abbreviations

This pattern requires only the most basic knitting stitches, making it an ideal beginner project. The stitches used include:

• Cast on (CO): The foundation stitch used to create the initial loops on the needle
• Knit: The fundamental stitch that creates the characteristic V-shaped loops
• Purl: The reverse of the knit stitch, which creates bumps on the fabric surface and contributes to the textured ridge appearance
• Cast off: The finishing technique used to secure the final row and prevent unraveling

The pattern involves casting on 15 stitches for the small-medium size or 18 stitches for the medium-large size, then working 24 rows (12 ridges) or 26 rows (13 ridges) respectively before casting off.

Materials and Notions

The Two Way Street Mitts require minimal materials, making them an economical project. The yarn specified is Twilley's Freedom Wool in a super-chunky weight, with one ball of yarn providing sufficient yardage to complete both mitts. Super-chunky yarn works up quickly, allowing the project to be completed in a short timeframe despite the beginner skill level.

Needles required are 10mm/US 15 needles, which are appropriately sized for the super-chunky yarn weight and contribute to the rapid construction of the project.

Additional notions include a sewing up needle for weaving in ends and seaming the mitts together. Optional embellishments are available: crafters may choose to finish their mitts with ribbon threaded through the edges or with buttons sewn onto the seamed edges for added visual interest and customization.

Pattern Structure and Finishing Options

The pattern's unique feature is its two-way finishing approach. After the flat rectangular piece is knitted, crafters have the flexibility to finish it in two distinct ways. The mitts can be seamed with the textured ridges running vertically down the hand, or the same piece can be oriented and seamed to display the ridges running horizontally. Additionally, the finishing can be customized: a simple ribbon threaded through the edges provides a clean, decorative finish, or the mitts can be seamed with a thumb gap and embellished with buttons for a more tailored appearance.