West Wind

West Wind Mittens and Fingerless Mitts by Dianna Walla

Project Overview

West Wind is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Dianna Walla that offers knitters two versatile options in a single downloadable PDF: full mittens or practical fingerless mitts. Both versions feature intricate traveling stitches that create visual interest while providing warmth and comfort for your hands. The pattern is thoughtfully structured so that the instructions for both styles are identical until the final ribbing, allowing knitters to choose their preferred version without requiring separate patterns.

What You'll Create

• Full mittens with complete hand coverage and traveling stitch details
• Fingerless mitts with the same stitch work but open fingers for dexterity
• Available in three sizes to accommodate different hand measurements

Techniques and Stitches

This pattern emphasizes traveling stitches as the primary decorative element. Traveling stitches create dynamic, diagonal lines across the fabric by crossing stitches over one another, resulting in an intricate textured design that envelops the hand. This technique adds both visual appeal and structural interest to what might otherwise be a simple stockinette base. The pattern requires intermediate knitting skills, making it suitable for knitters who are comfortable with stitch manipulation and can confidently follow directional stitch instructions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The pattern calls for YOTH Yarns Big Sister, a premium blend consisting of 80% Merino wool, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. This fiber composition provides warmth, softness, and durability. The yarn is classified as DK weight and offers 231 yards per 100 gram skein.

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Full mittens: Approximately 145 yards (132 m) for the smallest size, 175 yards (160 m) for the medium size, or 195 yards (178 m) for the largest size. One skein of Big Sister is sufficient for any size.
• Fingerless mitts: Approximately 125 yards (114 m) for the smallest size, 150 yards (137 m) for the medium size, or 170 yards (155 m) for the largest size. One skein provides ample yardage for any size.

The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in the colorway Spring Water. In addition to yarn, you will need appropriate needles for DK-weight yarn, though specific needle sizes are detailed in the full pattern materials list.

Pattern Structure

The ingenious design of West Wind allows both mittens and fingerless mitts to share identical construction until the final ribbing section. This means knitters can decide their preferred version partway through the project, or follow one set of instructions from beginning to end. Clear directional notes in the pattern specify which ribbing instructions to follow based on whether you're completing full mittens or fingerless mitts, ensuring accuracy regardless of which option you choose.