12th Mitts

12th Mitts by Jennifer Chase-Rappaport

What is Being Made

The 12th Mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Jennifer Chase-Rappaport. These mittens feature colorwork incorporating the number "12" as a central design element. The pattern offers two finished sizes: 6.5 inches to fit hands up to 8 inches, and 7.5 inches to fit hands up to 9 inches, making them suitable for a range of hand sizes.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern provides flexibility in colorwork execution, allowing knitters to choose their preferred technique based on skill level and desired challenge:

• Intarsia: For advanced knitters seeking a challenge, the "12" chart can be worked using the intarsia technique, which involves knitting with multiple colors by using separate bobbins of yarn for different colored sections.
• Duplicate Stitch: For knitters preferring a less challenging approach, duplicate stitch (also called Swiss darning) offers an accessible alternative. This embroidery technique allows colorwork to be added after the mittens are completely knit, making it an excellent option for those new to color knitting.
• Stockinette Stitch: The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic appearance.

Stitches and Construction

The mittens are constructed using stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which provides a clean canvas for the colorwork design. The pattern requires working to a specific gauge of 28 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch to ensure proper fit. The construction utilizes double pointed needles for shaping and finishing, allowing for seamless knitting in the round.

Materials Required

The 12th Mitts pattern calls for fingering weight yarn in two colors:

• Hazel Knits Artisan Sock yarn (or similar fingering weight alternatives)
• Collegiate (main color)
• Hawkeye (contrasting color)
• Approximately 150 yards total (75 yards each of main color and contrasting color)

Additional supplies include Size 2 (3mm) needles or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge, optional Size 1 (2.5mm) double pointed needles for ribbing or cuff work, tapestry needles for weaving in ends and executing duplicate stitch if chosen, and optional locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore colorwork techniques. The flexibility to choose between intarsia and duplicate stitch methods allows knitters to work at their comfort level while still completing a sophisticated finished project.