483 Wavy Gravy Mittens - Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky

483 Wavy Gravy Mittens – Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky

The 483 Wavy Gravy Mittens is a knitting pattern designed by Emma Welford, producing a pair of warm, colorwork mittens sized for women. Each finished mitten measures 10 inches long with a 9.5-inch circumference around the palm, making them a generously sized cold-weather accessory. The pattern is rated advanced beginner, meaning knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques but ready to explore colorwork and simple shaping will find this an achievable and rewarding project.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of two-color stranded colorwork mittens featuring an easy geometric wave-like pattern across the body of the hand. A thumb gusset is incorporated for a comfortable, anatomically shaped fit. The bulky yarn weight means these mittens knit up quickly, making the pattern an excellent choice for gift knitting or a satisfying weekend project.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky, a 100% wool yarn with approximately 109 yards per 100-gram skein, classified as a chunky / bulky weight. Two colors are used:

• Color A: Ocean Heather – 1 skein
• Color B: Jade – 1 skein

The 100% wool fiber content is ideal for mittens, offering natural warmth, breathability, and a degree of water resistance. Wool's elasticity also helps the colorwork fabric maintain an even, tidy appearance.

Needles required are a set of 5 US size 11 (8.0mm) double pointed needles, or alternatively a 40-inch circular needle for use with the Magic Loop technique. Additional materials include stitch markers. Knitters are advised to swatch and adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge

The stated gauge is 15 stitches and 35 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is important for obtaining the correct finished dimensions, particularly the palm circumference, which directly affects fit.

Techniques Used

The 483 Wavy Gravy Mittens pattern employs several techniques that make it an excellent stepping stone for knitters expanding their skills:

• Worked in the round – The mittens are knitted entirely in the round, either on double pointed needles or using the Magic Loop technique on a long circular needle. Working in the round creates a seamless tube of fabric, which is ideal for mittens and eliminates the need for seaming.
• Two-color stranded colorwork – The geometric wave pattern is created by alternating Color A (Ocean Heather) and Color B (Jade) across rounds, a technique that involves carrying both yarns along the work and picking up each color as needed.
• Thumb gusset construction – Increases are worked over several rounds to build a gusset that accommodates the thumb, providing a more comfortable and fitted shape than a simple afterthought thumb.
• Cuff ribbing variation – The cuff uses a two-color rib pattern combining knit and purl stitches in alternating colors, adding both elasticity and decorative detail at the wrist.

Stitches Used

Knitters working this pattern will use the following stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch (k) – The foundation stitch used throughout the body of the mitten
• Purl stitch (p) – Used in the cuff ribbing section alongside knit stitches to create the elastic, decorative cuff
• Knit front and back (kfb) – A simple increase stitch used to add stitches after the cuff and shape the thumb gusset
• Stockinette stitch in the round – Achieved by knitting every round when working in the round, forming the smooth fabric used for the colorwork body