A New Day Fingerless Arm Warmers in Cascade 220® Fingering - FW170 - Downloadable PDF

A New Day Fingerless Arm Warmers by Linda Voss Plummer

What is Being Made

The A New Day Fingerless Arm Warmers are a knitted accessory designed to provide warmth while keeping fingers free for daily activities. These arm warmers are worked from the bottom up and feature a striped color pattern using five assorted colors of Cascade 220® Fingering yarn. The design is available in two sizes: Small/Medium and Large/Extra Large, making it versatile for different arm dimensions.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to create a well-fitted, seamless garment:

• Bottom-up construction: The arm warmers are knitted from the wrist upward, allowing for easy customization of length during the knitting process
• Seamless, worked in the round: Using circular needles or double-pointed needles (dpn), the piece is constructed in continuous rounds, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish
• Striped colorwork: Five distinct colors are incorporated throughout the design, creating visual interest and demonstrating color sequencing with Cascade 220® Fingering
• Strategic increases: The pattern includes increases at the beginning and end of sections to accommodate the natural shape of the arm, with options to adjust fit by increasing again or using larger needles for the upper portion
• Customizable length: The design allows for extension beyond the elbow by adding additional increases before reaching that point

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Knit stitch: The primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Kfslb (knit front and slip back leg): A specific increase technique used to shape the arm warmers. This increase is worked by knitting into the front leg of a stitch while slipping the back leg, with each stitch being knitted on the following row

Materials

The A New Day Fingerless Arm Warmers are designed to be worked with specific tools and yarn:

• Yarn: Five assorted skeins of Cascade 220® Fingering, a 4-ply fingering weight yarn. The sample shown uses colors 9566 (Color A), 7822 (Color B), 9421 (Color C), 8010 (Color D), and 7803 (Color E), though crafters are encouraged to create their own custom color sequences
• Needles: Size 2 needles (or size needed to obtain proper gauge), with options for construction method including double-pointed needles (dpn), two circular needles, or one long circular needle for the magic loop technique
• Notions: Four stitch markers to track pattern sections and increases
• Gauge: 28 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, essential for achieving the correct fit

Design Notes

This pattern acknowledges individual variation in arm shape and provides flexibility for customization. Knitters can adjust the upper mitt width by either working additional increases or switching to a needle one size larger for that section. The design also accommodates those seeking extra length by incorporating additional increases before the elbow area, making these arm warmers adaptable to personal preference and body measurements.