Abingdon Mitt(ens)

Abingdon Mitt(ens) by Studio Avenue Six

What is Being Made

The Abingdon Mitt(ens) is a versatile hand-warming accessory offered in two configurations: fingerless mitts or full mittens. Designed by Studio Avenue Six, this pattern allows knitters to choose their preferred style while enjoying the same sophisticated construction. Both versions feature heavily cabled design work that creates visual interest and texture, making them suitable as thoughtful gifts or personal indulgences for anyone seeking stylish hand warmth.

Techniques and Construction

This advanced-level knitting project employs several intermediate to advanced techniques that elevate it beyond basic mittens. The pattern utilizes cable knitting, which involves crossing groups of stitches over one another to create twisted, rope-like patterns across the fabric. The cables in the Abingdon Mitt(ens) follow a deceptively simple repeating pattern that produces striking visual results when worked in appropriate yarn.

A key construction feature is the fully shaped thumb gusset, which provides a custom fit by creating gradual increases that form a comfortable opening for the thumb. This technique ensures the mittens or mitts conform naturally to the hand's contours rather than using a basic, straight-sided thumb hole. The pattern is worked in the round, meaning stitches are joined into a circle and worked continuously rather than in flat rows, which creates seamless construction and maintains consistent stitch definition throughout.

Knitters have the option to follow either charted instructions (visual diagrams showing stitch placement) or written row-by-row instructions, accommodating different learning preferences and working styles.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch creating smooth fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – creates texture and is used in ribbing
• Ribbing (k2, p2) – the elastic cuff that appears at the wrist opening, measuring 2 inches from the cast-on edge
• Cable stitches (C4F, C4B) – cross four stitches forward or backward to create the signature twisted cable pattern that repeats across the round
• Stockinette stitch – smooth knit fabric used as the gauge measurement and primary fabric structure

Materials and Specifications

The Abingdon Mitt(ens) is designed for US 2 / 2.75mm needles, which are sized for fine-gauge knitting. Knitters may choose between double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles worked using the Magic Loop method, both of which accommodate the in-the-round construction. The pattern is sized for Women's Medium, one size.

The recommended yarn is Studio Avenue Six Bellwether Sock Yarn, a 4-ply weight yarn providing 385 yards per 4 ounces. The pattern specifies that cables display most beautifully in solid or kettle-dyed yarns, as these colorways allow the dimensional cable texture to be fully appreciated without competing color variation. The sample shown features two colorways: Fil d'Or for the mitts version and Hooloo-voo Bloo for the mittens version.

The gauge is 30 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch knit in the round, meaning accurate gauge is essential for achieving the intended fit. This relatively fine gauge combined with the 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights ensures the finished mittens or mitts will have excellent stitch definition that showcases the cable work.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with cable techniques, in-the-round construction, and shaping methods like thumb gussets. While the cable pattern itself is described as deceptively simple, the overall project requires solid foundational skills and attention to stitch counts and shaping placement.