Arms Akimbo Mitts

Arms Akimbo Mitts by Shannon Squire

Project Overview

The Arms Akimbo Mitts are a pair of elegant fingerless gloves designed by Shannon Squire. These mitts are crafted using the knitting technique and are suitable for knitters with advanced beginner skills. The finished mitts measure 8.5 inches in length with a 7-inch circumference at the base of the thumb, and measure 3.5 inches across when laid flat.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it an excellent project for advancing knitters. The mitts are constructed using knitting in the round, a method that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for fitted wearables like gloves and mittens. The pattern incorporates a simple lace pattern that adds visual interest and breathability to the design. Additionally, the pattern uses gusset construction at the thumb, a shaping technique that creates a comfortable, well-fitted opening for the thumb without requiring complex increases or decreases.

Stitches Used

The Arms Akimbo Mitts utilize several essential knitting stitches and stitch techniques:

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch that forms the base of the fabric
• Knit two together (k2tog): A decrease stitch used for shaping and lace pattern elements
• Knit into front and back (kfb): An increase stitch that creates additional stitches for expansion in the fabric
• Knit into front, back, and front (kfbf): A double increase stitch that creates two new stitches from one, used for more dramatic shaping
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit and purl rows in flat knitting or knit rounds in circular knitting

Yarn and Materials

The Arms Akimbo Mitts are designed to be worked in fingering-weight yarn, requiring approximately 160 yards total for the pair. Shannon Squire used Crystal Palace Mini Mochi in colorway 103 Violets Rainbow for the original design, though any fingering-weight yarn of similar yardage and fiber content will work for this project.

The pattern requires US 2/3mm needles sized for small circumference knitting, allowing for the creation of seamless tubular fabric. Knitters should select the needle size that achieves the specified gauge. Additional notions needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for the correct fit of these mitts. The pattern specifies a gauge of 30 stitches and 40 rounds equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Blocking the finished mitts helps even out the stitches and ensures accurate finished measurements. This gauge is typical for fingering-weight yarn worked on small needles, creating a dense, durable fabric suitable for a frequently-worn accessory.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Rated as advanced beginner, the Arms Akimbo Mitts are appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to tackle small-circumference circular knitting and simple lace patterns. The pattern includes abbreviations for all stitches and techniques, making it accessible to knitters building their technical vocabulary. This downloadable PDF pattern by Shannon Squire is designed for personal use only and represents original design work protected by copyright.