Bim

Bim Top-Down Mittens & Mitts by Åsa Tricosa

What is Being Made

Bim is a pattern for knitted mittens and mitts designed by Åsa Tricosa. The pattern offers three size options—small, medium, and large—with corresponding circumference and length measurements. Small mittens measure 18 cm (7 in) in circumference and 25 cm (9¾ in) in length, medium mittens are 20 cm (8 in) in circumference and 29 cm (11½ in) in length, and large mittens are 22 cm (8¾ in) in circumference and 30 cm (11¾ in) in length. The pattern also includes instructions for creating mitts, which use less yardage than full mittens.

Construction Method & Techniques

These mittens are worked from the top down, beginning with a super-simple winding cast on. This top-down construction approach allows knitters to try on the mittens as they progress and adjust the length as needed. The pattern incorporates a thumb gusset, which creates a shaped fit around the thumb area for improved comfort and wearability. For decorative interest, knitters have the option to add colorful intarsia squares—playfully referred to as "blobs"—throughout the design.

The mittens are primarily worked using the magic loop method on a single circular needle, making them ideal for knitters who prefer this technique. However, the pattern offers flexibility: knitters can alternatively work the mittens on double-pointed needles (dpns) or using the two-circulars method, depending on their preference and experience level.

Stitches & Stitch Details

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the construction relies on fundamental knitting stitches suitable for an intermediate-level knitter. The pattern involves working in the round to create seamless mittens, with shaping techniques including the thumb gusset increases and potential colorwork integration for the intarsia squares.

Yarn & Materials

Primary Yarn: Wollmeise Merino DK, which offers 428 meters (468 yards) per 200 grams. The pattern calls for approximately 80–90 grams of main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) for full mittens, or 60–75 grams for mitts. The suggested colorway is So Long Kitty for the main color and Wasabi for the contrasting color.

Alternative Yarns: The pattern is compatible with other DK-weight yarns, including:

• GGH Baby Alpaka (DK weight, 100 meters or 112 yards per 50 grams)
• Drops Karisma Superwash (DK weight, wool, 105 meters or 115 yards per 50 grams)

Needles & Notions: The pattern requires two circular needles in different sizes. A 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needle measuring 60–80 cm (25–32 in) is used for the main fabric, while a 2.5 mm (US 1½) circular needle of the same length is used for ribbed cuffs or other sections requiring a tighter gauge. Additional notions include a stitch holder for managing the thumb stitches and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and increases.

Yarn Weight & Difficulty

Bim is worked in DK weight yarn, which knits relatively quickly compared to heavier weights, making these mittens an efficient project. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with techniques such as working in the round, managing increases for shaping, and potentially working colorwork intarsia if desired.