Bodhi Mittens (and Fingerless Mitts)

Bodhi Mittens and Fingerless Mitts by Tracey Grzegorczyk

What is Being Made

The Bodhi Mittens and Fingerless Mitts pattern offers two versatile hand-warming options in a single downloadable design. Knitters can choose to create either a fully enclosed mitten or a fingerless version, making this pattern adaptable to different seasonal needs and personal preferences. Both versions are worked in the round using the same foundational construction techniques, allowing crafters to explore variations of the same design.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several core techniques that build essential skills. The pattern utilizes knitting in the round with double-pointed needles, which creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for fitted hand garments. Increases and decreases are incorporated throughout the construction to shape the mittens to the hand, using methods such as knit front and back (kfb) for increases and knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) for decreases. The pattern includes right twist (RT) cable work as an optional decorative element, with instructions for using a cable needle to create twisted stitch details. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and construction sections, helping knitters maintain accuracy throughout the project.

Stitches Used

The Bodhi Mittens pattern is constructed primarily using stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric that works well for fitted mittens. This foundational stitch is achieved through alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or continuous knit rounds when working in the round. The pattern incorporates right twist (RT) cable stitches as optional decorative elements, adding visual interest and texture to the design. Basic shaping stitches including knit front and back increases and k2tog and ssk decreases are used to contour the mittens to the hand shape. The combination of these stitches creates a garment that is both structurally sound and visually appealing.

Materials and Gauge

The Bodhi Mittens pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, with one skein of Malabrigo Worsted (100 grams, approximately 200 yards) providing sufficient yardage for the project. The recommended needle size is US 6 double-pointed needles (dpns), though knitters should adjust needle size as needed to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern gauge is 6 stitches and 9 rows per 1 inch in stockinette stitch, worked in the round, which is essential to measure before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Additional supplies include a cable needle for those choosing to work the optional right twist cable details, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, three stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, smooth waste yarn for provisional cast-ons or stitch holders, and optionally a crochet hook for picking up stitches if preferred over needle methods. These tools support the intermediate techniques used throughout the construction process.