Channel Crossing

Channel Crossing Mittens by Sarah Wylie

What Is Being Made

Channel Crossing is a pair of knitted mittens designed by Sarah Wylie. These are sized mittens available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with palm circumferences measuring 16.5cm (6.5"), 19cm (7.5"), and 21.5cm (8.5") respectively. The finished mitten length is 26cm (10.25"). This is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for knitters with foundational skills looking to expand their technique repertoire.

Knitting Techniques Used

Channel Crossing employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create visual interest and structure in the finished mittens. The pattern incorporates magic loop or double-pointed needle construction methods for working small circumference pieces in the round. The design features specialized decrease techniques including the Double Vertical Decrease and Double Right Slanting Decrease, which are decorative decreases that create distinct visual lines in the fabric. These decreases are particularly useful for shaping the mitten crown and creating intentional stitch patterns. The mittens are worked from the cuff upward in continuous rounds, a common approach for seamless mitten construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The foundational stitch structure uses stocking stitch (knit rounds), which creates a smooth, classic fabric base. The pattern incorporates the following essential stitches and abbreviations:

• Knit (K) - the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl (P) - used selectively for textural variation
• Knit two together (K2tog) - a right-leaning decrease
• Double Vertical Decrease (Dble V Dec) - a centered decrease created by slipping two stitches together knitwise, knitting the next stitch, then passing the slipped stitches over
• Double Right Slanting Decrease (Dble R Dec) - a specialized right-leaning decrease
• Slip (Sl) - used in decrease techniques and stitch manipulation
• Increase (Inc) - for shaping the mitten body

The pattern uses stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points throughout the rounds.

Materials and Gauge

Channel Crossing calls for 4 ply or fingering weight yarn. The recommended yarn is Manx Merino Fine by Rosy Green Wool, with two colorways: Yarn A in North Atlantic (requiring 110 yards/101m) and Yarn B in Devon Natural (requiring 160 yards/147m). Alternative 4 ply or fingering weight yarns may be substituted if they achieve the specified gauge.

The pattern is worked on 3mm (US 2.5) circular needles at least 32 inches in length for magic loop construction, or the same size double-pointed needles as an alternative. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for finishing, 4 or 5 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, and a scrap of contrast color yarn for provisional cast-on or stitch holding.

The gauge is 28 stitches and 39 rounds to 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished mitten sizes, making a gauge swatch a critical first step before beginning the project.