Damariscotta mitts

Damariscotta Mitts by Katherine Vaughan

What is Being Made

The Damariscotta Mitts are a pair of elegant fingerless gloves or mitts designed to fit hands with a 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) circumference at the knuckles. Inspired by vintage lace "social gloves" traditionally worn with hats and pearls for formal tea visits, this contemporary interpretation reimagines the classic summer glove with modern sensibilities. The design allows crafters to showcase hand-dyed and handspun yarns through its simple construction and minimal shaping.

Techniques and Construction

The Damariscotta Mitts are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern employs an easy stitch pattern that forms the primary visual interest without requiring complex shaping. This straightforward approach means the focus remains on the yarn itself rather than intricate decreases or increases. The mitts are worked on double pointed needles, a traditional method for creating seamless, tubular garments that is particularly well-suited to small circumference projects like gloves and mittens.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches including:

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch that forms the base of the fabric
• Purl (P) – used to create texture and pattern variations
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Knit 3 Together (K3tog) – a more aggressive decrease for additional shaping
• Purl Into Front and Back (Pfb) – a purl-based increase for expanding stitch counts

These stitches combine to create the wrist pattern stitch that gives the mitts their characteristic appearance while maintaining the simplicity that allows hand-dyed yarns to be the star of the design.

Materials and Specifications

The Damariscotta Mitts require approximately 100 yards (90 meters) of fingering or sock weight yarn (4-ply). This yardage is modest, making the project ideal for showcasing special hand-dyed or handspun yarns. The pattern calls for US 3 / 3.25mm double pointed needles, which are sized appropriately for the fingering weight yarn and create a gauge of 22 stitches and 46 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the wrist pattern stitch. Additional notions include one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, a stitch holder or waste yarn for managing stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion.

Design Philosophy

Designer Katherine Vaughan's approach to the Damariscotta Mitts celebrates the freedom of contemporary knitting. Rather than adhering strictly to traditional social conventions, the pattern encourages crafters to experiment with bold colors and modern yarn choices while maintaining the elegant silhouette of a classic summer glove. The minimal shaping and straightforward stitch pattern ensure that hand-dyed and handspun yarns—with their inherent color variations and unique character—become the focal point of the finished mitts.