Forget-Me-Not Mittens

Forget-Me-Not Convertible Mittens by Kyoko Nakayoshi

Project Overview

The Forget-Me-Not Convertible Gloves are a versatile knitting project designed by Kyoko Nakayoshi for Winter 2013. These mittens feature a convertible design that transitions between mittens and gloves, offering flexibility for varying weather conditions and hand coverage preferences. Available in sizes XS, S, M, and L, this intermediate-level knitting project combines functional design with decorative stitch work.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of convertible mittens that can function as both full mittens and fingerless gloves. The convertible construction allows knitters to create a single garment that adapts to different seasonal needs and activities. The mittens are designed to fit comfortably across multiple hand sizes, making this pattern suitable for a range of wearers.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable Work: The pattern incorporates twisted cable techniques, including right-side twisted cables worked over 2 stitches that create visual texture and interest
• Twist Stitches: Both left and right twist stitches are employed to add decorative detail and structural definition to the mittens
• Increases: Make 1 stitch (M1) increases are used to shape the mittens and create proper fit
• Decreases: Knit 2 together (K2tog) decreases are utilized for shaping and finishing
• Circular Knitting: The pattern uses round-by-round construction, indicated by rnd/rnds abbreviations, suggesting the mittens are worked in the round for seamless construction
• Marker Placement: Stitch markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and construction sections

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Forget-Me-Not Convertible Gloves employ a range of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches:

• K (Knit): Basic knit stitch worked on the right side
• P (Purl): Purl stitch worked on the right side for texture variation
• K2tog: Knit 2 together decrease used for shaping
• Ktbl: Knit through the back loop, creating twisted stitches for cable and twist work
• 1/1RT (Right Twisted Cable): A cable technique where one stitch is slipped onto a cable needle and held at the back of work, then the next stitch is knitted through the back loop, followed by knitting the cable needle stitch through the back loop
• T2L (Twist 2 Left): A left-leaning twist combining a slip stitch, purl stitch, and back-loop knit
• T2R (Twist 2 Right): A right-leaning twist combining a back-loop knit with a purl stitch
• M1 (Make 1): An increase worked by bringing the left-hand needle under the strand between stitches from front to back, then knitting through the back of the loop

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Forget-Me-Not Convertible Gloves are designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, which provides a light to medium fabric suitable for mittens that offer warmth without excessive bulk. The sample mittens shown in the pattern are knitted in size S using Louisa Harding Orielle, a luxury yarn blend composed of 97% alpaca with 3% metallic polyamide content. This fiber combination creates a soft, insulating fabric with subtle shimmer and refined drape.

The pattern requires appropriate needles for DK weight yarn in the round, typically US 4-6 (3.5-4mm) needles, though specific needle size recommendations should be verified in the complete pattern. Circular needles or double-pointed needles are necessary for the round-by-round construction method used in this design.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Forget-Me-Not Convertible Gloves require knitters to have solid foundational skills including comfort with circular knitting, cable techniques, and twist stitches. The combination of textured stitch work and shaping makes this pattern suitable for knitters ready to move beyond basic projects but not yet tackling complex colorwork