Hutt Valley Mitts

Hutt Valley Mitts by Sarah Ronchetti

Project Overview

The Hutt Valley Mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Sarah Ronchetti. This intermediate-level knitting project creates fitted hand coverings available in four sizes ranging from child to large adult. The mittens feature a two-color colorwork design that adds visual interest to this practical accessory.

What Is Being Made

These are knitted mittens designed to fit various hand circumferences. The pattern includes four size options: Child (5-6" hand circumference, 7.25" finished length), Small (7-7.5" hand circumference, 8.25" finished length), Medium (8.5-9" hand circumference, 9.25" finished length), and Large (9.5-10.5" hand circumference, 10.25" finished length). The mittens are worked in the round using a two-color design with a main color and contrasting color.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Hutt Valley Mitts employ several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern is written to use the magic looping method, a technique for working small circumference projects on a single long circular needle. The designer notes that alternative methods are equally suitable, including working on short circular needles (20cm) or double-pointed needles (DPNs) if preferred. The two-color design incorporates colorwork techniques that require managing two yarns while maintaining consistent tension and stitch definition.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches including:

• k – knit stitch, the primary stitch for fabric creation
• p – purl stitch, used for textural variation
• sl – slip stitch purlwise, used for edge finishing and stitch manipulation
• cn – cable needle, for cable stitch work if incorporated into the design

Additional abbreviations include st(s) for stitch or stitches, sm for stitch marker, pm for place marker, wyib for with yarn in back of work, MC for main color, and CC for contrast color.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Hutt Valley Mitts are worked in light worsted weight yarn in two colors. Yardage requirements vary by size: Child size requires 45 yards of main color and 35 yards of contrast color; Small requires 55 yards main and 45 yards contrast; Medium requires 65 yards main and 55 yards contrast; and Large requires 75 yards main and 65 yards contrast.

The pattern suggests specific yarn options that work well for this project. Skeinz Urban is recommended as a suitable yarn choice, available in skeins of 109 yards per 1.76 ounces (50g). Cascade 220 is also listed as an appropriate option, offering 220 yards per 3.53 ounces (100g) skein. Both yarns provide the light worsted weight needed for proper gauge and finished fabric characteristics.

Tools and Equipment

The following tools are required to complete the Hutt Valley Mitts:

• 16-inch US #6/4mm circular needle
• 16-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle, or the size required to achieve proper gauge
• 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and size increases
• Darning needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing
• Cable needle (optional), included for crafters who wish to incorporate cable stitches

Gauge and Construction

Achieving proper gauge is essential for these mittens to fit correctly across the range of sizes. The pattern provides gauge information to ensure finished hand circumferences match the intended measurements. Working in the round with circular needles or DPNs creates seamless mittens with a professional finish, while the two-color design adds both aesthetic appeal and an opportunity to practice colorwork techniques at an intermediate skill level.