Kilgore Mitts

Kilgore Mitts by Fancy Tiger Crafts

What is Being Made

The Kilgore Mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Amber Corcoran. This is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with foundational knitting skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch work and shaping techniques.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Kilgore Mitts pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create a well-fitted, structured mitten. The pattern utilizes cable cast on, a method that creates a sturdy, flexible edge by inserting the needle between stitches on the left needle and drawing new loops through to build the foundation row. This technique is particularly useful for mittens as it provides an elastic cast-on edge that accommodates the hand comfortably.

Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked throughout the pattern. The m1L (make one left) and m1R (make one right) increases are used to add stitches while maintaining stitch definition. These techniques involve lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the lifted loop, with directional variations that create a visually balanced fabric. The k2tog (knit two together) decrease and CDD (center double decrease) are employed to shape the mitten, particularly in the crown. The center double decrease is an advanced shaping technique that slips two stitches together knitwise, knits one stitch, then passes both slipped stitches over the knitted stitch, creating a centered decrease that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The mittens are worked in the round using circular knitting methods, which allows for seamless construction and continuous pattern work without the need to purl across wrong-side rows.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch that forms the primary fabric
• Purl (p) – used to create texture and stitch definition
• K2tog (knit two together) – a basic right-leaning decrease
• M1L (make one left) – a left-leaning increase created by lifting and twisting the bar between stitches
• M1R (make one right) – a right-leaning increase created by lifting and twisting the bar between stitches
• CDD (center double decrease) – an advanced centered decrease for refined shaping

Materials

The Kilgore Mitts pattern is worked using yarn and knitting needles appropriate for the gauge and sizing specified in the full pattern instructions. The downloadable PDF from Fancy Tiger Crafts will contain detailed information regarding yarn weight recommendations, yardage requirements, and needle size specifications needed to complete this project successfully.