Kinnear

Kinnear Mittens by Andrea Rangel

What is Being Made

Kinnear is an advanced knitting pattern for a pair of mittens available in two length options: Long Mitts and Short Mitts. The pattern is offered in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—to accommodate various hand circumferences ranging from 5.25 inches to 7.5 inches. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Andrea Rangel provides detailed instructions for creating fitted, professional-quality mittens suitable for experienced knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Kinnear mittens employ several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that elevate this project beyond basic mitten construction. The pattern incorporates cable knitting, which requires the use of a cable needle to create textured, twisted stitch patterns that add visual interest and dimension to the finished mittens. The construction method utilizes either double-pointed needles or the magic loop method with circular needles, both of which are common approaches for knitting small circumference projects in the round. Stranded colorwork is employed through the use of a contrasting color (CC) for accents, adding design complexity and visual appeal to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch structure is built on stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern features a dedicated cable pattern with its own gauge specification, indicating that cable stitches are a significant design element. The cable pattern requires careful tension management and attention to stitch count, as evidenced by the separate gauge measurement of 27 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in unstretched cable pattern. The inclusion of a contrasting color suggests colorwork sections that may include stranded knitting or other color application techniques.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Kinnear mittens are designed to work with DK weight yarn, specifically heavy DK weight or light worsted weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by length and size: Long Mitts require 150 to 200 yards of main color yarn depending on size, while Short Mitts require 85 to 105 yards of main color yarn. Both versions require only 10 yards of contrasting color yarn for accent details. The pattern is shown worked in The Artful Ewe by Heidi, a 100% Kona Worsted Superwash Merino yarn that offers 330 yards per 5.5-ounce skein, providing a durable, washable fiber option suitable for mittens that will receive regular wear.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires US #4/3.0mm double-pointed needles or a US #4/3.0mm circular needle measuring 32 inches or longer for the magic loop method, allowing knitters to choose their preferred circular knitting technique. Additional tools include a cable needle for managing cable stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases throughout the project.

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The stockinette stitch gauge is 22 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches, while the cable pattern gauge is 27 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when measured unstretched. The pattern emphasizes that needle size recommendations are starting points only, and knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to match these specified gauges, ensuring mittens fit properly across all three available sizes.