Malva mitts

Malva Mitts by Arancia Cannella

What is Being Made

The Malva mitts are a pair of knitted fingerless gloves designed by independent designer Arancia Cannella. These mitts are available in multiple sizes to accommodate different age groups and hand circumferences: Adult S, Adult M-L, Child 4-7 years, and Child 8-11 years. The mitts feature a fitted design with unstretched circumferences ranging from 12 cm for the smallest child size to 17 cm for the largest adult size, and heights between 15 and 20 cm depending on the size selected.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Classified as a beginner to intermediate knitting project, the Malva mitts are an accessible pattern for knitters developing their skills. The project introduces fundamental knitting techniques while remaining manageable for those new to the craft.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Malva mitts employ several core knitting techniques and stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch: A fundamental knitting stitch created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows, forming the smooth, classic knitted fabric base
• 1x1 Rib: A textured stitch pattern worked on a multiple of 4 stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches to create elasticity and structure, typically used for cuff sections
• Coffee Grain Stitch: A decorative textured stitch pattern also worked on a multiple of 4 stitches, featuring slip stitches, yarn overs, and knit stitches to create visual interest and dimension
• Increases and Decreases: The pattern utilizes M1 (make 1) increases and K2tog (knit 2 together) decreases to shape the mitts and create proper fit
• Yarn Over (YO): Used within the stitch patterns to create decorative holes and lace-like elements

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Malva mitts require minimal yarn, with less than 2 balls of 50 g yarn needed to complete the project. The designer used Katia Merino Baby, a yarn composed of 100% new baby merino wool, which provides softness and breathability ideal for hand-wear. However, the pattern accommodates flexibility—any yarn that knits to the specified gauge may be substituted.

The pattern calls for sport weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category that creates a refined fabric suitable for fitted garments like mitts.

Tools and Notions

To complete the Malva mitts, knitters will need 3.5 mm straight needles (US size 4), scissors for cutting yarn, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing the garment.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches by 33 rows in stockinette stitch over a 10 x 10 cm swatch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the mitts fit properly across all available sizes. The sizing options provide flexibility for different hand sizes and ages, making these mitts a versatile project for gift-giving or personal use.