Matisse Mitts

Matisse Mitts by Marcela Chang Knits

What Is Being Made

Matisse Mitts are fingerless knitted gloves designed by Marcela Chang. These mitts are inspired by the designer's Matisse Socks pattern and offer a practical solution for keeping hands warm while maintaining full finger mobility. Available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—these mitts are ideal for wearing while knitting, working at a computer, using a phone, or engaging in any activity requiring hand dexterity. The fingerless design makes them a versatile year-round accessory suitable for gifting or personal use.

Techniques and Construction

Matisse Mitts are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The pattern employs a cable textured stitch as the primary design element, creating visual interest and texture throughout the mitts. The construction method utilizes circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs) for seamless, in-the-round knitting, which is a standard approach for small circumference projects like mitts and gloves. The pattern includes three distinct size options with corresponding gauge measurements to ensure proper fit across hand circumferences ranging from 6¾ inches to 9½ inches, with mitt lengths varying from 8 to 9 inches depending on size selection.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in Matisse Mitts is a cable textured stitch, which creates dimensional texture and visual appeal. The pattern requires knitters to work to a specific gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the cable textured stitch. A stitch guide is included within the pattern to provide detailed instructions for executing the cable texture. The designer emphasizes the importance of completing a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing and proper fit.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Matisse Mitts are designed to be worked with aran weight yarn, specifically calling for one skein of MADxYarns superwash merino (100% superwash merino wool) in worsted weight, providing 210 yards per 100 grams. The pattern color shown is Rainbow. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The needles specified are US 7 / 4.5 millimeter circular needles measuring 80 centimeters in length, or alternatively, a set of US 4 / 3.5 millimeter double-pointed needles for the same circumference. The compact yardage requirement makes these mitts an excellent project for using leftover yarn from other projects or for experimenting with hand-dyed skeins from a yarn stash.

Project Suitability

Classified as a beginner-level knitting project, Matisse Mitts offer an accessible introduction to in-the-round knitting and cable stitch techniques. The small, portable nature of the project makes it ideal for knitters seeking projects that travel well and can be completed relatively quickly. The pattern's flexibility in yarn choice—accommodating leftover skeins or hand-dyed yarns—adds creative potential while maintaining the structural integrity of the finished mitts.