Meridian Mittens

Meridian Mittens by Stefanie Bold

What is Being Made

The Meridian Mittens are a versatile knitted accessory available in two versions: fingerless mitts and full mittens. Designed by Stefanie Bold, these hand coverings feature a sophisticated cable pattern inspired by the designer's "Meridian Socks" published in Interweave Knits Accessories 2011. The pattern accommodates six different sizes, with hand circumference ranging from 16.5 cm to 22 cm (6½ to 8⅝ inches), making them suitable for a wide range of hand sizes from children to adults. The top-down construction method allows knitters to easily customize the length to their personal preference, whether creating the shorter fingerless version or the full-length mitten style.

Techniques Used

These mittens are constructed using the top-down method, which begins at the cuff and works downward toward the fingers or fingertips. This approach provides flexibility in adjusting the overall length during the knitting process. The pattern can be worked using several needle options: double-pointed needles (DPN), a single circular needle with the magic loop technique, or two circular needles. The magic loop technique is particularly useful for knitting small circumference projects in the round without requiring a full set of double-pointed needles. Knitters will need to maintain proper gauge throughout the project, with the target gauge being 34 stitches and 50 rounds per 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch structure used in these mittens is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric. The design's visual interest comes from an integrated cable pattern that runs throughout the mittens, inspired by the Meridian Socks design. Cable stitches involve crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle to create raised, twisted textures that add both aesthetic appeal and dimensional texture to the finished piece. The combination of stockinette stitch as the background with cable pattern details creates a balanced, wearable design suitable for various occasions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Meridian Mittens are designed to be knitted with 4-ply sock weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides durability and a refined drape suitable for hand-fitting garments. Yarn requirements vary by size and version:

• Fingerless mitts version: 165 to 245 meters depending on size
• Full mittens version: 255 to 390 meters depending on size

Additional materials required include a 2mm needle (or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge), stitch markers (quantity: 2) to mark pattern repeats and construction points, a cable needle for executing the cable pattern, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Difficulty Level

The Meridian Mittens are classified as a beginner-level project, making them accessible to knitters who are new to the craft or relatively early in their knitting journey. While the pattern includes cable stitches, which require slightly more attention than basic stockinette, the straightforward top-down construction and the availability of multiple needle technique options make this project manageable for beginners willing to learn cable techniques.