Mohnteilchen - knitted!

Mohnteilchen Fingerless Mittens by Tanja Osswald

What Is Being Made

Mohnteilchen are cabled fingerless mittens designed by Tanja Osswald. These mittens are knitted in rows and measure approximately 23 cm (9 inches) long and 11 cm (4.25 inches) wide when unstretched. The design features a distinctive negative ease of 5 cm (2 inches), creating a fitted garment that hugs the hand. Fingerless mittens are practical accessories that keep the wrists and hands warm while leaving fingers free for dexterity and tactile tasks.

Techniques Used

The Mohnteilchen mittens showcase an innovative cable technique invented by designer Tanja Osswald. The defining feature of this pattern is the use of horizontal cables, a method that differs from traditional vertical cable construction. This horizontal cable approach creates visual interest and texture across the mittens while maintaining structural integrity. The mittens are worked in rows rather than in the round, which influences how the cables are positioned and how the garment is constructed and seamed together.

Despite the advanced appearance created by the cables, the actual stitch work remains accessible. The mittens are constructed almost entirely in garter stitch, making this an ideal intermediate project for knitters who want to explore cable techniques without the complexity of multiple stitch types. The pattern includes provisions for width adjustments, allowing knitters to customize the fit of their mittens.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Mohnteilchen mittens is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and provides excellent elasticity and warmth. The cable work, while visually prominent, is integrated into this garter stitch base, creating the signature horizontal cable effect that distinguishes this design.

Materials and Specifications

The Mohnteilchen mittens require approximately 35 grams of 4 ply sock yarn, equivalent to roughly 123 meters or 131 yards. This yardage is based on the finished model weight of 31 grams, though Tanja Osswald recommends having a few extra grams on hand to account for individual knitting tension variations.

The pattern calls for the following tools and materials:

• 4 ply sock weight yarn in the main color
• Contrasting color yarn for provisional cast on and lifelines
• 2.5 mm knitting needles for the main fabric
• 3.5 mm crochet hook (optional, likely for finishing or provisional cast on)
• Darning needle for seaming the mittens

The designer used Wollmeise "Pure" 100% Merino Superwash yarn in the colorway "Wilder Mohn" for the original sample, though any sock weight yarn is suitable for this project. The gauge is approximately 22 stitches over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in the main fabric.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the horizontal cable technique is innovative and may be new to many knitters, the reliance on garter stitch throughout keeps the project manageable for those with solid foundational knitting skills. The pattern includes detailed instructions and has been tested and proofread by experienced knitters, ensuring clarity for the intermediate-level crafter.