Night river mittens

Night River Mittens by Ashley Knowlton

What is Being Made

Night River Mittens are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Ashley Knowlton. These mittens are available in four size options: Small, Medium/Large, and X-Large, with finished palm circumferences ranging from 7.5" to 10.5" around the palm above the crook of the thumb. The mittens feature a classic mitten construction with a shaped thumb gusset and are worked in aran-weight yarn for a quick, satisfying knit project.

Techniques Used

This pattern combines two primary knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. Cable knitting forms the main decorative element of the mittens, adding dimension and a classic twisted stitch pattern. Two-color knitting is used throughout the design, allowing crafters to create dramatic contrast or subtle color variations depending on their yarn choices. The pattern notes that Night River Mittens can be made striking in black and white or more subdued in similar tones. The mittens are worked in the round using either double-pointed needles or the Magic Loop method on a circular needle, which are standard techniques for seamless mitten construction.

Stitches Used

While the complete stitch list is not fully detailed in the provided content, the pattern explicitly features cable stitches as a primary design element. The mittens are constructed using standard knitting stitches worked in the round, with shaping techniques for the thumb gusset. A 3-needle bind off is referenced as an optional finishing technique, suggesting the pattern may use this method for seaming sections together.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for aran-weight yarn in two colors. The recommended yarn is Ístex Létt-Lopi, which is 100% Icelandic wool. Main color (MC) requires 1 to 2 skeins depending on size, in Black #0059. Contrast color (CC) requires 1 skein in Winter White #0051. Each skein contains 109 yards (100 meters) and weighs 50 grams. In the United States, this yarn is also known as Reynolds Lite-Lopi.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires a set of five US 8 (5.00mm) double-pointed needles, or alternatively a US 8 (5.00mm) circular needle measuring at least 40 inches (100 centimeters) long for the Magic Loop method. An optional set of four to five US 6 (4mm) needles is suggested for working the cuff. Additional notions include one cable needle for executing cable stitches, one tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and optionally one extra needle for the 3-needle bind off technique.

Difficulty Level

Night River Mittens are rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. The combination of cable work and two-color knitting requires solid fundamental knitting skills and familiarity with techniques beyond basic stockinette stitch, making this pattern suitable for knitters with some prior experience.