Octet Mitts

Octet Mitts by Stacked Woolens

What Is Being Made

The Octet Mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Meridith Shepherd for Stacked Woolens. These are adult-sized mittens available in two finished sizes: Small to fit a hand circumference of 7 inches, and Large to fit 8 inches. The mittens feature adjustable length options ranging from 7 to 11 inches, allowing knitters to customize the finished garment based on personal preference and available yarn quantity. This design is particularly useful for knitters working with leftover or stash yarn, as the flexible length accommodates varying amounts of remaining yardage from other projects.

Techniques Used

The Octet Mitts employ several intermediate-level knitting techniques. The pattern incorporates cabling, which creates decorative raised twisted stitches across the fabric. The pattern also includes slipped stitch ribbing, a technique that creates a textured, elastic fabric by slipping stitches rather than knitting them through. Optional chart reading is required, indicating that some stitch instructions are presented in graphical format rather than written-out row-by-row directions. The mittens are worked in the round using double pointed needles, which is the traditional method for constructing seamless tubular garments like mittens and socks.

Stitches Used

• Slipped stitch ribbing (sl st, p1 ribbing pattern)
• Cable stitches for decorative texture
• Standard knit and purl stitches as foundational elements

Materials and Specifications

The Octet Mitts require 120 to 200 yards of worsted weight yarn, making them an excellent project for using up leftover yardage. The pattern specifically suggests Malabrigo Rios or Malabrigo Worsted as suitable yarn choices, though any worsted weight yarn can be substituted. The recommended gauge is 23 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in slipped stitch ribbing.

The required tools and notions include:

• US size 8 double pointed needles for working the mittens in the round
• Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and size increases
• A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
• A cable needle for manipulating stitches during cable work
• Waste yarn or a stitch holder for temporarily securing stitches

Difficulty Level

The Octet Mitts are classified as an intermediate skill level project. This designation reflects the inclusion of cabling techniques and optional chart reading, which require more experience than basic knitting but remain accessible to knitters who have completed several projects and are comfortable with fundamental techniques. The pattern assumes familiarity with working in the round on double pointed needles and basic increase and decrease methods.