On rice

On Rice Knitted Mittens by Ashley Knowlton

Project Overview

On Rice mittens are snug, warm winter accessories featuring a distinctive rice stitch texture. Designed by Ashley Knowlton as an intermediate-level knitting project, these mittens combine classic ribbed cuffs with an all-over rice stitch pattern for a textured, cozy finish. The pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF and offers three sizes to accommodate different hand circumferences.

What Is Being Made

These are fitted hand mittens designed to provide warmth during winter months. The mittens feature customizable length (standard 8 inches) and come in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The finished measurements accommodate stretched hand circumferences of 6, 6.75, and 7.5 inches respectively, with relaxed circumferences ranging from 5 to 6.5 inches depending on size selected.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The On Rice mittens showcase several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters:

• Rice Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the mittens, creating a textured, bumpy surface that provides both visual interest and insulation. Rice stitch is worked over multiple rounds to build the characteristic dimensional texture.
• Ribbing: Used for the cuff construction, the ribbed sections provide stretch and help the mittens stay securely on the hand. Gauge for ribbing is measured at 24 stitches and 36 rounds per 4x4 inches when relaxed.
• Cable Techniques: The pattern includes a 1/1/1 Left Purl Cable (LPC) special stitch, which involves slipping stitches to a cable needle and holding them in front while working through the back loops, adding decorative cable detail to the design.
• Circular Knitting: The mittens are constructed in the round using either circular needles or double-pointed needles, allowing for seamless construction and continuous stitch work.
• Braid Charts: The pattern incorporates charted braid elements, each measuring approximately 0.75 inches across, providing visual stitch guidance for patterned sections.

Materials and Gauge

The On Rice mittens are designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically Artesano DK in the colorway Bonbon (SFN41). This 100% alpaca yarn offers 109 yards per 50-gram ball, and the pattern requires 2 balls total to complete both mittens.

Gauge is critical for proper fit: The rice stitch pattern gauges at 20 stitches and 36 rounds per 4x4 inches when stretched, while the ribbed sections gauge at 24 stitches and 36 rounds per 4x4 inches when relaxed. Achieving proper gauge ensures the mittens will fit comfortably within the specified hand circumference measurements.

Required Tools and Notions

• US 4 (3.5mm) circular needle, minimum 32 inches long, or double-pointed needles (DPNs)
• Cable needle for working cable stitches
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings
• Waste yarn (optional) for provisional cast-on techniques

Skill Level and Pattern Features

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the On Rice mittens assume familiarity with basic knitting techniques including circular knitting, reading stitch charts, and working cable stitches. The combination of rice stitch texture and cable details provides an engaging project that develops stitch consistency and pattern-reading skills. The customizable length allows knitters to adjust the mitten height to personal preference, making the pattern adaptable to individual needs.