Penguin Mittens

Penguin Mittens by Jessie McKitrick

Project Overview

Penguin Mittens are a pair of stranded-knit mittens designed by Jessie McKitrick, featuring Black-Footed Penguins as the primary colorwork motif. This advanced-level knitting project is sized for a child's large hand and combines classic mitten construction with intricate two-color patterning.

What Is Being Made

These mittens consist of a matching pair constructed using the stranded colorwork technique. The design includes separate charted patterns for the right and left hands, with an additional shared chart for both thumbs. The finished mittens measure 6.25 inches (16 cm) in hand circumference and 5.5 inches (14 cm) in palm length, making them suitable for older children.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stranded Colorwork: The primary technique employed throughout the mittens, allowing two colors to be worked simultaneously to create the penguin motif
• Yarn Floats and Tension Management: When working larger sections between color changes, yarns are twisted together behind the work periodically to maintain even tension and secure yarn floats, preventing loose loops on the interior
• Backwards Loop Cast-On: The pattern specifies this method for beginning the mittens, created by making backwards loops with yarn and placing them on the needle until the required stitch count is reached
• Double-Pointed Needle Knitting: Construction is worked on double-pointed needles, allowing for seamless circular knitting in the round

Stitches and Construction Details

The mittens are worked in stockinette stitch as the base fabric, with colorwork stitches creating the Black-Footed Penguin design. The pattern requires working with 36 stitches over 36 rows equaling 4 inches over the colorwork pattern, making gauge checking essential before beginning. Separate charted instructions guide the construction of each hand and the thumbs, allowing for precise placement of the penguin motifs on both the right and left mittens.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for King Cole Merino Blend DK yarn, which is 100% pure wool with yardage of 123 yards (112 meters) per 50-gram ball. Two colors are required: White (001) as the main color and Black (048) as the contrast color, with one ball of each needed to complete the project. The DK weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition for displaying the colorwork pattern clearly.

Needles and Notions

US 2 (2.75mm) double-pointed needles are used to achieve the specified gauge with the DK weight yarn. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and securing the colorwork, and contrasting waste yarn for stitch holders or provisional cast-on techniques if needed during construction.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of managing stranded colorwork while maintaining proper tension and gauge. Knitters should be comfortable with two-color knitting techniques, reading charts, and managing yarn floats before beginning this pattern.