Perlenstulpen Swirl

Perlenstulpen Swirl Knitted Mittens

What is Being Made

The Perlenstulpen Swirl is a pair of knitted mittens (stulpen) designed by riwollis. These are decorative wrist warmers or arm cuffs featuring an integrated beaded pattern. The mittens are worked horizontally across, creating a unique construction method where the cast-on stitch count determines the final length of the piece, while the circumference is determined by the number of pattern repeats worked.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several specialized techniques:

• Horizontal knitting construction: The mittens are worked side-to-side rather than in the traditional top-down or bottom-up method, allowing for unique shaping and pattern placement
• Twisted stitch knitting: All rows are worked using twisted stitches (verschränkte Maschen), which creates a textured, durable fabric
• Beadwork integration: Rocaille beads are pre-threaded onto the yarn before knitting and incorporated directly into the fabric during the knitting process
• Chart-based pattern work: The design is worked from a knitting chart (Strickschrift), requiring the ability to read and follow written instructions
• Seaming: A tapestry needle and matching thread are used to join the finished piece

Stitches Used

The Perlenstulpen Swirl is constructed almost entirely in garter stitch (kraus rechts), which is the fundamental knit stitch worked in the round. The key variation is that all stitches are twisted (verschränkte Maschen), meaning the working yarn is wrapped in the opposite direction from standard knitting, creating a tighter, more refined appearance. The beaded pattern is created through a 14-row repeat (Rapport) that incorporates the pre-threaded beads into specific rows of the garter stitch fabric.

Materials

Yarn: The sample shown uses Merino 160 by Fernerwolle, a 100% merino superwash yarn in sport weight (160 meters per 50 grams), in color 404. The yarn is soft and machine-washable, making these mittens practical for regular wear. Alternative yarns include any 4-ply sock yarn or sport-weight yarn that can accommodate the beads.

Beads: Rocaille beads measuring 2.6 mm in transparent finish from Pracht (item 9223-4) are used. These small, seed-like beads are threaded onto the yarn before knitting begins.

Needles and Notions: Straight knitting needles in sizes 2.0 to 3.0 mm are used, depending on desired gauge. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for seaming, matching sewing thread for threading beads, a waste yarn for the provisional cast-on technique, and an embroidery needle for joining the finished seams.

Sizing and Gauge

The mittens are customizable based on cast-on stitch count. The sample model was knitted with 50 stitches on 3.0 mm needles, resulting in a 12 cm length and 17 cm circumference. Size adjustments can be made using the following guidelines: 40 stitches produces approximately 12 cm length, 50 stitches produces approximately 15 cm length, and 60 stitches produces approximately 18 cm length.