Reykjavik Mitts

Reykjavik Mitts by Sam Hermes

Project Overview

The Reykjavik Mitts are a pair of beginner-friendly crochet gloves designed by Sam Hermes and featured in Inside Crochet Issue 120. These mittens combine two contrasting shades of yarn to create a textured, colorful accessory perfect for cold weather. With a difficulty rating of 2 stars, this project is ideal for crocheters new to garment construction who want to develop fundamental skills while creating a wearable finished piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of mittens—hand coverings that enclose all fingers together in one compartment while typically leaving the thumb separate. The Reykjavik Mitts are worked in crochet using two coordinating yarn colors, allowing for creative color blocking or striping effects depending on how the crafter chooses to incorporate each shade throughout the construction.

Yarn and Materials

The Reykjavik Mitts pattern calls for Drops Nord Mix yarn, a premium blend consisting of 45% alpaca, 30% polyamide, and 25% wool. This fiber composition creates a soft, durable fabric with excellent warmth and elasticity. The pattern specifies two colors from the Drops Nord Mix range—colors 4 and 6—with one 50g ball (approximately 170 meters or 186 yards) of each color required. The yarn is classified as 4-ply weight, making it suitable for detailed stitch definition while remaining quick to work up.

Crafters with different yarn preferences may substitute The Yarn Collective Fleurville yarn as an alternative, though gauge checking is essential when switching yarns. The pattern notes that substantial yarn will remain after completion, providing extra yardage for potential modifications or future projects.

Tools and Notions

• 3.5mm (UK size 9, US size E/4) crochet hook—primary hook for working to pattern gauge
• 4mm (UK size 8, US size G/6) crochet hook—secondary hook for potential gauge adjustment
• Stitch marker (optional) for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing seams
• Scissors for cutting yarn
• Two buttons for embellishment or closure details

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Reykjavik Mitts employ fundamental crochet stitches appropriate for a beginner skill level. The pattern utilizes the following stitch abbreviations (using UK terminology):

• Stitch (st/sts): Individual loops that form the foundation of crochet fabric
• Space (sp/sps): Gaps created between stitches, often formed by chain stitches, allowing for openwork or textured effects
• Half treble (htr): A medium-height stitch that creates a balanced fabric with good drape and structure
• Treble crochet (tr): A taller stitch that produces a more open, airy fabric
• Double crochet (dc): A shorter, denser stitch that creates firm, compact fabric
• Slip stitch (sl st): A joining stitch used to connect rounds seamlessly or attach yarn without adding height

The combination of these stitches allows crafters to create varied texture and structure throughout the mittens. The pattern likely incorporates stitch repetition (rep) to establish rhythmic, easy-to-follow sequences that build confidence in newer crocheters.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes a working gauge of 20 stitches by 10 rows measuring 10 by 10 centimeters (4 by 4 inches) when worked with the 3.5mm crochet hook. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished mittens fit correctly. The pattern acknowledges that individual tension varies and recommends moving up or down a hook size if needed to match the specified gauge. The inclusion of a 4mm hook in the materials list provides an immediate option for those whose natural tension runs tight; conversely, a smaller hook may be substituted for those who crochet loosely.

Design Features

The use of two contrasting yarn colors creates visual interest and allows crafters to explore color theory in a small, manageable project. The inclusion of two buttons suggests decorative or functional embellishments that add a finished, polished