Sideways Gansey Style Mittens

Sideways Gansey Style Mittens by Terry Morris

What Is Being Made

These are versatile mittens and mitts designed in a gansey style, created by knitting flat on two needles and then picking up stitches to complete the hand and thumb sections in the round. The pattern offers flexibility—knitters can stop at the mitt stage for fingerless hand warmers or continue to full mittens by working the top portion in the round to the fingertips and thumb tip.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Sideways Gansey Style Mittens employ several key knitting techniques that make them suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The main body is knit flat on two needles, which means working back and forth in rows rather than in continuous rounds. After the flat sections are complete, stitches are picked up along the edges to transition into circular knitting. The pattern then progresses in the round using double point needles to shape the thumb and complete the hand opening. This combination of flat and circular knitting creates a construction method that is both interesting and manageable for intermediate crafters.

Stitches and Textured Patterning

The textured surface of these mittens is created using the fundamental contrast between knit and purl stitches. This simple but effective approach produces the characteristic gansey-style patterning without requiring complex colorwork or intricate stitch manipulations. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth foundation. The pattern includes slipped stitches at the beginning of rows, worked purlwise with yarn in front before continuing with knitting, a technique that creates neat, finished edges.

Pattern Instructions and Customization

The pattern provides comprehensive instructions in two formats: line-by-line written method and charts. This dual approach allows knitters to choose their preferred learning style, whether they work better from detailed written directions or visual charted representations. This flexibility makes the pattern accessible to a wider range of knitters with different preferences.

Sizing and Materials

The Sideways Gansey Style Mittens are available in Women's Medium and Women's Large/Men's Medium sizes. The pattern requires approximately 200 yards of worsted weight yarn. The sample shown was knit in Cascade 220, a 100% wool yarn in Color #9338. Knitters will need one pair of US Size 4 (3.5mm) straight needles for the flat knitting sections and one set of US Size 4 (3.5mm) double point needles for completing the mittens in the round. The recommended gauge is 6.5 stitches equals 1 inch over stockinette stitch.

Construction Notes

The pattern offers optional finishing methods. Knitters may choose to sew a seam up the side of their mittens for a traditional finish, or alternatively use a provisional cast on method to create a seamless join. These options give crafters control over the final appearance and construction method of their finished mittens.