Sideways Gansey Style Mitts & Mittens

Sideways Gansey Style Mitts & Mittens by Terry Morris

What is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern creates a pair of warm mitts and mittens featuring traditional Gansey-style textured patterning. The design offers versatility: knitters can create fingerless mitts by working the pattern flat, or extend them into full mittens by picking up stitches and working in the round to complete the thumb and hand sections. The pattern is sized for Women's Medium and Women's Large/Men's Medium, making it suitable for a range of hand sizes.

Construction Techniques

The mitts are knit flat on two needles using a sideways construction method, which creates the fabric horizontally rather than vertically. This approach allows for interesting directional patterning and shaping. To convert the flat mitts into full mittens, stitches are picked up along the edges and worked in the round using double point needles, continuing to the tip of the thumb and hand. Knitters have the option to finish the side seam either by sewing or by using a provisional cast on method, providing flexibility in the finishing approach.

Stitches and Patterning

The distinctive Gansey-style texture is created using only knit and purl stitches, making this an accessible intermediate project that relies on fundamental knitting techniques rather than complex stitch patterns. The pattern instructions are provided in two formats to accommodate different learning preferences: traditional line-by-line written instructions and charted instructions. This dual-method approach allows knitters to choose their preferred reading method while working through the pattern.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn Weight: Worsted weight
• Yardage Required: 200 yards total
• Sample Yarn: Cascade 220 (100% wool), Color #9338
• Needles for Flat Knitting: 1 pair US Size 4 (3.5mm) needles
• Needles for Mittens: 1 set US Size 4 (3.5mm) double point needles (for in-the-round sections only)
• Gauge: 6.5 stitches = 1 inch over stockinette stitch

Pattern Notes

The pattern includes specific finishing techniques to achieve a polished result. Slipped stitches at the beginning of rows are worked purlwise with yarn in front, then the yarn is moved to the back to continue knitting. This creates a neat, finished edge. The flexibility to choose between seaming the side or using a provisional cast on method allows knitters to select the finishing technique that best suits their skill level and preferences.