Squall Mittens

Squall Mittens by GlennaC

Project Overview

Squall Mittens are a pair of cozy winter mittens designed by independent designer GlennaC. These mittens feature the same distinctive cable and garter stitch combination found in the coordinating Squall hat, making them an ideal matching set for cold-weather wear or gift-giving. The mittens are designed as an intermediate-level knitting project that works up quickly despite their textured, professional appearance.

What Is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting a complete pair of mittens. The mittens are constructed to be worn comfortably during winter months and showcase decorative cable stitching paired with functional garter stitch fabric. The design is suitable for both personal use and as a handmade gift.

Knitting Techniques

The Squall Mittens pattern employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Working in the round: The mittens are constructed using circular knitting methods, allowing for seamless construction and even fabric
• Cable stitches: Decorative cable patterns are incorporated throughout the design, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted, textured details
• Increasing and decreasing: Shaping techniques are used to create the proper mitten silhouette and fit
• Magic Loop method option: Knitters may choose to use the Magic Loop technique as an alternative to double-pointed needles for working in the round

Stitches Used

The mittens combine two primary stitch patterns for both visual interest and practical durability:

• Garter stitch: This fundamental stitch creates a textured, sturdy fabric that is worked at a slightly snug gauge to provide structure and warmth
• Cable stitches: Basic cable techniques add decorative dimension and visual appeal to coordinate with the Squall hat design
• Knit and purl stitches: Standard knitting and purling techniques form the foundation of both the garter stitch and cable pattern sections

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 2 skeins of Sweet Georgia Superwash Chunky yarn, which is 100% superwash merino wool with 120 yards per 100-gram skein. Alternatively, knitters may substitute any preferred chunky-weight yarn of equivalent yardage. The chunky yarn weight ensures these mittens knit up quickly while providing excellent warmth and a satisfying hand feel.

Needles: Two needle sizes are required for this project. The primary needles are 5.5mm/US 9 needles in a set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs), or a 32-40 inch circular needle if using the Magic Loop method. Smaller 5.0mm/US 8 needles in a set of 4 DPNs or 32-40 inch circular are also needed, likely for ribbed cuff sections or other shaping areas that benefit from a tighter gauge.

Pattern Details

The Squall Mittens pattern was technically edited by Maeve Ulrick and features modeling by Jane D. The pattern includes a glossary of abbreviations and terms to assist knitters, with standard knitting abbreviations such as K for knit, K2tog for knit two stitches together, and Beg for beginning clearly defined for reference throughout the instructions.