Stretto Mitts

Stretto Mitts by Leah Prestamo

What is Being Made

The Stretto Mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Leah Prestamo. This downloadable knitting pattern creates fitted mittens available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The mittens feature a classic construction with a ribbed cuff, fitted hand section, and integrated thumb gusset. These are beginner-friendly mittens suitable for knitters new to in-the-round construction and shaping techniques.

Sizing and Dimensions

• Cuff Length: 2 inches (5 cm) for sizes S and M; 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) for size L
• Hand Circumference: 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) for size S; 7.25 inches (18.5 cm) for size M; 8 inches (20.5 cm) for size L
• Hand Length: 6.25 inches (16 cm) for size S; 7 inches (18 cm) for size M; 7.75 inches (19.5 cm) for size L

Techniques Used

The Stretto Mitts employ fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner knitters. The pattern uses knitting in the round construction, which creates seamless mittens without the need for seaming. The mittens incorporate a thumb gusset, a shaping technique that creates an expandable section for the thumb by increasing stitches on either side of a marked section. This method ensures a comfortable, well-fitting thumb opening. The pattern also includes stitch marker placement to help track pattern repeats and gusset increases throughout the knitting process.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Make One Left (M1l): An increase worked by inserting the left-hand needle from front to back into the bar between stitches and knitting into the back loop, creating a left-leaning increase for the thumb gusset

Materials and Tools

The Stretto Mitts require 215 yards (198 meters) of worsted weight yarn, approximately one skein. The pattern recommends Berroco Ultra Alpaca, though any worsted weight yarn of similar yardage will work. Knitters will need size 4 (3.5mm) and size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles or an alternative method for knitting in the round, such as circular needles or the magic loop technique. Two stitch markers are essential for tracking the beginning of rounds and marking the thumb gusset increases.

Gauge

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 25 stitches and 34 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is important for obtaining the proper mitt sizing and fit. Knitters should knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their tension matches the pattern specifications.

Pattern Structure

The Stretto Mitts follow a logical construction sequence beginning with the cuff, which is typically worked in ribbing for elasticity. The hand section is worked in stockinette stitch, with a hand pattern that repeats throughout. The thumb gusset begins on the sixth round after the cuff, with increases worked on either side of marked stitches to create the necessary width for the thumb. The first stitch of each round before the thumb gusset counts as the first stitch of the hand pattern, ensuring seamless pattern integration.