Product Description
These mitts are the perfect project for a new knitter, those who like to play with colored stripes, those who need a very quick gift knit, or anyone who needs to have their fingers available for texting or working, but want to keep their hands warm.
They were designed for and worn by canine boarding kennel workers who needed to have the dexterity to manipulate leashes, but also wanted their hands warm while watching dogs in the play yard.
Wear them with the 'short' edge up to have your fingers free for texting or work. Turn them around with the 'long' edge up to cover most of your fingers for warmth while waiting in the cold. The 'long' edge also folds down in case you have a sudden need to text (or catch a dog).
Easy instructions are included to make these fit any hand, large or small. The mitts have a lot of stretch, so one size will fit many. The size given in the pattern was the only size made for the kennel staff and it fit all of them well.
Topsy Turvy Working Mitts by Elizabeth Ravenwood
What Is Being Made
The Topsy Turvy Working Mitts are a pair of fingerless mitts designed for women, created by independent designer Elizabeth Ravenwood. These mitts are practical hand coverings that leave the fingers exposed, making them ideal for activities requiring dexterity while keeping the hands and wrists warm. The finished size for women's small measures 8¾ inches (22 cm) long and 3½ inches (9 cm) wide when lying flat, though the design includes straightforward customization instructions to adjust the mitts to fit any hand size.
Knitting Techniques and Construction
This beginner-friendly knitting project uses fundamental techniques that make it accessible to knitters new to the craft. The construction method involves casting on stitches and working in rows, with the ability to customize dimensions by adjusting stitch counts and row numbers. The design features built-in stretch, allowing a single size to accommodate multiple hand measurements comfortably. Knitters can easily modify the mitts by adding stitches to increase length or knitting additional rows to increase width, making this a highly adaptable pattern for different hand sizes and preferences.
Stitches Used
The Topsy Turvy Working Mitts are worked primarily in garter stitch, one of the most fundamental knitting stitches. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch is ideal for beginners because it requires only basic knitting knowledge and creates a fabric with natural elasticity and durability, making it perfect for working mitts that need to stretch and move with the hands.
Materials and Yarn Requirements
The pattern calls for 110 yards (101 meters) of worsted weight yarn, also referred to as aran weight yarn. Worsted weight is a medium-weight yarn that works up quickly and is easy to handle, making it suitable for beginner projects. The project requires Size 6 US (4.00mm) knitting needles and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The gauge is 5 stitches per inch (2.5 cm) worked in garter stitch, which helps determine the correct needle size and ensures proper fit when customizing the mitts.
Customization Guidelines
- To lengthen the mitts, cast on 5 additional stitches for every inch of extra length needed
- To widen the mitts, knit additional rows beyond the pattern instructions
- To determine custom width, measure the back of your hand across the knuckles and double that measurement, then knit until the piece reaches that doubled measurement
- Additional yarn may be required if significantly lengthening or widening the mitts beyond the original specifications
- The stretch in the garter stitch fabric allows one size to fit multiple hand sizes, providing flexibility in fit without requiring exact measurements
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Pages: | 4 |
| Designer: | Elizabeth Ravenwood |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English, German |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
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