Tweed Handwarmers

Tweed Handwarmers by MunroSisters3

What is Being Made

The Tweed Handwarmers are a pair of fingerless mittens or hand warmers designed to provide wrist and hand coverage while leaving fingers free. This downloadable knitting pattern from independent designer Fiona Munro of MunroSisters3 offers a stylish accessory suitable for everyday wear. The design features a classic tweed colorwork pattern that adds visual interest and texture to the finished garment.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is available in two sizes to accommodate different hand sizes:

• Small: 6.5" circumference around knuckles
• Medium: 8.25" circumference around knuckles

The pictured sample is shown in the Medium size, allowing crafters to visualize the finished project before beginning.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs stockinette stitch as the primary stitch base, which creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for colorwork. The pattern incorporates tweed chart colorwork, a traditional technique that blends multiple yarn colors to create a mottled, textured appearance reminiscent of woven tweed fabric. The pattern includes increases strategically placed to shape the handwarmers around the hand and thumb, with specific instructions for maintaining the tweed chart pattern while adding stitches. The construction utilizes stitch holders to temporarily set aside stitches during the thumb shaping process, a standard technique in fitted hand garments.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Tweed Handwarmers are designed to be worked in Drops Alpaca, a luxurious 100% alpaca yarn in a 4 ply weight (sport weight category). The pattern requires three coordinating colorways:

• Off White (0100) – Colour A – 1 ball (50 grams/167 meters or 183 yards)
• Navy/Purple (6736) – Colour B – 1 ball (50 grams/167 meters or 183 yards)
• Rust Mix (2925) – Colour C – 1 ball (50 grams/167 meters or 183 yards)

The combination of these three colors creates the characteristic tweed effect when worked together in the colorwork chart.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for 3.00mm (US 2.5) double-pointed needles, or the size necessary to achieve the correct gauge. The required gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for the handwarmers to fit properly around the knuckles and wrist. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the garment.

Pattern Format and Difficulty Level

The Tweed Handwarmers are offered as a downloadable PDF pattern, making them immediately accessible for digital crafters. This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are comfortable working with colorwork charts and shaping instructions. The pattern includes clear sizing notes, with instructions written for Small size and Medium size variations noted in brackets throughout.