Two Cleaning Ladies

Two Cleaning Ladies Mittens by Stacked Woolens

Project Overview

Two Cleaning Ladies is an intermediate-level knitted mitten pattern designed by Meridith Shepherd for Stacked Woolens. These mittens were inspired by the simple pleasure of having help with household tasks, capturing that moment of contentment while enjoying a clean home and free time to knit, read, or relax. The pattern is intended to use leftover yarn or a single special skein, making it an efficient project for stash busting or showcasing a favorite fiber.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of fitted mittens available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The mittens offer customizable length options at 7 inches, 9 inches, or 11 inches (18 cm, 23 cm, or 28 cm), allowing knitters to create wrist-length or longer cuff styles based on personal preference. The finished circumference ranges from 6.5 inches to 8.5 inches (16.5 cm to 21.5 cm) across the three sizes, accommodating various hand sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Two Cleaning Ladies employs classic mitten construction techniques suitable for intermediate knitters. The pattern utilizes cable stitches as a design element, with a cable needle included in the materials list for executing these textured stitch patterns. The mittens are worked in the round using double-pointed needles, a traditional method that creates seamless, fitted mittens. Knitters will use stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping throughout the project, and a stitch holder or waste yarn is employed to hold stitches during construction, likely during the thumb gusset shaping or when transitioning between pattern sections.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for The Plucky Knitter Traveler Aran, a premium blend yarn composed of 65% Merino, 20% Silk, and 15% Yak. Each skein weighs 115 grams and provides 220 yards (201 meters) of yardage. This aran-weight yarn offers a luxurious fiber blend combining the warmth and elasticity of Merino wool with the lustrous sheen of silk and the softness of yak fiber. The yarn weight category is aran, also classified as heavy worsted or worsted weight, providing excellent stitch definition for cable work while creating mittens with good insulation and durability.

Tools and Notions Required

• US8 (5.0mm) Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs) – the primary needles for working the mittens in the round
• Stitch Markers (3) – for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Stitch Holder or Waste Yarn – for temporarily holding stitches during shaping
• Cable Needle (optional) – for executing cable stitch techniques, though some knitters may prefer to work cables without this tool
• Yarn Needle – for weaving in ends and any finishing details

Skill Level and Pattern Characteristics

Rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, Two Cleaning Ladies is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with cable stitches and manage mitten construction. The combination of in-the-round knitting, cable techniques, and fitted shaping makes this an engaging project that builds confidence while remaining accessible to experienced beginners. The customizable sizing and length options add versatility, allowing knitters to adapt the pattern to their specific needs and preferences.