Weekend Walking Mitts

Weekend Walking Mitts by Dianna Walla

What Is Being Made

The Weekend Walking Mitts are a pair of cozy knitted fingerless gloves designed with versatile foldover tops. These mitts feature a distinctive cable pattern running up the back of the hand and can be worn in two ways: folded over for extra length and warmth, or worn long for extended coverage. The design is ideal for outdoor activities during transitional seasons, such as long walks on crisp autumn days or chilly spring mornings when temperatures remain cool.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to create its structure and visual interest. The mitts are constructed using circular knitting worked on double-pointed needles (DPNs), which allows for seamless, tubular construction. The pattern incorporates cable work as a central design element, with cables running vertically up the back of the hand. Knitters have the flexibility to work the cable pattern using either row-by-row written instructions or a stitch chart, accommodating different learning preferences. The foldover top construction adds a design feature that provides both aesthetic appeal and functional versatility.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The mitts are primarily constructed in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base. The signature design element is the cable pattern that runs up the back of the hand, created using a cable needle to cross stitches and form the distinctive twisted texture. The pattern requires careful stitch management, including the use of stitch markers to track pattern repeats and mark the beginning of round (BOR), ensuring accurate cable placement and overall symmetry.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Weekend Walking Mitts are designed to use approximately 170 to 220 yards (155 to 205 meters) of DK weight yarn, depending on the size being knitted. The recommended yarn is Daughter of a Shepherd Hebridean & Zwartbles DK, a blend of 75% Hebridean wool and 25% Zwartbles wool, which provides warmth and durability. This yarn is available in 100-gram skeins with 255 yards per skein. If substituting yarn, DK weight is essential to maintain proper gauge and finished dimensions.

Required notions include one set of US size 3 / 3.25mm double-pointed needles (sized to obtain the correct gauge), a cable needle for working cables, four stitch markers (with one unique marker to designate the beginning of round), waste yarn or a stitch holder for holding stitches, and a ruler for measuring gauge. The finished gauge is 26 stitches and 37 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, which is critical for achieving the correct finished size.

Sizing and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is offered in multiple sizes, with yardage requirements increasing with each size option: approximately 170 yards for the smallest size, 195 yards for the medium size, and 220 yards for the largest size. This sizing flexibility ensures the mitts can be customized to fit different hand dimensions while maintaining the integrity of the cable design.