Product Description
The edging is ribbed (K1, P1) and can be made longer for a double thick folded cuff which will be snuggly warm around the wrists on cold days, and stop draughts. There are charts (and written instructions). Sizing is achieved by using smaller or larger needles. It is possible to make a Large size mitten using 5mm or 5.5mm to achieve an XL. The only adjustment you’ll need to make is the length of the thumb to suit the recipient which could be longer or shorter. I made a medium for myself and shortened the thumb for my smaller hands. Worked cuff to fingertip, in the round using your preferred method of circular knitting. I used magic loop.
Ladies S 3.25mm/US3 for the cuff and 4mm/US6 for the body of mitten/thumb. Ladies M3.5mm or 3.75mm /USA4 or 5 for the cuff and 4.5mm/US7 for body of mitten/thumb. Ladies L / S Mens 4mm/US6 for the cuff and 5mm/US8 for the body of mitten/thumb. **M Mens (Ladies XL)**4.5mm/US7 for the cuff and 5.5mm/US9 for the body of mitten/thumb.
Wheatsheaf Mittens by Loraine Birchall
What is Being Made
The Wheatsheaf Mittens are a pair of knitted mittens available in multiple sizes: Small, Medium, Large (Small Mens), and Medium Mens (Ladies XL). This intermediate-level knitting project creates warm, structured mittens featuring decorative cable work inspired by wheatsheaf motifs. The pattern is designed to produce finished mittens with a professional appearance suitable for both everyday wear and gift-giving.
Knitting Techniques Used
This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create its distinctive design. Cable knitting is the primary decorative technique, forming the wheatsheaf pattern that gives these mittens their name and visual interest. The construction uses two-needle sizing throughout the mitten, with smaller needles for the ribbed cuff and larger needles for the main body and thumb, allowing for proper tension and elasticity in different sections. The mittens are worked in the round using circular or double-pointed needles, a standard approach for seamless mitten construction that creates a professional finish.
Stitches and Stitch Techniques
The Wheatsheaf Mittens incorporate ribbed stitching for the cuff, which provides elasticity and helps the mittens stay securely on the hand. The main body features cable stitches arranged in a wheatsheaf pattern, creating raised, textured motifs across the mitten surface. This combination of ribbing and cables requires intermediate-level stitch knowledge and cable manipulation skills, making the pattern suitable for knitters with prior experience in basic shaping and decorative techniques.
Materials and Yarn Specifications
The Wheatsheaf Mittens are designed to work with Heavy Worsted or Aran weight yarn, requiring between 166 and 286 yards depending on the size selected. The pattern was tested using Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted, a durable wool yarn known for warmth and resilience. Needle requirements vary by size:
- Size Small: 3.25mm/US3 needles for cuff; 4mm/US6 needles for mitten body and thumb
- Size Medium: 3.5mm or 3.75mm/USA4 or 5 needles for cuff; 4.5mm/US7 needles for mitten body and thumb
- Size Large (Small Mens): 4mm/US6 needles for cuff; 5mm/US8 needles for mitten body and thumb
- Size Medium Mens (Ladies XL): 4.5mm/US7 needles for cuff; 5.5mm/US9 needles for mitten body and thumb
The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches per 4 inches when worked on the larger needles in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished mitten dimensions.
Pattern Details
This downloadable PDF pattern (Version 1.01, released November 2016) is the intellectual property of designer Loraine Birchall and Woolly Madly Deeply Ltd. The comprehensive 13-page document provides complete instructions for creating these cable-detailed mittens, making it an excellent resource for intermediate knitters seeking to expand their skills with decorative cable work while producing a practical, wearable finished object.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran, Heavy Worsted |
| Pages: | 13 |
| Designer: | Loraine Birchall |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | Heavy Worsted or Aran Weight yarn 166-286 yds |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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