Knitting Mittens: Free Pattern
Knitting Mittens on Two
Straight Knitting Needles
Mittens are one of the most popular
knitting patterns, yet most require double point or circular knitting needles.
This pattern is unique as it requires only straight knitting needles. It is
simple enough for an experienced (or confident) beginner but interesting enough
for a more seasoned knitter.
Knitting Pattern for Mittens: Supplies and Gauge
I knit my mittens to fit an average size woman's hand; these are the
instructions that follow.
I knit with size #7 14" straight needles at a gauge of 5 stitches per inch. I
used a little more than 200 yards of worsted weight yarn (barely used any of a
second skein).
Knitting Pattern for Mittens: Cuff
Cast on 36 stitches
Row 1: Knit 1, Purl 1 across all stitches
Row 2: Purl 1, knit 1 across all stitches
Repeat these two rows (knit 1, purl 1 ribbing) until cuff measures 4 inches.
Note: For a tighter cuff, you can drop down a needle size. To add some flair to
your cuff, add in an eyelash yarn with your worsted weight yarn or knit cuff in
a contrasting color.
Knitting Pattern for Mittens: Hand
Row 1: Knit 2, knit in front and back of next stitch (increase made), knit 30
stitches, knit in front and back of next stitch, knit to end of row
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: Knit all stitches
Row 4: Purl all stitches
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until hand measures 2 ½ inches from cuff, ending with a purl
row.
Note: Knit front and back is my preferred increase, but any increase would work.
Knitting Pattern for Mittens: Thumb Gusset
Row 1: Knit 18, place marker, knit front and back of each of next two stitches,
place another marker, knit to end
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: Knit to marker, slip marker, knit front and back into next stitch, knit
to stitch before next marker, knit front and back of next stitch, slip marker,
knit to end of row
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until there are 14 stitches between markers, ending on row
2.
Note: Safety pins, paper clips and spare yarn tied in loop make affordable and
accessible stitch markers.
Divide for Thumb
Row 1: Knit 18, drop marker, knit 14 (this will be thumb) and place on holder,
knit 18
Row 2: Knit all stitches
Row 3: Purl all stitches
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until work measures 7 inches from cuff, ending with row 3.
Note: There are only five rows left, so make sure the mittens are long enough
for your hands.
Knitting Pattern for Mittens: Top
Row 1: Knit two, knit 2 together, repeat this stitch pattern across row
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Row 3: Knit one, Knit 2 together, repeat this across row
Row 4: Purl all stitches
Row 5: Knit 2 together across row
Leaving a long tail, cut yarn and thread onto tapestry needle. Run yarn through
live stitches, slip stitches off needle and pull tight. You will use the
remaining yarn for sewing.
Knitting Pattern for Mittens: Completing the Thumb
Slip stitches from holder to complete thumb.
Row 1: Knit all stitches
Row 2: Purl all stitches
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until row is 2 ¼ inches long (or your thumb length); ending
with purl row.
Final row: Knit 2 together across row.
Cut yarn leaving a long tail and thread onto tapestry needle. Run yarn through
live stitches, remove knitting needle and pull stitches taught.
Knitting Pattern for Mittens: Finishing
Fold mittens in half, matching sides. Using tapestry needle and tail yarn, seam
up sides. I prefer mattress stitch, but any seem will work.
Make another mitten and enjoy warm hands.