Free Knit Pattern: Cozy Matcha Mittens

These small cozy mittens were made just for me. I wanted something warm and soft for long winter walks. And this clearance/discontinued yarn was just the thing. Using up just one skein for a small pair (my size), they are great for reducing my yarn pile. They work up so quick – just two hours of concentrated knitting. And I have one more skein so I think I’ll knit another pair for a friend too!

Materials

  • Chunky Baby Alpaca — 109 yards (100 meters)/3.53 ounces (100 grams)

Why no yarn brands? True to the Craft Leftovers name, this project was made using leftovers and my hope is to inspire you to use your leftover yarn too.I don’t want you to get stuck on what specific yarn I used. Look to your stash and you’ll find all kinds of treasures that are perfect, or near enough. Most my patterns are written so if it ends up bigger or smaller it’s no big thing. And you could always try swatching :)

Tools

  • Size US10 Set of 5 Double Pointed Needles
  • Yarn needle for kitchener stitch and weaving in ends.

Techniques

  • stockinette stitch in the round
  • increasing and decreasing
  • using double pointed needles to knit in the round
  • kitchener stitch or three needle bind off

Abbreviations

  • K = knit
  • P = purl
  • DPN = double pointed needles
  • M1 = Pick up a stich to increase 1
  • PM = place marker
  • SLM = Slip Marker
  • k2tog = knit two together
  • ssk = slip slip knit the slipped sts together
  • sts = stitches

Gauge

  • 15 sts per 4 inch in stockinette stitch

Size

Women’s size small – 7″ hand circumference

Directions

CO 24sts

Divide evenly on 4 dpn, join in the round making sure not to twist. Place marker between the 1st and 2nd stitches. 

Rows 1-10: (K2, P1) repeat to end.

Row 11 – 12: Knit all. 

Row 13 (Thumb Gusset): K12, PM, M1, PM, knit to end. 

Row 14: Knit all 3 rows. 

Row 15: K12, slm, M1, Knit to Marker, M1, slm, Knit to end. 

Row 16: Knit all. 

Rows 17 – 23: Repeat Rows 15 & 16 until there are 11 sts between the markers. 

Row 24: Knit to Marker, slm, put stitches between markers on scrap yarn, remove 2nd marker, knit to end. 

Main Body

Knit all in the round until the work measures to 1” below your longest finger. The decreases will be worked over 1 1/2”. 

Row 1: SSK, Knit to 2sts before Marker, k2tog, slm, ssk, to last 2 sts, k2tog. 

Row 2: Knit all. 

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until 8 stitches remain. 

Use kitchener sittch to bind off OR turn the whole mitten inside out and use a three needle bind off. 

Thumb

Arrange the stitches on the scrap yarn evenly onto two needles. Join the yarn back in and knit to end, pick up 3-5 stitches along the opening of the main body, twist the stiches you pick up to help close any holes. Put these stitches onto a third needle. 

Knit all on needle 1 and 2. If you picked up 5sts, decrease two stitches by working: k1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k1. This will prevent excess fabric between your thumb and the main body of your hand. 

Knit all in the round until the thumb measured about 1/4” shorter than your thumb. 

K1, k2tog in the round all rows until 4 stitches remain. 

Cut the yarn and thread through remaining stitches. Pull the yarn to cinch shut. 

Use the yarn needle to weave in all ends

Repeat all for a second mitten.

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Until Next Time!

Kristin M Roach