Seriously: cannot stop thinking about mittens! (See Mitten Mania part 1. And Jess’s post yesterday certainly didn’t help, either.) I’ve always thought of mittens as akin to straitjackets for your hands, but lately I have an overwhelming urge to knit a pair … or three. The latest contenders:
TOP: Ossify Mitts by Whitney Hayward is the pattern that answers the question I posed here — so yeah, these are a must-knit for me
MIDDLE LEFT: Aoibhinn by Ysolda Teague is other the pair I really can’t get out of my head (pattern not available individually until Dec 20)
MIDDLE RIGHT: Bearberry by Melissa LaBarre is a cute garter and stockinette combo
BOTTOM: Handspun Dreams Mitten by Hannah Fettig is a creative way to use a small amount of cherished handspun
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PREVIOUSLY in New Favorites: Griffin by Bristol Ivy
I am a mad mitten knitter — this is a great round-up. And once you start knitting stranded mittens and see all the patterns available, it’s easy to get a little obsessed.
I love ALL of these! Mittens are one of my favorite things to knit and these are truly inspiring. :) :)
Great mitten post and of course my queue just got longer. I would add the Mirabo mittens by Sunday Knits to this list by – gorgeous combo of color work and texture.
Dear Karen and knitters, I barely know how to cast on a stitch, but I really want to learn to knit–(scarves, hats, mittens, and socks). My question to all of you: are plain (no fancy stitches) mittens difficult to knit? Is it possible that if I can learn to do a simple stitch, I could learn to do mittens and maybe socks? (PS-This old dog is 60+, so this will really be a new trick.) Thanks to all.
Hi Pat, I think knitting a pair of mittens may be a little tricky for a first time knitter because you have to manage a small diameter project (mittens are knitted in the round, not flat – picture knitting a tube). You also have to add the thumb, which is an even smaller diameter. Having said that, though, I think new knitters should knit projects that they want and that they find interesting – too many of us started by knitting scarves with endless repetition and length. My suggestion would be to check out the Craftsy website for instructional classes or browse through the Internet and see what you think about the many instructional videos found there. Also, choose a simple pattern to start off with. You may find that the pattern calls for knitting with double-pointed needles, which I feel are wonky and hard to mange. I use the “magic loop” method of knitting in the round so you may want to check that out and see what you think. If you want to start with a simpler “in the round” project, you may want to consider starting with a hat – it’s a larger project and easier to manage. In either case – mittens or a hat – you will be learning valuable skills that will launch you into many other projects! BTW, I’m in my sixties, too – have no fear, you can do this!!!!
I agree that you should knit what seems interesting, though a simple hat might be an easier place to start. Unlike mittens, you only have to knit one thing and you can still learn all the skills you need for mittens (knit, purl, decreasing, in the round). You’ll be knitting mits in no time! And remember that YouTube is your friend in learning.
I just made an impulse buy : Bearberry mittens. I’ve already got the Puffin yarn. These are adorable!
Thank you, Karen, for the ideas and encouragement. I’m going to work up my courage and start with a scarf in January. Best wishes.
There’s a link near the top of the right column of the page that says Beginning to Knit — you’ll find tons of advice and pattern suggestions there! Both for getting started and advancing your skills.
Many local knitting shops offer mitten classes at this time of year and YouTube may provide another source for tutorials. And have you asked your friends? I’ve taught a number of friends to knit over the years. I agree with Karen that mittens are best knit in the round (those that are knit flat must be seamed and the fit is always weird, plus they are never as warm) but I like knitting double-pointed needles so that will be a matter of preference for you. (But use wood needles if you try it; the friction provided by the wood helps prevent stitch droppage.) Don’t let your age deter you! Youth has nothing to do with age but the willingness to learn and try new things. I know because I am your age. :)
I have been obsesses with mittens this Fall. I used leftover Lopi yarn to make baby mitts, dozens of them. A tiny loop at the cuff was added so they could be hung on my garland, wreath, and tree. Hung with Scandinavian straw ornaments, it is a little nod to my Norwegian roots. Fun!
Haha, straightjackets for your hands, exactly! But they certainly have their use particularly when it is really cold (-18 F where I am right now). Thanks much for the patterns. More to add to the todo list… I would also really like to try thrummed mittens one of these days.
Me too!
I’m in a mitten place right now too. I’ve got Stone Wool Cormo on my Christmas list along with that Ossify pattern. So good!
I just finished the ossify mitts a few days ago (though I do still need to line them with fleece, because Monday’s high was 7° without wind chill) and they are so great! I highly recommend!
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Oh mittens!! I ❤️ them, loving the Handspun dreams by Hannah, thanks for sharing.