A big part of what delights me in the design process is the matchup of yarn, color, and project purpose. I welcome opportunities to play with stitch patterns, then add in a yarn’s unique character to give the whole project an extra “something.” Brushed Suri was new to my repertoire of materials, and that novelty was a welcome component!

Like most handspun, this yarn is alive! Its energy comes through in this 2-ply with a moderate twist. The halo of the Polwarth/Suri blend is subtle but very present. I created this project to showcase those characteristics. In the colorwork sections, the firm gauge still allows soft, pliable fabric. In the woven texture pattern, the elasticity and loft are lovely through your fingers and on your hands. The pattern’s construction is intentionally simple. It incorporates a thumb gusset that merges easily into the rhythmic rounds. I hope you’ll enjoy this portable, useful, colorful knit in your own favorite handspun pairing.

Size
One size. See Notes for sizing modifications.

Finished Measurements
7 inches (18 cm) hand circumference (measured around the widest part of the hand just below the fingers) to fit an 8 inch (20.5 cm) palm with 1 inch (2.5 cm) negative ease.

11.5 inches (29 cm) total length

Thumb measures 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall from the base of the gusset with a circumference of 3 inches (7.5 cm) at its widest part.

Materials

• Approximately 110 yards / 100 meters Color A, dark turquoise, and 230 yards / 210 meters Color B, light turquoise (2-ply, 14 WPI, 50% Polwarth/50% Baby Suri alpaca blend, woolen-spun)
• Size US 5 (3.75 mm) needles for working small circumferences in the round (double-pointed needles, a short circular, 2 circular needles 16 inches (40 cm) or longer, or one circular needle 32 inches (80 cm) or longer for magic loop method)
• Size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles for working small circumferences in the round
• 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) of smooth waste yarn in a contrasting color, similar weight to mitten yarn
• Stitch marker(s), tapestry needle, scissors

Gauge
22 stitches and 30 rounds to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking using smaller needles

Notes
These mittens are knit in the round from the bottom up with a two-color cast on, a corrugated ribbed cuff, and a textured pattern on the hands. The wrist of the mitten is knit in the round using stranded colorwork. The thumb gusset is created by paired increases, then stitches are held on waste yarn for an afterthought thumb. The pattern uses a larger needle for an elastic cast on and ribbing and for smooth colorwork. The woven texture fabric is very stretchy horizontally.

To accommodate different sizes, you can (a) add or subtract 4 stitches to adjust the circumference by 1 inch (2.5 cm) or (b) use a larger or smaller needle to knit the pattern as written. Please note that changing the size/gauge will affect the yardage needed.

Mittens may be knit to desired total length; adding to the suggested length will increase the yardage needed.