Updated October 2019: Flippers was one of the first patterns I published, way back in 2012. I’m happy to have a chance to update this pattern to meet the standards of my more current work:

-Adjusted the sizing to eliminate the need for two different sized sets of needles.
-Expanded the offerings from a single size to six, all the way from XS/Youth to Women XXL/Men L.
-Made the mitt part non-handed, so they’re the same for left and right hands if you just want fingerless mitts. (Adding the flippers makes them handed.)
-Added thumb flippers! Why did I ever think it was a good idea to leave our thumbs out in the cold??
-Updated the pattern layout to my current template, which I think is easier to read.
-Used a couple of newer yarn options.

Note that I was unable to remove the listing for the second set of needles above that are no longer needed, so I just changed the listing to the same size. Only one set of 5.5 mm needles suitable for knitting a small diameter in the round - two circulars, double-pointed needles or magic loop, as you prefer - are needed.

This pattern creates a pair of quick-to-knit fingerless mitts with optional hand and thumb flippers.

Yarn requirements: 105 (120, 145, 170, 195, 220) y/95 (110, 135, 155, 180, 200) m of bulky weight wool or wool blend.

A crochet hook is used only to work a short chain at the top of the mitt that is then formed into a loop buttonhole. Complete crochet-phobes could work a 2-stitch I-cord instead.