Solace Mitts by Lauren Rad

Solace Mitts

Knitting
May 2021
Lace ?
33 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette, in the round and blocked
US 2 - 2.75 mm
145 - 220 yards (133 - 201 m)
S, M, L, XL. Finished mitt circumference 6.25 (6.75, 7.25, 7.75) inches /16 (17, 18.5, 19.5) cm.
low vision format available
English
This pattern is available for $15.00.

This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

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solace (n.) – 1. comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.
2. something that gives comfort, consolation, or relief

If there’s one thing many people needed in 2020, it was solace. After experiencing so much grief, fear, stress, anxiety, and exhaustion, many people just needed a little comfort. The first part of 2021 has been similar. That’s why I made a couple very intentional design decisions with these mitts.

These mitts are meant to mimic the feeling of a loved one holding your hand. I knit my sample size extra snug so that when I put them on, my hands are wrapped in warmth and gentle pressure. It’s a comforting feeling, and it reminds me that I’m not alone. I hope it has a similar effect for you.

The simple lace pattern on the back of these mitts is easily memorized and settles into a nice rhythm as you work. The lace is the same for both the left-hand and right-hand mitts, so once you’ve got it memorized, you can fly. They come in four sizes so that you, too, can size down to a snug fit if you’d like, or you can knit your regular size if that’s more comfortable.

SIZES S, M, L, XL

Finished mitt circumference 6.25 (6.75, 7.25, 7.75) inches /16 (17, 18.5, 19.5) cm

A note about fit: these mitts are meant to have some negative ease so that they fit snugly across your hands. Choose a size slightly smaller than your actual hand measurement.

MATERIALS
Heavy lace-weight or light fingering yarn, 145 (170, 195, 220) yds / 133 (156, 179, 202) m

Sample shown knit in Ocean by the Sea Quill, 541 yds (495 m) per 100 g (3.53 oz), single-ply Falkland wool

GAUGE
4” (10 cm) square = 33 stitches x 44 rows in stockinette, knit in the round and blocked

NEEDLES
One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above

Suggested needle size: US 2 (2.75 mm)

TOOLS
Three stitch markers
Two pieces of waste yarn for holding thumb stitches
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
Techniques: lace, increases, decreases, knitting in the round