These pretty mitts are knitted in the round using the magic loop technique with a longish circular needle, but you could also knit them using a set of DPNs (double pointed needles) or 2 short circulars instead. I’ve used one of my favourite yarns too - Rowan Felted Tweed - I just love the rustic tweediness and that it’s a slightly finer than standard DK weight which is great for keeping your hands warm but without hindering your movements or dexterity. You can use any DK weight yarn but you will need to ensure it is wool rather than cotton as the resulting knitted fabric will need to have plenty of stretch

This project is small and achievable so it’s great for gift giving. It’s no dull knit however, and is packed with design details and techniques which make for an interesting knit. First you have the little bell frilled edging, and then you work twisted rib with a beaded lace panel until you reach the thumb which is fully fashioned.

SIZE
One size to fit average female hand approximately 20cm (8in) circumference above thumb, designed to fit snuggly. Approximately 20cm (8in) long when laid flat which will become shorter when worn.

YARN
175m (191yds) of any DK weight wool yarn (not plant fibre such as cotton), such as:

Rowan Felted Tweed DK 50g/175m/191yds
1 x 50g ball (sample shown knitted in Amethyst 192)
or
Rowan Pure Wool Superwash DK 50g/130m/142yds
2 x 50g balls

NEEDLES

3mm (UK 11/US2-3) circular needle 80cm long, or DPNs or 2 short circular needles or size to obtain correct tension


OTHER

14 seed beads, size 6
3 stitch markers

TENSION (GAUGE)
34 sts and 40 rows over 10cm (4in) measured over twisted rib worked in the round using 3mm (UK 11/US2-3) circular needles. Achieving the correct tension is not critical, but if you do not match the tension you may require more yarn.

TECHNIQUES USED

Knit, purl, simple lace, increases, knitting with beads, knitting through back loop.

Donna’s Tips

• As long as you knit with a wool rather than cotton type yarn, the rib pattern makes the mitts really quite elastic and they will stretch to fit a wide range of female hand sizes. Bear in mind, the wider they stretch, the shorter the length becomes.
• You can make the mitts a little longer at the cuff if desired, but if so you will need to have additional yarn and a bead per mitt for each additional pattern repeat you add. 
 If you use Magic Loop technique you can even try them on for length and fit as you are knitting them.
• When working with Magic Loop, it is easier to use a spare DPN or straight needle to cast off.

Pattern includes chart and written instructions for lace panel
Published April 2016 by Smith & Jones Knits
Technical Editor - Rachel Vowles