Spruce Mittens Knitting Pattern

Hello!  I have another pattern to add to my lineup of mini tree designs — the Spruce Mittens!

Continue on to read a bit about this design or scroll down to skip ahead to the pattern links!

 

 

Behind the Design

These Spruce Mittens are so adorable and make me happy.  They are one of those things that I designed completely for myself because I wanted a pair of these mittens!  I’ve actually been super excited to publish this design so I can start wearing my sample haha 🙂

Some of you may remember my Christmas Tree Sweater or my Spruce Socks from last year — these two patterns have consistently been some of my most popular designs so it seemed like a no brainer to add these mittens to the lineup of mini tree designs.

Not only are these mittens super cute but I’ve added a few features to make them fit perfectly.  When I was younger I made so many single mittens.  I would make one, realize I didn’t like the pattern and then never make the second.  My mom still teases me about my severe ‘second sock syndrome’!  But really, I think I just didn’t feel the need to make a second of something that wasn’t great to begin with.

In this search I learned a lot of things I didn’t like about mitten patterns.  They all seemed to be unclear, slightly ill fitting, have holes by the thumb increases, didn’t amount for the depth of the thumb etc.

This mitten pattern is something I’m really proud of.  I added a thumb gusset to make a perfect fit, honestly the best fitting mittens I’ve ever owned.  I also used a double brim technique at the wrist to assure that these mittens wouldn’t fall off.  Finally, I combined the increases with slipped stitches to seal off any holes you might.  All in all, they are great and I don’t think that you will run into ‘second sock syndrome’ with these!

 

 

Tips and Tricks

There are two techniques are used in this mitten pattern that I think deserve a bit of extra explaining.

The first is the ‘double brim’ or the folder cuff that is at the wrist.  This is basically just a double layered fabric to add a bit more support and keep the mittens from falling off your wrist.  It also helps hold them underneath your coat to prevent your wrists from getting cold.

Below is a tutorial for this technique.  Although this is shown on a hat — the technique itself is the same for the mittens.

 

 

The second technique I want to show you is to point out that you can work a C1B and a C1F without using a cable needle.  This stitch is used quite a bit throughout the pattern and I think knitting without the cable needle is faster and easier.

 

 

Choosing the Perfect Size

One thing that cannot be overlooked when making mittens is the importance of choosing the perfect size.  Too big and they will fall off, too small and they will be uncomfortable or stretch to let in cold air.

These mittens are meant to have very little positive ease, only about .5″ larger than your corresponding hand measurement.  The size chart below can help you decide which size you should make.

Adult Sizes: S, (M, L, XL, 2X)

Hand Circumference: 7, (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9)”

Hand Length: 6, (6.5, 7.5, 7.75, 8.5)”

 

 

Materials

This pattern is designed using ANY worsted weight yarn to match the gauge (23 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch).  Most sizes use just over 100g of yarn to just over one ball will be enough.  I used Red Heart Chic Sheep yarn.  It is an affordable 100% merino wool and I am really happy with how they turned out.  For warmer mittens I would definitely recommend using a wool yarn.

 

200-300 yards of worsted weight yarn of your choice to match gauge (shown in Red Heart Chic Sheep Yarn in Velvet)

Size 4 (3.5mm) knitting needles – either DPNs or circular needles for Magic Loop

Size 6 (4mm) knitting needles – either DPNs or circular needles for Magic Loop

Stitch markers

Stitch holder or scrap yarn to hold live stitches

Tapestry needle to weave in ends

 

Using size 6 needles with worsted weight yarn creates a denser fabric and therefore creates warmer mittens.

 

The Pattern

This pattern is available on Ravelry, and Etsy!  Find the links below

 

CLICK HERE to shop the Spruce Mittens pattern on Ravelry

CLICK HERE to shop the Spruce Mittens pattern on Etsy 

 

I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do!  If you make them, share your work using the hashtag #originallylovely or by tagging @originally.lovely on Instagram!

 

With Love, Kaitlin