While the DC area enjoyed a relatively mild New Year, January is back in all its’ chilly glory – and all we want is a warm pair of mittens on our hands. Fair Isle mittens are some of our favorite to make, in part because the colorful designs bring a bit of cheer to these dreary cold months, and partly because the stranded color work means that the mittens are insulated with an extra layer of wooly goodness due to the strands carried across the back of the work.
The Hickory Mittens have caught our eye, and we can’t wait to knit them up! For the more adventurous fair isle knitter, this pattern accommodates up to six colors (though one can easily use fewer contrast colors), and works well with bobbins (instructions provided in pattern!) and yarn guides.
Sizing:
Unisex S (M, L) // 8.5” (9.25”, 10”) 21.5 cm (23.5 cm, 25.5 cm) circumference, and 10.5” (11.25”, 12”) 27 cm (29 cm, 31 cm) long.
To Fit: Measure around your palm, not including and just above the thumb, with your hand splayed as much as possible. Choose the size that is just larger in circumference than your hand.
GAUGE: 28 (26, 24) stitches and 28 (26, 24) rows = 4” 10cmin colorwork pattern. Finished mitten size is determined by gauge/needle.
NEEDLES: 3 (4, 5) US 3.25 (3.5, 3.75) mm, or size needed to get gauge. Pattern may be knit on double points, a long circular for magic loop, or on 2 circulars.
NOTIONS: crochet hook for cast-on (if desired), stitch marker, smooth waste yarn for cast-on and thumbs, cable needle, darning needle.
YARN: MC1 – 200 yards, MC2 – 50 yards, less than 40 yards each CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4.
Suggested yarn:
We love this project for Stone Wool Cormo, Germantown Worsted, Knitting for Olive Heavy Merino, or De Rerum Natura Gilliatt. For the contrast colors, it can be a great stash buster!
