There is nothing like a nice pair of warm winter mittens . In this tutorial we will be knitting The World’s Simplest Mittens (download your free pattern here). This quick and cozy knit is just the thing to stretch your skills and keep your hands toasty.
Six Steps to Knit A Mitten
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Materials
To knit along you will need The World’s Simplest Mittens pattern, yarn and needles. Because this pattern includes instructions for four yarn-weights, you will first choose the weight of yarn you want to use, then select the needles that match. Check out our tutorial on the materials section of a pattern here if you need help with this.
For this tutorial I am knitting in Rainbow Heirloom Sweater in Princess Rockstar, and using double pointed needles.
Cast on and cuff
Follow the directions that apply for your size and weight of yarn. Learn more about How to Read Multi-size Pattern Instructions if this is new for you.
With smaller needles cast on:
Fingering: 32 (36, 42, 46, 52) sts.
DK: 28 (34, 38, 44, 48) sts.
Worsted: 24 (28, 32, 36, 40) sts.
Chunky: 22 (26, 28, 32, 36) sts.
Place BOR (beginning of round) marker and join for working in the round.
You’ll knit these mittens using either double pointed needles (DPNs) or a long circular needle and the Magic Loop technique.
Tip for working with Double Pointed Needles (DPNs): when I use double pointed needles I don’t like to use a beginning of round (BOR) marker. Instead, I distribute my stitches with 1/2 on the first needle, 1/4 on the second needle, and 1/4 on the third needle. This way I know the BOR is at the start of the ‘full’ needle.
Work in 1×1 rib (k1, p1) until piece measures 2.5 (2.5, 3, 4, 4)” from cast-on. Switch to larger needles.
Fingering and DK: knit 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) rounds.
Worsted and chunky: knit 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) rounds.
So far so good? Work in 1×1 rib means you are going to work: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1 etc. to form a ribbing pattern. This particular mitten pattern has generous cuffs, but if you prefer a shorter cuff, simply work fewer rounds here.
Thumb gusset
Take a quick look at your hand. Your thumb sort of sticks out a bit right? Even the part of your thumb that is still a part of your hand. Well, we have to make an extra little triangle of fabric to accommodate that part of your thumb. This extra triangle is called the thumb gusset.
To create this triangle of fabric we are going to work some increases. Some patterns specify which type of increase to use and some don’t, it is knitters choice. You can use any increase you like, for this pattern I am going to work some M1 (make 1) increases. And, to be a little extra fancy, I am going to work paired increases, first an M1L and then a M1R (make 1 left and make 1 right). Check out the full tutorial on M1s here.
Set up round: m1, k1, m1, PM, knit to end [2 sts inc]
After the set up round, you will have two markers in your work: the BOR marker you’ve had since the beginning and a second marker indicating the end of the thumb gusset. Learn about how to place and use stitch markers if this is new for you. As you work the thumb gusset, the number of stitches between the two markers will increase.
Rounds 1 and 2: knit
Round 3: m1, knit to marker, m1, SM, knit to end of round [2 sts inc]
Fingering: work rounds 1-3 a total of 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) times, 15 (15, 17, 17, 19) sts between BOR and marker.
DK: work rounds 1-3 a total of 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) times, 13 (13, 15, 15, 17) sts between BOR and marker.
Worsted: work rounds 1-3 a total of 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) times, 11 (11, 13, 13, 15) sts between BOR and marker.
Chunky: work rounds 1-3 a total of 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) times, 9 (9, 11, 11, 13) sts between BOR and marker.
Do you see a pattern forming? We are increasing two stitches every third row and you should start to see a triangle forming. Notice how the increases I am using make the thumb gusset distinct by ‘leaning away’ from the mitten? That is because of the paired increases I am using.
Put thumb stitches on hold
Next we will put the thumb stitches on hold. For this you will need a darning needle (preferable a dull one) and a small piece of waste yarn. While it is sometimes preferable to put stitches on a stitch holder (a tool like a giant safety pin), for a mitten waste yarn is better because it’s flexible.
Thread the needle with the waste yarn and thread it through the thumb gusset sts (the ones between the BOR and the marker). Tie the ends of the waste yarn together. You can now remove the second marker.
Next we are going to cast on a new stitch in the middle of the round. Why, you ask? Because the thumb stitches ‘grew’ out of a single knit stitch, but then we put all the thumb stitches on hold. So we need to add a new stitch to take the place of the stitch lost to the gusset. The cast on method we use is the backward loop cast-on.
Hand
Knitting the hand of the mitten is pretty simple: just keep knitting every round.
Continue knitting every round until the piece measures 1.75 (3, 3.75, 4, 4.5)” from end of thumb gusset.
On to the decreases!
Decreases
Fingering set up: k16 (18, 21, 23, 26), PM, knit to end
DK set up: k14 (17, 19, 22, 24), PM, knit to end
Worsted set up: k12 (14, 16, 18, 20), PM, knit to end
Chunky set up: k11 (13, 14, 16, 18), PM, knit to end
Round 1: (k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1) twice [4 sts dec]
Fingering: work round 1 a total of 6 (7, 8, 9, 11) times, 8 (8, 10, 10, 8) sts remain.
DK: work round 1 a total of 5 (6, 7, 9, 10) times, 8 (10, 10, 8, 8) sts remain.
Worsted: work round 1 a total of 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) times, 8 (8, 8, 8, 8) sts remain.
Chunky: work round 1 a total of 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) times, 10 (10, 8, 8, 8) sts remain.
If you haven’t worked an ssk or a k2tog before, check out those tutorials as well. If the Round 1 instructions are confusing, learn how to interpret brackets within knitting pattern instructions.
Have you decreased to your last few stitches? Great, you’re almost done!
Break yarn, leaving a 6” tail, then use a blunt needle to thread the yarn tail through remaining live sts. Pull tight to close top of mitten.
Thumb
Only the little thumb to go! You’ve come so far – don’t drop this project now! Keep knitting until you finish your first mitten, or, for bonus points, cast on the second immediately!
Place held sts back on larger needles. Knit across these sts, pick up and knit 1 stitch from body of mitten, PM and join for working in the round.
Fingering: 16 (16, 18, 18, 20) sts.
DK: 14 (14, 16, 16, 18) sts.
Worsted: 12 (12, 14, 14, 16) sts.
Chunky: 10 (10, 12, 12, 14) sts.
You can find a tutorial on picking up and knitting stitches here.
You now have all your thumb stitches on your needles.
Knit every round until thumb measures 1 (1.25, 1.75, 2, 2.25)” from pick up.
Next round: [k2tog] around
Break yarn, leaving a 6” tail and weave through remaining live sts. Pull tight to close top of thumb.
You close the top of the thumb exactly the same way as the top of the mitten. You may have a small hole where you picked up that stitch from the body of the mitten. Just use your yarn tail and stitch up the hole before weaving in your ends on the inside of the work.
Weave in all the yarn ends and wet-block your mittens. You are ready to wear them out!
Ready to stretch your new skills?
Check out our mitten patterns here!
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February 28, 2022 @ 5:31 am
I don’t understand why I have to cast on a stitch after I remove the thumb gusset.. I still have the working yarn on the right side of my circular needle…why wouldn’t I just use that and continue to knit the hand part of the mitten?
February 28, 2022 @ 10:20 pm
Hi Bertie – You need one more stitch, since you put your thumb stitches on hold.
February 13, 2022 @ 4:59 am
This pattern has been my favorite for a couple of years. Now, I love this tutorial, too. If a friend ever asks me for mitten help, I’ll definitely send them here. Thanks for sharing your beautifully shaped mittens.
February 14, 2022 @ 2:04 am
Thanks for the lovely compliment, and for recommending our work onward! ~ Em
January 23, 2022 @ 6:08 am
Hi! Could you please tell me how you have the sizing in the brackets? Is it toddler – adult men? Thank you for the pattern!
January 24, 2022 @ 2:30 am
sizing: toddler (child, adult S, M, L) – the adult sizes are not gendered
December 26, 2021 @ 2:01 pm
I’m a bit confused here. Can you explain please. These are the instructions.
Fingering set up: k16 (18, 21, 23, 26), PM, knit to end
DK set up: k14 (17, 19, 22, 24), PM, knit to end
Worsted set up: k12 (14, 16, 18, 20), PM, knit to end
Chunky set up: k11 (13, 14, 16, 18), PM, knit to end
Round 1: (k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1) twice [4 sts dec]
Fingering: work round 1 a total of 6 (7, 8, 9, 11) times, 8 (8, 10, 10, 8) sts remain.
DK: work round 1 a total of 5 (6, 7, 9, 10) times, 8 (10, 10, 8, 8) sts remain.
Worsted: work round 1 a total of 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) times, 8 (8, 8, 8, 8) sts remain.
Chunky: work round 1 a total of 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) times, 10 (10, 8, 8, 8) sts remain.
The way I read this it seems there should be two markers as it says to knit to 3 sts before marker and calls for it to be repeated twice. Thanks for any help.
December 27, 2021 @ 10:05 am
Yes, you have the BOR marker that has remained in the work since you cast on the mitten, and you will place a second marker (PM means place marker) during the set up round. Hope this clarifies! ~ Em
November 9, 2021 @ 5:26 am
Hello there! This is my second project and it is a super fun knit. I was a bit intimidated at first, but taking it in bite sized chunks has been helpful and I’ve learned a ton!
I am now past the thumb gusset. So far, all my transitions between needles has been tight and no laddering, but when I look back towards the ‘V’ section where the thumb base attaches to the body of the glove, I see some looser knits. I’m guessing when I ‘pick’ up a stitch from the body of the mitten when I’m back to knitting the thumb section that it will tighten up.
My questions are:
– How do I know which stitch to pick up?
– Am I essentially ‘making a stitch’ here when I pick it up? Is there any specific one I should use? On the increase section I did the M1L and M1R method.
Thank you for your time! I appreciate your site so much.
Cheers!
November 9, 2021 @ 10:17 am
Hi – You will want to pick up the stitch that you cast on (most likely the loose stitch you mentioned). You want to work a pick up and knit and you can find instructions for that here: https://blog.tincanknits.com/2013/12/24/picking-up-and-knitting-stitches/
November 6, 2021 @ 6:01 pm
This is a great mitten pattern! It’s easy to follow and thank you for the different gauges for the different yarns.
November 1, 2021 @ 6:07 pm
Hi, I’m making the child size mitten (CO 28 sts) using worsted weight yarn. The 3 inch from hole for thumb seems terribly long. Is that number correct? It seems quite a jump from smaller size where that measurement is only 1.75 inches. These mittens are for a 4 year old. Thank you! I do love your patterns.
November 2, 2021 @ 12:41 pm
Hi Denise – I haven’t found it to be tooooo long for my kiddos. Better a smidge long than too short.
January 2, 2022 @ 10:18 am
Hi. I dropped my marker on the thumb gusset. I’m on the second M1 row . How many stitches should I have before I should place marker?
Thank you
January 3, 2022 @ 2:22 pm
After the setup round, you have 3 sts between markers. After the next m1 increase round, you have 5. On the next m1 increase round, you’ll have 7 (once the two m1s have been worked).
October 19, 2021 @ 1:59 pm
HI, I am stumped and not sure why… I am on the decrease and round 1 states, k1,ssk, kit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1 twice. I only have 3 sts before the marker so i am not sure about the “twice” or maybe i have done something wrong. Can you help. I sent an email earlier this week but haven’t heard back and i would like to finish these mittens
October 20, 2021 @ 1:15 pm
Hi Joy – You are repeated the entire bracketed instruction twice.
November 29, 2021 @ 8:34 pm
I also find this instruction confusing. Do you knit to end of round
October 14, 2021 @ 1:57 pm
The backwards loop is so difficult.. it seems like it’s done in the end of the row normally from all the videos I’m watching? I don’t get how you can add it there, because the needle is empty or not in the right spot. How are we supposed to start it? If I manage to get it on my right needle correctly my yarn is in a bad position and I need to do a yarn over. Anyway I have too many stitches on my needles so I’m not finding this to be the most simple mitten pattern 😩 I already frogged back 4 times!
October 17, 2021 @ 11:51 pm
We’ve got a tutorial here for how to work backward loop in the context of a mitten, within the work in progress: https://blog.tincanknits.com/2013/12/24/backwards-loop-cast-on/
July 4, 2021 @ 5:06 am
Je crois que vous avez une erreur lors du tour de montage pour le gousset
Tour de montage : m1, m1, m1, PM, tricoter jusqu’à la fin [2 augmentations] (qui est sur ce blogue)
Je crois que le 2e , m1 doit être k1. Est-ce que je me trompe?
July 4, 2021 @ 10:44 pm
Hi Helene – I’m sorry, I can’t find the spot you are referring to? The Set-up round for the thumb gusset is indeed m1, k1, m1, PM, knit to end [2 sts inc]
June 26, 2021 @ 8:32 pm
This is perhaps the stupidest knitting question ever. I have the body of the mitten knitted. I used a very small short circular needle. Now when I tried to knit the thumb on using double pointed needles it is not the knot stitch but a purl stitch. I’m really confused.
June 28, 2021 @ 10:39 am
Hi Judy – It sounds like maybe you are knitting in the wrong direction. Since you are knitting in the round you always wand the right side (knit side) facing you.
June 5, 2021 @ 3:40 pm
I absolutely adore ALL your patterns & wonderful tutorials & the mitten tutorial is one of the best! Thank you so much for your generosity & I agree with Pat: you are the best!!
March 31, 2021 @ 8:08 am
I am puzzled by the single cast on stitch after you place the thumb gusset stitches on waste yarn. I am making the large mitts with fingering wool and cast on 52 stitches. To start the thumb gusset we increased by 2 stitches – M1 K1 M1. So the 19 stitches on the waste wool grew out of 3 original stitches. I have 49 stitches on my waste yarn, which makes sense to me. Why don’t we cast on 2 or 3 stitches at the start and end of the this round? What am I not getting? Thanks!
April 4, 2021 @ 10:36 pm
When you work m1, k1, m1, PM, you are increasing from one stitch to three stitches. So it’s only the ONE stitch from the original cast-on that we end up placing on waste yarn, thus it is only ONE stitch we cast on after the thumb gusset is complete. I hope this clarifies! ~ Em
April 13, 2021 @ 10:58 am
Of course! Now I understand my mistake. I just did a my usual increase, knitting one beneath the stitch, instead of your M1. Thanks for your reply
March 17, 2021 @ 1:08 am
Thank you so much for sharing this information about mittens. Now it becomes easier for me to perform the same.
March 4, 2021 @ 5:01 am
Hi! Okay, I’m knitting the medium in worsted, and, apparently something is wrong with my math. At the end of the gusset I have increased a total of 10 stitches. (M1, k1, m1 every third row 5 times. 2×5=10). This leaves me with 46 stitches on my needles. Take away 13 thumb stitches onto waste yarn to have 33 stitches remaining on needles. Cast on one stitch to have 34 stitches on the needles. Is this correct? Or should I somehow be finding myself back at the original cast on number of 36? Thanks in advance!
March 5, 2021 @ 10:39 am
Hi Kathy – The set up round increases 2 sts, and each repeat of rounds 1-3 increases 2 sts, so it’s a total increase of 12 sts, not 10.
February 22, 2021 @ 8:45 am
I see your answer below and it still doesn’t make sense, lol. You say to do it twice. Is that right after it in the same row or are you saying knit to the end and do it again in the next row?
February 22, 2021 @ 12:46 pm
Hi Mavis – In the same round.
February 8, 2022 @ 5:55 pm
Thank you for asking about this! I was completely confused by this part too! Otherwise every step has been so clearly written and easy to follow!
February 22, 2021 @ 8:36 am
I’m a very experienced knitter and somehow I’m not getting this: Round 1: (k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1) twice [4 sts dec] Am I suppose to do this one after another after reaching 3 stitches before the maker? Help
February 22, 2021 @ 12:46 pm
Hi Mavis – YOu should have 2 markers in your work, the BOR marker and the second marker placed in the set-up round. You are going to work the instructions in the square brackets twice, for a total of 4 decrease.
February 4, 2021 @ 8:21 pm
Love this pattern! One quick question…i am knitting the large size in chunky yarn…how many stitches will i have on my needles after taking off the 13 stitches for the thumb gusset? Thank you.
February 4, 2021 @ 11:49 pm
Hi Susan – It will be the same as the cast on: Chunky: 22 (26, 28, 32, 36) sts.
February 5, 2021 @ 10:00 am
And then you cast on the one stitch?
February 5, 2021 @ 1:33 pm
No, after you’ve cast on the one stitch you will be back at the same number as the cast on.
January 11, 2021 @ 12:19 pm
Thank you! Very easy and komfortable mittens!
January 4, 2021 @ 5:19 pm
I feel dumb asking this, as if I’m missing something. I’ve never done mittens before. I’m at the gusset and reading where you say to set up the pattern to m1, k1, m1, PM, and knit everything else.
Having never done a M1 I went to find visuals and even your tutorial (from what I’m understanding) says you don’t start an M1 at the begging. So how would I M1 if there is no bar in between?
January 6, 2021 @ 11:56 am
Hi Vanessa – You can definitely start with an m1. There will be a ‘bar’ between the last stitch of the round and the first stitch for you to pick up and work with.
December 15, 2020 @ 12:19 pm
hi there- i’m doing this for the first time and got to the thumb. my stitches are ‘on hold’ as directed- my question is once I pick these up again, where do I get my ‘working yarn’ to knit? Do I cast on one extra stitch as i start to achieve this? thanks!
December 17, 2020 @ 1:10 pm
Hi Andy – You are going to join new yarn for your working yarn. Leave a nice long tail to sew up any gaps at the base of the thumb when your mittens are done.
December 7, 2020 @ 8:53 am
Thanks for the great pattern! Everybody is using it! I notice almost all mitten patterns have us cast on 1 or more stitches after putting the thumb gusset stitches on a yarn holder. Would it work just as well to do an increase in the hand portion in first round of the thumb gusset, adding the “live” stitch back that was used in the gusset?
December 8, 2020 @ 6:04 am
I’m sure you could do it that way too – we do a single stitch cast-on because it ends up centred right where the gusset stitch was in the round. Enjoy! ~ Em
November 3, 2020 @ 12:48 pm
Hi there, I am starting the decreasing of the fingers and am a bit confused. Is 1 round supposed to pass the marker twice? it says “(k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1) twice” which makes it seem like i have to pass the marker 2 times in 1 round.
November 4, 2020 @ 10:47 am
Hi Chloe – after the set-up round for the decreases you should have 2 markers, the BOR marker and the second marker placed in the set-up round
November 23, 2020 @ 8:21 pm
Is this the not marker from the very beginning? I’m very confused about the rounds for decreasing. Does twice mean that it’s all repeated 2 times and that equals 1 round?
November 24, 2020 @ 12:47 pm
Hi Carly – In the set-up round for decreases a second marker is placed. So you will have 2 markers, the BOR marker that has been there since the beginning and the second marker placed in the set-up round. You will work the entire instruction in the square brackets twice.
February 22, 2021 @ 10:04 am
Hi Carly, if it makes more sense, after the set-up round, you will have 2 markers on your needles, the beginning of round (BOR) and the new one. When you start the decreases in the next round, you will start at the BOR marker like this: k1 SSK, knit to three stitches before the new marker, k2tog k1, slip the marker, k1 SSK, knit to three stitches before the BOR marker, K2tog k1.
I hope this helps! :-)
September 17, 2021 @ 1:28 am
Thank you! Your explanation makes much more sense!
November 29, 2021 @ 8:47 pm
This is a good explanation. I was also confused with Round 1 of the decrease
January 14, 2022 @ 6:31 pm
This makes so much more sense, thank you, Cathy!
October 27, 2020 @ 10:27 pm
This may be a very silly question. I finished the rounds just before the gusset and am about to set up for the gusset…when I am adding those stitches am I just using the left and right needles that have the stitches on them or am I using the “4th” free needle to do that? Does that make sense? Sorry haha
October 28, 2020 @ 2:20 pm
Hi Kareena – I like to keep those stitches at the beginning of the round. They should be increased between the BOR marker and the additional marker placed.
October 11, 2020 @ 11:37 am
Hi! Love your pattern. Just one question on M1 stitches.
Do you suggest on Thumb Gussett to: M1R, K1, M1L, PM, Knit to end
OR is it M1L, K1, M1R, PM, Knit to end?
Trying to alternate the M1 stitches as you suggested.
Thank you
October 12, 2020 @ 1:38 am
Either will work; I think M1L, k1, M1R will be the ‘cleanest’ but you could try both ways… the difference is really only quite slight!
September 13, 2020 @ 10:43 am
This is an amazing pattern, but I’m confused. Don’t I need to do something different on each mitten to have a Left and a Right Mitten?
September 13, 2020 @ 9:04 pm
Hi Heather – Nope! They are reversible so you can just knit 2 the same.
September 12, 2020 @ 10:35 am
It would be great if you could give more precisions about how to pick up the stitch from body of mitten, when beginning to knit the thumb. How should we pick it up (I’m never sure which part to pick up), is it a pick up and knit or really just pick it up, should we knit from the back loop to twist it, etc. My 12yo is knitting her first mittens, and she’s really annoyed to see big holes at the base of the thumb. Is there some technique to avoid that? Maybe picking up 3 stitches instead of one, and doing k2tog on the next round to go back to the necessary number of sts?
September 13, 2020 @ 9:07 pm
Hi – That method will work. I usually just use my tail after I knit the thumb to sew up any gaps at the base of the thumb. If you click through the ‘pick up and knit’ link it will take you to our tutorial specifically on that instruction.
June 25, 2020 @ 10:16 am
Hi I’m trying to knit the mittens but getting very confused on set up round, I’m using dpns and a BOR stitch marker so I remember where my first cast on stitch is. When I try to do the m1, k1, m1 I have done as you say to use the bar between the last stitch and first stitch (cast on stitch) but as I am progressing through the next rounds my BOR stitch marker seems to be going in the middle of the thumb gusset stitches (im using worsted and need 13 sts between BOR and marker and I’m guessing I will not have these between my markers if I carry on). Please could you advise what I’m doing wrong and I hope I have explained the mess I’m in easy enough to understand 😊. Tysm for any help
June 25, 2020 @ 11:02 am
Hi! I think you might want to take your BOR marker out for the thumb gusset. It sounds like when you are working your m1 the BOR marker is ending up on the wrong side of it. Alternatively you can simply ignore the BOR marker until the gusset is done and then re-place it once the thumb sts are on hold.
May 21, 2020 @ 6:19 am
I am excited for this first attempt at mittens and DPNs!
In the pattern you do not refer to a row of purling for the stockinette pattern shown. So, when increasing, is the “set up round” considered the first round? I see that we will increase every 3rd row for the thumb gusset. Is the increasing always done on a knitting row?
May 21, 2020 @ 12:35 pm
Hi – When knitting in the round the right side of the work is always facing you, so to work stockinette in the round you are knitting every round. Does that help?
October 22, 2020 @ 10:35 am
Hi! How do I know which size I’m making? I see numerous stitches to cast on for each yarn type but I’m unsure what number of cast on stitches equal what size. Sorry if I’m missing something. Thanks
October 22, 2020 @ 1:24 pm
Hi Kim – check the sizing portion at the very start of the pattern
May 10, 2020 @ 7:00 am
Love the mitten pattern, made 3 pairs child and adult. My concern is I cast on to tight, particularly with children’s mittens. I try to cast on loosely but was wondering if there is something else to try. Thank you for your help. Jerri
May 11, 2020 @ 12:52 pm
Hi Jerri – You can try casting on with a larger needle, then switching to the smaller needle, that will make it a little looser.
May 13, 2020 @ 4:47 pm
Thank you makes sense.
April 2, 2020 @ 1:24 pm
Oh, rats. I got lazy. Rather than get another safety pin, I took my BOR (beginning of Round) marker off to place marker (PM) per the “set up round”
what does the second half of this next part mean?
“DK: work rounds 1-3 a total of 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) times, 13 (13, 15, 15, 17) sts between BOR and marker.”
Does it mean I should have 17 sts between BOR and the marker (for size large)?
After working rounds 1-3 seven times, do I have sixteen or seventeen stitches between BOR [2 stitches from the set up round and 14(?) stitches from working 1-3 seven times]. Where did the seventeenth stitch come from?
April 3, 2020 @ 10:29 am
oh wait, i see, the 17th stitch comes from the sts between the m1’s
April 3, 2020 @ 10:29 am
…in the set up round
April 3, 2020 @ 11:42 am
Hi Jeffrey – Once you have worked rounds 1-3 a total of xx times, you will have xx sts between the markers.
January 28, 2020 @ 11:00 pm
Hello! I read your m1 tutorial but I seem to still be confused as to when to use m1l versus m1r. For the thumb gusset did you stick to m1l or m1r, and did you ever switch?
February 4, 2020 @ 12:29 pm
Hi Kels – I like to use an m1L and then an m1R for my thumb gusset, but it’s purely a matter of preference, some knitters prefer the opposite.
January 18, 2020 @ 5:49 am
I got confused at this point Round 1: [k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1] twice [4 sts dec]
After you do this Round 1: [k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1] it say to do this twice????? Do you knit all the stitches after the first round to the end and do the second round from the beginning as there is only one marker. Please help ca
January 23, 2020 @ 11:56 am
Hi Cathy – in order to get all the way around you need to work those instructions twice.
January 2, 2020 @ 3:11 am
I have knit many mittens from many patterns. You have written the absolute best instructions with the pictures by far. I also appreciate that you have addressed the different stitches and rounds for the different types of yarn as I am knitting mittens for charity to use up my stash of yarn. Well done.
December 15, 2019 @ 12:47 am
My mittens ended up so pointy at the top. How do I get them more rounded?
December 16, 2019 @ 1:41 pm
Hi Nikki – you probably want a different decrease. You might want to try dividing your sts into 4 or 6 and working a k2tog before each marker, then knitting a round, then working the decrease round again.
January 25, 2020 @ 6:49 am
Hello, just need a little clarification on this. Does this mean you would place a maker every 4 or 6 stitches, and k2tog before each of these markers?
Such a good and clear pattern btw.
January 28, 2020 @ 1:27 pm
Hi Salma – Yep, that’s just right
November 21, 2019 @ 1:48 pm
I have made two mittens and I have one question. In all your illustrations the pictures depict the “smooth” side of the stitches (what I expect from the Knit vs Purl side, but as I’m knitting the outward facing surface of my mittens reflect the “bumpy “ side of the mitt or the purl side. This confuses me. I have to turn my mittens inside out effectively in order to show the smooth surface. Am I doing something wrong?
November 21, 2019 @ 3:16 pm
Hi – It sounds like you need to rearrange your mitten. As you knit you want the ‘outside’ or ‘smooth side’ to be facing you and the ‘bumpy’ side to be on the inside. There is nothing wrong with the way you are doing it, you just have it arranged so you are looking at it differently.
November 17, 2019 @ 2:57 pm
Could you use a kitchener stitch to stitch up the hand of the mitten?
November 19, 2019 @ 8:44 pm
Hi Savannah – you bet!
September 25, 2020 @ 10:48 am
I am super confused with the decrease. I set up the decrease round, made it through the first ssk, but by the time I make it to the marker and k2tog I can’t make the next two stitch decrease. Ive divided my stitches as 13-13-14. Help!
September 25, 2020 @ 11:39 am
Hi Cassandra – I would recommend splitting your stitches with 1/2 of them on the first needle, 1/4 on the second needle, and 1/4 on the third needle. Then you are working your decreases at the beginning and end of the fist needle, the beginning of the second needle, and the end of the third needle.
October 14, 2019 @ 1:43 pm
I love this mitten pattern and thanks for creating it. I have made several versions for everyone in my family. But, is it possible to knit this mitten in a super bulky yarn weight? And how would I go about doing this?
October 15, 2019 @ 10:35 am
Hi Jennifer – You bet! It might take a little experimentation, but you would want to knit a smaller size in the thicker yarn and bigger needles. Look for a size that has the right number of sts around the hand for your liking in your new gauge
September 26, 2019 @ 1:14 pm
I’m confused on the first bit of the thumb it says “set up round: mk, k1 etc”. And then goes to Rounds 1 and 2 etc. Does the set up round mean to do that? If so, how do I do a m1 on the first stitch?
September 26, 2019 @ 1:16 pm
Sorry – mean the set up row says m1, k1 etc.
November 1, 2019 @ 5:06 pm
I am also confused on this. How do you m1, k1, m1 at beginning of the round
November 5, 2019 @ 11:25 am
Hi Penny – to do a m1 you want to lift the bar between the sts, so you are going to lift the bar between the last stitch of the round and the first stitch of the round.
September 26, 2019 @ 4:36 pm
Hi Sharel – you are going to pick up the bar between the last st of the round and the first one and make 1 stitch. Does that help?
September 25, 2019 @ 3:59 pm
Can this be done with circular needles?
September 26, 2019 @ 12:06 pm
Hi – Yep! You will need to use the magic loop method.
September 20, 2019 @ 10:26 am
Decrease round 1 how do I do it twice? I’m at the stitch marker?!
September 20, 2019 @ 11:03 am
Hi – After the set up round for the decreases you should have 2 markers in your work, the BOR marker, and the second marker placed in the set up round. Does that help?
September 20, 2019 @ 8:10 pm
Maybe. I’ll try a CD few rows and see how it works.
December 13, 2020 @ 12:40 pm
I’m confused by the decreases. I have the set up round done I knitted the number of stitches I wanted and I placed a stitch marker. I then knitted the other two needles (1/2, 1/4 and 1/4).
Now I’m at the Round 1 ….I did K1, SSK and K to last three stitch’s of which marker? The stitch marker or the BOR marker….please help I’m confused with the ‘twice’ (4 stitches decease) part.
December 14, 2020 @ 10:53 am
Hi Wendy – First you are going to work that instruction to the stitch marker, then the same instruction to the BOR marker. You have 2 markers in your work and you are working the instruction twice.
September 20, 2019 @ 6:59 am
On round one of the gusset, what does SM mean?
September 20, 2019 @ 8:34 am
it means Slip Marker. You can find all our pattern abbreviations here: http://tincanknits.com/support.html
July 13, 2019 @ 12:00 pm
For us beginners not understanding the decreases – I think I’ve figured out why I was confused…there’s the beg of round marker (BOR) & the placed marker (PM) that was put in during the set up round at the halfway point. Instructions: [k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1] twice. To be totally clear for us newbies: starting at BOR marker: k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before new PM, k2tog, k1. Then continue with the “twice” part: k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before BOR marker, k2tog, k1. Personally, my BOR marker was way down hanging on the cuff & even though I knew it was supposed to be decreasing on both sides, I was only decreasing before & after the newly placed marker & not the 3 sts before the BOR marker. I was just knitting to 3 sts before the new PM again & bypassing the BOR marker because I didn’t have it up on my current round because… DPNs. I think that’s right…I won’t know until I do the second mitten; nonetheless, if this isn’t right, I hope it helps someone figure out what is!
February 6, 2020 @ 11:08 am
Thank you! I didn’t get it until I read this. 😂
April 18, 2019 @ 4:43 am
I have a strange problem – for some reason when I start to knit the thumb the wrong side of the stitch is on the outside. I have started and pulled it out four times now and can’t figure what I’m doing wrong as it seems so straightforward…..
April 25, 2019 @ 12:42 pm
Hi Cathy – it sounds like your knitting is inside out somehow. Maybe email us a pic and we can try to set you on the right path? Email is tincanknits@gmail.com
November 1, 2019 @ 6:27 pm
I’m using Patons Canadians yarn number 4 medium, is that considered a worsted weight.
November 5, 2019 @ 12:36 pm
Sorry, it looks like there are a number of Canadiana yarns by Patons. Could you email us a pic of the label? It should have a little grid on it that says how many sts per inch are recommended. If it’s 18 sts per 4″ or so it’s about a worsted weight.
March 9, 2019 @ 4:49 pm
Is there a right and left mitten or are they both the same?
March 12, 2019 @ 7:01 pm
Hi Debbie – they are both the same!
February 19, 2019 @ 10:55 am
I’m m confused on the thumb part of the mitten. Where on the body do you pick up the stitch for the thumb? I’m making this pattern on circular needles. Your pictures have double pointed needles and I’m knitting on circular. I’m confused and frustrated. Is there any chance you can simplify this pattern for circular knitting needles?
February 20, 2019 @ 12:38 pm
Hi Amy – for the thumb you are picking up in the stitch you cast on after the thumb gusset, does that help?
February 16, 2019 @ 6:51 am
Hi, I have two questions. First one: although I made a gauge square, the first mitten is turning out a bit too big. I’m currently 2 inch after the thumb gusset, with 2 inch more until I should start decreasing. Would it make sense to already decrease 4 stitches now, or would that look weird?
Second question: I’m finding it really unclear which stitch I should pick up when I’m starting on the thumb. Is it the stitch cast on with the backwards loop?
February 20, 2019 @ 12:42 pm
Hi Pim – I think you could decrease 4 sts to make your mitten come out the right size. Just do the same thing on the second mitten. For the second question you have it just right, it is the stitch you cast on.
February 5, 2019 @ 10:12 pm
is there anything special that has to be done for mirroring?
February 6, 2019 @ 9:21 am
Nope! These mittens are reversible.
February 4, 2019 @ 4:34 pm
I’m confused about where to start the decreases. I’m knitting the large size, for myself, and if I knit to 4 1/2″ past the end of the thumb gusset, the decreases won’t start until the tip of my index finger, and that seems WAY too long. I’m thinking I’ll aim to start them at around the tip of my pinkie finger; does that sound about right?
February 4, 2019 @ 6:16 pm
Hi – you might want to do a couple of rows past the tip of your pinky. I think it’ll be too short if you start it right at the pinky.
February 1, 2019 @ 3:22 pm
I am so confused, how can there be a “knit to marker? I mean if your just adding two sts at the beginning isn’t there only four sts to knit to? Somehow this part is not clear to me? I have increased by following the instructions exzactly but there isn’t such a pronounced v as in the photos? This is my first pair of mittens but I’m not a beginner. Somehow the movement of the marker and how this section progresses isn’t clear to me.
February 4, 2019 @ 10:42 am
Hi Danielle – For the set up round you are going to m1 stitch, k1, m1 PM (so there are 3 sts before the marker. Rounds 1 and 2 are knit. Round 3 you are going to m1, knit to marker (on the first round that would be 3 sts), m1, slip marker, knit to end. The next time you work round 3 you would m1, knit to marker (in that case 5 sts) m1, slip marker knit to end. Does that help?
January 29, 2019 @ 2:55 pm
thanks for the very easy pattern. this is the first pair of mittens I have made. I like how they turned out and now I am not afraid to make some more!
January 24, 2019 @ 11:25 am
These are the first mittens I have knit. All instructions have been very clear to me up to the decrease section. I have worked the worsted set up and Round 1 once. The instructions say to k1,ssk,knit to 3 sets before marker,k2tog,k1 for a second time. My question regards the marker. I am at the point where I have completed round one but there is no marker going forward only the one on the round 1 I just completed. Please advise how to finish round 1 twice when there is no marker for the second time around. Once I finish that I can move on to working the total of four. Thanks so much for your assistance.
January 25, 2019 @ 11:26 am
Hi – after the set up round you should have 2 markers, the BOR marker and the marker placed in the set up round.
January 30, 2019 @ 6:16 pm
I had same question the instructions tell you to remove that first marker (in the thumb gusset section).
February 1, 2019 @ 1:28 pm
You are only removing the second marker. The one at the end of the thumb gusset. Not your BOR marker.
January 23, 2019 @ 10:29 am
the one thing that has me confused is after the set up round (i used this )
Fingering set up: k16 (18, 21, 23, 26), PM, knit to end
then we just knit the whole thing. after that we do round 1 so do we only do the decrease only at the marker and knit around because i am confused i tried doing repeated of round one after the marker and its more rounded then whats in the pic
Round 1: (k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1) twice [4 sts dec]
January 25, 2019 @ 11:27 am
Hi Lorrie – you should have a BOR marker as well as the second marker placed in the set up round.
January 17, 2019 @ 8:51 pm
I’m at the thumb gusset set up row. The line is:
m1, k1, m1, PM, knit to end [2 sts inc]
What does 2 sts inc mean in the brackets. I’m really really novice at knitting and I’m sure I’ll facepalm when I figure it out. I’m just stumped.
January 18, 2019 @ 10:54 am
Hi Wendy – it means there were 2 stitches increased in that round (the two m1s)
January 7, 2019 @ 7:34 am
How many stitches should be on your waste yarn for thumb? I’m using worsted for child size.
January 8, 2019 @ 12:26 pm
Worsted weight: 11 (11, 13, 13, 15) sts between BOR and marker.
December 31, 2018 @ 11:56 am
Are you supposed to actually knit the “set up round”? I did and now I have two extra stitches between the BOR and marker.
December 31, 2018 @ 9:12 pm
Hi Sarah – Yep, you are definitely supposed to knit the set-up round.
March 30, 2019 @ 4:22 pm
Thank you for the good pictures. I got confused on the decreases, though, because there wasn’t a mention of the marker. Had to frog and try again. Could you clarify that section a little?
Debbie
April 3, 2019 @ 10:16 am
Hi Deborah – After the set up round for the decreases there are 2 markers, the BOR marker and the marker placed in the set up round.
December 26, 2018 @ 9:08 am
on round 1 of the thumb…shouldn’t you do the ssk TWICE?? to make a total of 4 decreases? Is that why several people are getting only a total of 3 decreases????
December 27, 2018 @ 7:41 pm
Hi Dorothy – sorry, I”m not following your question. There is no ssk in the thumb or the thumb gusset, are you looking at the decrease section? You are working the instruction twice, so there are 2 ssks and 2 k2togs.
December 5, 2018 @ 9:54 am
Can these be knit in the round?
December 6, 2018 @ 11:39 am
They are indeed knit in the round!
November 21, 2018 @ 10:59 am
I’m haveing the hardest time with these simple mitten. Haha. When I get to the thumb gusset i end up with the wrong number of stitches. Ripped them out twice. When I do m1,k1,m1 am I using 2 stitches or 3? Thanks for your help
November 22, 2018 @ 1:13 pm
Hi Lisa – You shouldn’t really be using any sts to do your m1’s, try using a bar increase (check out our m1 tutorial), I think that will clear things up. It sounds like maybe you are using a kfb, but that’s a sort of specific increase that uses a stitch to make a stitch, so it might be what’s throwing off your count.
December 10, 2018 @ 3:15 pm
Oh I wish I had seen this in the instructions!
November 14, 2018 @ 9:06 pm
Thank you so much for this tutorial. It’s taken me a very long time to even attempt mittens. You have really helped me so much with your clear, understandable directions and photograhs. One question: I have the thumb on waste yarn and am finishing up the rest of the mitten. I can tell that once I have the thumb stitches back on needles there’s going to be a hole. Shouldn’t we pick up more than just one stitch?+
November 22, 2018 @ 1:14 pm
You can always pick up more sts and just decrease them on the next round if that keeps you from getting holes! I usually just use my tail to tighten it all up at the end.
November 5, 2018 @ 7:03 pm
I keep getting a hole when I cast on the one stitch after I place the thumb stitches on waste yarn. I have my work right side out and am casting the stitch onto the empty dpn. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance for any comments.
November 9, 2018 @ 9:40 pm
Hi Linda – it might be that I’m not understanding the question, but that’s the hold where your thumb goes, then you pick up and knit the thumb later….is that what you are asking?
December 5, 2018 @ 9:11 pm
I think I understand your question Linda (but please correct me if I’m wrong)!
I made a pair of fingerless gloves a few years ago and had this same problem where there is a hole in the “thumb pitt” after finishing. I just assumed it was because it was my first try but as I’m working on these mittens I’ve begun to worry I might make the same mistake. I tried to add a picture of the first gloves I made for reference, but I’m not able to include it in this comment, sorry!
November 4, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
Hey there, this is my first attempt at knitting and I’m having some issues understanding the gusset instructions. Do I use m1, k1, m1, PM, knit to end [2 sts inc] to start all three rounds?
Also am I leaving the market once I’ve finished each round?
Thanks in advance.
November 9, 2018 @ 9:38 pm
Hi – Just increase on the first round, and yep, do leave your markers in
October 31, 2018 @ 6:45 am
This is fantastic – exactly the pattern I was looking for, since I have never knitted mittens before!! Thank you!! Quick question: in the rows that start the gusset, what are PM and SM? I’m not familiar with these abbreviations.
November 1, 2018 @ 8:48 am
PM = place marker, SM = slip marker. The abbreviations are all listed on page 3 of the pattern, and you can also find our full list of pattern abbreviations here: http://tincanknits.com/support.html
October 24, 2018 @ 10:07 am
Stupid question here. I’m going to be doing these in adult small in do weight. It says cast on 38, then 1/2 on one needle, which is 19, then 1/4 on the other 2 needles. My math isn’t working out to give me an even amount of stitches to divide onto the remaining 2 DPN’s
October 24, 2018 @ 12:12 pm
Hi Alaina – approximate numbers only for distributing your stitches. I’d go with 19, 10, and 9
October 16, 2018 @ 7:19 am
If you want to customize the length of the mitten hand, how do you know when to start decreases? My hands are short. I am keeping the length of the cuff, but I want to shorten the hand and thumb. I am making the bulky. Thank you.
October 17, 2018 @ 10:25 am
Hi Shanan – You want to stop about 1.5″ short of desired length.
October 5, 2018 @ 6:27 am
Hi, thank you so much for your tutorial! Just a quick question – I just finished the set-up round for the thumb gusset and ended up with 4 stitches more than the last round as opposed to just 2 (38->42, not 38->40). I used this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGbOiIvWLjc) to learn how to do the m1L and m1R stitches . Any idea what I did wrong to end up with 2 extra stitches? Thanks!!
October 5, 2018 @ 12:00 pm
Hi Maggie – sorry, no idea without actually seeing it. Maybe email us with a pic and we can take a look? tincanknits@gmail.com
September 27, 2018 @ 9:49 am
Finally got around to trying your pattern and yep, it is one of the simplest patterns I have ever knit. Thank you. I knit a lot of mittens for charity and these are perfect.
September 14, 2018 @ 9:53 am
I’m wondering when you place the gusset stitches on the holder..the one stitch that is cast on..should it be cast on the right needle or the left.. and if it’s on the left I don’t understand it? Can someone explain the one cast on stitch location a little clearer maybe?
September 14, 2018 @ 12:38 pm
I cast it on to the right needle, and it becomes the first stitch of the round.
August 28, 2018 @ 7:40 pm
I’ve always been intimidated by trying mittens so I appreciate the tutorial. I also am not fond of working with DPNs so I was happy to learn about Magic loop. I’m just at the gusset and when I get to the thumb, will I have to switch to DPNs as shown in the photo tutorial? Thanks so much.
September 4, 2018 @ 2:06 pm
Nope! You can use magic loop all the way through
March 25, 2018 @ 10:58 am
I have never understood how you PM at BOR on DPNs??? Marker always falls off. Is it me?
March 26, 2018 @ 9:17 am
Hi Kelly – you could use a locking stitch marker and put it IN the stitch, but I tend to just distribute my stitches with 1/2 of them on the first needle, then 1/4 on the second, and 1/4 on the third. Then I know the BOR starts at the beginning of the needle with the most sts.
March 4, 2018 @ 10:47 am
For the decreases on the mitten do you knit one row after the decrease or do you decrease on every row
March 7, 2018 @ 10:11 am
Hi Linda – you are decreasing every round
February 9, 2018 @ 10:51 pm
This pattern seems to be one of the simplest & clearly explained. Shall try one soon.
All queries being clarified too.
Well done & Best wishes.
February 22, 2019 @ 10:19 am
I love your pattern so far but seem to have an issue with the decrease for the body. I ended up with only a left leaning top. I did the ssk first and then for last 3 k2tog k1. Is this perhaps backwards? Plz help!!! My Mitt looks ridiculous!!
February 25, 2019 @ 10:27 am
Hi Katt – it sounds like you are missing a marker. In the set up round for the decreases there are 2 markers, the BOR marker and the marker placed in the set up round.
February 4, 2018 @ 10:22 am
Round 1: (k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1) twice [4 sts dec]
As I read this it is only 3 sts. dec. Am I missing something?
February 5, 2018 @ 9:29 am
Hi – it’s definitely 4 sts decreased. You will be working the ssk decrease twice and the k2tog decrease twice.
October 9, 2018 @ 4:42 pm
Hi first pair of mittens ever and loving your pattern I am confused at the decreasing section. Should there be two markers at the end of the setup row? If so maybe that’s where I’ve gone wrong?
October 11, 2018 @ 2:34 am
I think that’s your issue; from the beginning of the knit, you have a BOR marker in place.
Then, in the set up round as you prepare to work fingertip decreases, you will add in another decrease (half-way through the stitch count).
January 6, 2018 @ 9:43 am
This was very helpful! Thanks!!
December 29, 2017 @ 6:58 am
This may be a silly question, but I’m stuck. After you do decreases and break the yarn, then put held stitches back on needles, what yarn am I using to stitch across those held stitches?
January 2, 2018 @ 9:24 am
Hi Tracy – you need some new yarn for the thumb
December 15, 2017 @ 11:49 am
To do the paired increase would it me m1l, knit, m1r?
December 18, 2017 @ 11:14 am
I usually do an m1r then an m1l, but it’s strictly a matter of preference.
December 2, 2017 @ 5:45 am
Thank you for such a fabulous tutorial! I’m new to knitting and just made my first mitten yesterday from a written pattern. It would have been nice to have your step by step explanation! I will be using it as a reference tool! Thanks again!!
November 13, 2017 @ 4:20 am
Hi there I love this pattern and I have made them before with no problems but this time for some reason the thumb is not coming out right?? It is knitting up in garter stitch??? I’m not sure what I did wrong but I don’t want to make the same mistake with the next mitten! Any help will be appreciated 😁thank you for the assist and the great pattern.
Frustrated knitter
November 14, 2017 @ 11:12 am
Hi Kim – maybe send us a few pics of the mitten so we can try to diagnose the problem?
April 4, 2018 @ 6:33 pm
I had this problem too; I think I was knitting in the wrong direction or on the wrong side. I ripped it out twice and on the third try it worked.
October 26, 2017 @ 12:35 pm
Since the decreases are between the two markers how do you decrease the other side of the work and get down to just 8 stitches
October 26, 2017 @ 12:41 pm
Hi Debbie – I’m not sure I understand the question. The decreases are before and after each marker.
February 8, 2019 @ 1:14 pm
I am having the same problem. The pattern does tell you to decrease at the beginning of the round and before the PM which means that all the decreases are between the BOR marker and the placed marker. Should the pattern be to decrease after the PM?
February 10, 2019 @ 6:21 pm
Hi – the pattern says ‘twice’ which indicates to do the instructions in brackets twice.
October 25, 2017 @ 4:33 pm
On the decreases do I knit until there are 8 stitches left between the markers or a total of 8 stitches left on my needles?
October 26, 2017 @ 12:43 pm
8 sts total
October 24, 2017 @ 6:16 pm
I’m making the smallest size in chunky yarn. I’m at the thumb gusset. I’m supposed to end up with 9 sts btwn the markers after three repeats. I did the set up row and two repeats of rounds 1-3 and already have 9. If I do the third round, I will have too many sts. Am I reading the pattern wrong?
October 26, 2017 @ 12:44 pm
Hi Catherine – you might be using a kfb? That uses a stitch to make a st, so you will end up with 2 extra sts between your markers and 2 fewer sts outside of your markers.
October 6, 2017 @ 8:34 pm
I’m agreeing with the previous post. I have made this pattern twice and both times came up short on the number of stitches when starting the hand decreases. (It would help if the directions indicated the number of stitches we should have at different intervals) Please explain why a KFB is not an appropriate way to increase stitches…..it does create one extra stitch. How does that cause a loss of 2 stitches?
October 9, 2017 @ 10:30 pm
It doesn’t cause a loss of 2 sts, it just causes 2 sts to be in the wrong spot. This is because a KFB uses a stitch to create a stitch, you knit into the front and back of 1 stitch, creating 2 sts. In a m1 increase, like a bar increase, you are using the bar between 2 sts to create a stitch, so you are creating a stitch without using a stitch to do it.
September 5, 2017 @ 5:21 am
I don’t think my problem had been mentioned so here goes: After placing gusset on a waste yarn, I have 3 stitches fewer on my front magic loop needle. After 2 attmepts and ripping it apart, I remedied by casting on 3 stitches to the back needle with working yarn and then sliding 3 stitches at the loop end from the back needle to the front needle so each needle again has 18 stitches. I started with 36. This works, but why am I coming up 3 stitches short when you only seem to come up 1 stitch short after M1, K1, M1? Does it have to do with DPN vs Magic Loop?
September 5, 2017 @ 12:33 pm
Are you possibly using a KFB to make one? You will need to use a different increase. KFB is a special one that uses a stitch to make a stitch so you need to either use a different m1 method or factor that in.
August 23, 2017 @ 9:34 am
I’m sooooo nervous to try this pattern, but sooooo excited at the same time! I’ve always wanted to learn how to knit mittens and this is *the* perfect pattern. I’ve read through it twice and have read all of the wonderful comments, and think I’m ready to take a stab at it. Thanks so much for the wonderful step-by-step instructions AND photos to follow along. Now… wish me luck!
August 12, 2017 @ 2:54 pm
Hi, I am making my first mitten ever. I don’t understand the set up for the thumb gusset. It begins with m1, k1, m1, PM , etc. How do you make 1 at the beginning of a round?
December 12, 2017 @ 7:21 am
I am at the thumb gusset I have done two rounds of knit on three needles. How can you start a ml without knitting one stitch first?
December 12, 2017 @ 10:45 am
We do a make 1 by lifting the bar between 2 sts, so it would be the bar between the last st on the needle and the first st on the next needle
July 18, 2017 @ 5:29 am
After the gusset the directions give 5 measurements to knit for the hand length. Does the 1.75 apply to fingering? What size? Is 4.5 for chunky yarn? What size?
July 18, 2017 @ 5:37 am
I get it, the numbers are for the size. Senior moment.
June 21, 2017 @ 6:29 pm
I have knit over 61 years and made mitten sets. I always used something to mark the beginning row is brilliant. 50/25/25. Sts. Now why didn’t I think of that. Thank you.!
June 20, 2017 @ 3:07 am
This was the perfect pattern for me to try as my first unsupervised knitting project. All the info I needed to learn the necessary skills.
May 30, 2017 @ 7:36 am
My personal preference for knitting socks, mittens, etc. – two 24″ circular needles. I knit on and teach DPNs, Magic Loop, and 2 circs but my all time personal choice is to use 2 circs.
May 26, 2017 @ 4:34 am
fantastic pattern. just grab yarn and needles. No fussing around trying to find a pattern with the correct gauge, they are all here together !!
March 11, 2017 @ 4:39 pm
This is confusing to me also. The directions do not state to PM at the beginning of the set up round.
March 12, 2017 @ 11:42 am
You have a beginning of round marker (placed at the very beginning of the mitten, after the cast on) and then there is a place marker in the set up round for the gusset.
March 27, 2018 @ 4:01 pm
This! This had me confused too. I ditched my BOR marker once I put the thumb gusset on hold and couldn’t figure out how to do the decrease twice. Thanks!
June 21, 2017 @ 6:33 pm
As she states in the beg comments. Place 50% of your std on 1st needle, then 25% on each of the next two needles. You don’t need to mark your beginning needle as it’s always the one with the most std on it. Brilliant.
February 24, 2017 @ 3:10 pm
I’m going to risk showing my complete ignorance by saying the instructions for the thumb went right over my head. I’m not sure how to knit across the row, pick up a stich, and join this all together for knitting in the round now that I’ve cut the yarn. I would really appreciate any pointers. Also, if I somehow manage to do the above, should I k2tog to join? Thanks so much for this pattern and for the tutorial.
February 24, 2017 @ 9:49 pm
Hi Lori – you need to join new yarn to work the thumb, no need to k2tog to join
February 16, 2017 @ 8:43 am
Would it be just as easy with magic loop? I’m not familiar with double pointed.
February 16, 2017 @ 9:09 am
Hi Jo – as far as I know anything you can use DPNs for you can magic loop
February 15, 2017 @ 5:10 am
Hi there,
I’m new to the knitting scene but obsessed and inspired. You have such a great website. Love the patterns and tutorials.
So re. The decreases 😬, I’m confused about the “knit until 3 before marker” directions because I end up running out of stitches on one side way before I’m down to 8 stitches (kid’s size) to finish it off. I’m I supposed to be adjusting the marker?
Confused, Laura
February 16, 2017 @ 9:11 am
Hi Laura – sounds like something is going wrong…
February 12, 2017 @ 2:43 pm
I love your pattern! Can you clarify the decreases. I guess it’s the marker that is confusing me and how to get the 4 stitch decrease per row. Where does the round end and begin again?
February 12, 2017 @ 10:34 pm
Hi Ellen – at the decrease set up round you will have a BOR marker and then you are placing a second marker, you are decreasing on either side of these 2 markers.
November 22, 2017 @ 5:32 am
I love your pattern, thank you! I found this line confusing also because as you said, you don’t PM at BOR (it falls off the DPN) so, since I didn’t have a marker at BOR I didn’t understand the decreases. Now I do, thanks to your clarification in the comment section.
February 2, 2017 @ 9:52 pm
Thank you so much for this pattern and tutorial! I’m a little confused about where to cast on after putting the thumb gusset stitches on hold. Do you put the new stitch on the empty 4th needle or the needle the needle that originally had the thumb gusset?
February 2, 2017 @ 10:32 pm
Hi Lori – I would cast it on to the empty 4th needle and then proceed with that needle
February 3, 2017 @ 2:42 pm
Thanks so much! This is my first time making mittens so I truly appreciate all these tips!
February 1, 2017 @ 10:02 am
I don’t know how to use double pointed needles. I just know two needle. Are there any mittens I can knit using two needles
February 2, 2017 @ 12:57 pm
Hi Nancy – we don’t have any seamed mittens (although I’m sure there are lots of simple seamed mitten patterns out there). Are you sure you don’t want to try double points? They will open up a whole new world of knitting!
January 29, 2017 @ 6:05 pm
Help! I’m getting ready to start the thumb and I’m confused…where do I get working yarn from once I put the stitches back on my needles and take out the waste yarn?
January 29, 2017 @ 11:31 pm
Hi – you need to join new yarn for the thumb
January 29, 2017 @ 3:59 pm
I must be misreading the pattern because no one else has had my problem! When I start to increase for the thumb gusset I am on track, but the pattern says to work rounds 1-3 a total of 4 times, ending up with 11 stitches between the BOR and marker. I think I’ll end up with 15. ?? Can you tell guess at what I’m doing wrong??
January 29, 2017 @ 11:32 pm
Hi Jude – you are working rounds 1-3 a total of 4 times so you are adding 8 sts to the original 3 from the set up round. That makes for 11
January 21, 2017 @ 7:44 pm
Never thought the day would come when I would actually knit my very own mitten—just finished ONE of two and am very impressed with how well I followed along with your awesome step by step photos and instructions. Thank you so much, you have a new fan
January 21, 2017 @ 7:42 pm
My very first time attempting to knit mittens, just finished my first one—took a while and I can see some boo boo’s but am very pleased with the outcome. Thank you for the wonderful step by step instructions, you have a new fan.
January 17, 2017 @ 10:02 pm
I know this will sound like a silly question but I am a complete beginner! What length DPNs do you suggest I get? I am using chunky wool. I would like to get a length that I could use for other projects too if possible. Eg. the addi colibri 4mm comes in two lengths: 15cm and 20cm. Appreciate your advice. Thank you!
January 19, 2017 @ 9:47 am
Hi Francesca – I like a shorter needle, 5″ or so, but if you are a beginner get some longer ones, maybe 6-7″ (it’s strictly a question of choice, there is no wrong answer!)
January 20, 2017 @ 3:24 am
Thank you so much!
January 17, 2017 @ 10:45 am
thanks so much
January 16, 2017 @ 7:14 am
The way I read the pattern, once you finished the last round with thumb gusset increases, i put the thumb gusset on waste yarn. Which means the m1 stitches are the ones on the waste yarn. When I am ready to put those stitches back on the needle to finish the thumb, I always have a hard time getting them on. I am thinking of doing 1 more round of knitting before putting the gusset stitches on waste yarn to make it easier. Do you think that would work?
January 16, 2017 @ 11:25 am
Hi Mary – yep, that will totally work!
January 9, 2017 @ 6:21 pm
Hi,
I have a quick question about the slant of the increases for the thumb gusset. When I have knit mittens and such before I always do the M1R 1st and then M1L for my gusset. In your tutorial about M1’s you do suggest doing a M1R after a stitch marker and a M1L before, which makes sense with what I have always done, but in this one you say to do the opposite and I was wondering if there was a reason for this? Thanks and sorry if it is a silly question!
January 9, 2017 @ 11:39 pm
Hi – not a silly question at all! Either way is fine, there is no right answer. I would suggest trying it both ways and seeing which way you prefer (I prefer the left then right)
January 11, 2017 @ 6:44 am
Thanks! I am trying it this way and love how it is looking!
January 5, 2017 @ 8:17 am
Hi there! I’m fairlying new to knitting. My swatch is 18 stitches and 24 rows using a 4.5mm needle with worsted yarn. I guess I knit loosely. Should I follow the directions for worsted or chunky? Thanks so much for the pattern!
January 5, 2017 @ 10:05 am
Hi Emily – I would swatch again on smaller needles. You want a bit of a tighter gauge for mittens than say, a sweater.
December 24, 2016 @ 9:34 am
I am in the process of making these mittens and under decreases I am a little confused. I am using DK yarn and it states to K19 (my size) Place marker knit to end. Great now Round 1 (k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1) twice. If I keep doing around I have one marker so I am only getting the decreases on one side, I am confused. Please help???
December 24, 2016 @ 11:57 am
Hi Irma – you have a BOR marker and a second marker, that makes 2 markers, a decrease on either side of each marker is 4 decreases. Does that help?
January 16, 2017 @ 1:01 pm
Where do I have a BOR marker? I’m knitting on 3 double points. So would the first stitch on the first needle be where the second BOR marker should be?
January 16, 2017 @ 1:45 pm
Hi Carol – there is only 1 BOR marker (beginning of round), if you are working on double points, I always put 1/2 my sts on the first needle so I know the first stitch of the ‘full’ needle is my BOR. You can, however, distribute your sts however you like, with the BOR in the middle of a needle etc. You can also you us a locking stitch marker placed in the first stitch so you know where your BOR is.
January 16, 2017 @ 5:01 pm
Thanks for your quick response. I’m sorry I didn’t mean two BORs. My first and 3rd needle has 8 stitches each. My 2nd needle has 12 stitches. For my size it says k14 pm knit to end then round 1 2x’s. So do I start the second decrease of found 1 right after that marker?
January 17, 2017 @ 9:29 am
Hi Carol – So you have 28 stitches, you are going to place your marker after 14 sts, then you will have your BOR marker at the beginning of the round. Your decreases come at either side of the hand.
December 19, 2016 @ 6:57 pm
Okay, I take it back. I re-read it and now understand that I need to ssk, k2tog, ssk, k2tog 😑 In that order. Oooooops.
December 19, 2016 @ 6:48 pm
Hi! Thank you so much for this pattern, I’ve already whipped out one this afternoon and I think I can get the other one done before bedtime. I am hoping for a clarification for the decreases at the top of the mitten, The pattern states I should end up with four stitch decrease for each round, but I think I may be missing something. Should there be another ssk at the end of the round? Right now I’m only decreasing three stitches per row with one ssk and two k2tog. It’s totally possible I’m incorrectly reading the pattern. Thanks again!
December 9, 2016 @ 7:54 am
Love the pics! I’ve always wanted to knit mittens. Now I think I can!
December 2, 2016 @ 2:07 pm
Just what I was looking for for quick holiday presents! Thank you so much. You have made learning to knit for me so much more enjoyable and easy. So kind.
December 2, 2016 @ 11:30 am
Wow great photos, great instructions and can’t wait to try this simple pattern :) Do you have a similar one for thrummed mittens ?? Thanks!
December 1, 2016 @ 4:23 pm
Love these mittens and the colours you’ve used.
December 1, 2016 @ 2:58 pm
Love, love this idea and pattern. Thank you for the great tutorial also.
December 1, 2016 @ 10:49 am
Your free mittens and wonderful tutorial are amazing. Thank you so much. I’m a real fan!
December 2, 2016 @ 12:01 am
Agree, agree, agree! Taught myself to knit mittens, and if one hasn’t done many before, I haven’t found them to be as simple as they look. Thank you for that great tutorial.
December 1, 2016 @ 10:00 am
And what is that gorgeous pinky-red yarn?
December 1, 2016 @ 1:32 pm
It is the lovely Rainbow Heirloom Sweater in ‘princess rockstar’
December 1, 2016 @ 9:46 am
Thank you so much!! You guys are the best!