What You Need for Your Mittens

• approx. 50 to 100 grams of thick yarn, best suited for needle size 4 to 5
• a set of double-pointed needles in the appropriate size for the yarn, approx. 4 to 5 millimeters
• stitch markers
• scissors
• a wool or darning needle

How much yarn you actually need depends on the size of the mittens, the yardage, and your chosen pattern. Therefore, also pay attention to the information on the yarn label.

If you want your mittens to be finished quickly, it's best to choose a thicker yarn. The knitted piece grows quickly and keeps you pleasantly warm.

If you want to knit particularly delicate mittens, you can also use a thinner, high-quality yarn – for example, merino wool or cashmere. This will result in a finer stitch pattern, but you will need more stitches and rows accordingly.

Anything you like is allowed: the color, pattern, and material should above all suit you or the person receiving the gift. Also pay attention to how the yarn feels on the skin and what care it requires.

Step 1: Cast on stitches

First, determine how many stitches you need to cast on for your mitten. The exact number depends on the hand size, the yarn used, and your personal tension.

The mitten starts at the cuff. The number of stitches cast on must therefore fit comfortably around the wrist. As an average guideline, you can estimate about 16 centimeters for women and approximately 18 centimeters for men. The most reliable method is to measure the wrist directly.

Then, calculate the required number of stitches using your swatching.

An example:

• 20 stitches = 10 centimeters
• 2 stitches = 1 centimeter
• 32 stitches = 16 centimeters

For a circumference of 16 centimeters, you would cast on 32 stitches in this example. Distribute the stitches evenly among the four needles of the double-pointed needle set. For example, with 32 stitches, there would be eight stitches on each needle. Lay out the double-pointed needle set in front of you and check that all cast-on edges point inwards. Only when the stitches are not twisted should you join them to work in the round.

Step 2: Knit the cuff

To ensure the mitten fits snugly on the wrist, first knit an elastic cuff.

Work about 10 to 15 rounds in a rib pattern. For example, you can alternate one knit and one purl stitch, or two knit and two purl stitches. If you want the cuff to be wider or narrower, simply adjust the number of rounds. Make sure the stitch count matches your chosen rib pattern.

Step 4: Creating the Thumbhole

Now you will create the space for the thumb. On one needle, place two stitch markers approximately four to six stitches apart. Put the stitches between the markers on hold—for example, on a spare needle or a piece of contrasting yarn. Pick up the same number of new stitches over the held thumb stitches. These will form the thumb gusset. Knit in stockinette stitch in the round until the mitt reaches approximately the tip of your pinky finger. For the second mitt, position the thumbhole as a mirror image.

Step 5: Knitting the Fingertip

Decrease the stitches evenly. Make sure that there is an even number of stitches on each needle, divide them in half, and knit the last two stitches together at the end of each half. Work plain rounds between decrease rounds and repeat the decreases until only two stitches remain on each needle. Cut the working yarn, leaving about 15 centimeters, pull it through the remaining stitches, and sew it in on the inside.

The Example with 32 Stitches

With 32 stitches, there are eight stitches on each of the four needles. Divide these into two groups of four stitches each. In the first decrease round, knit the last two stitches of each group together. This is followed by two rounds without decreases, then the next decrease round.