Fingerless mittens are ideal for the “shoulder seasons” of Spring and Autumn, when days are cooler but you don’t yet need your winter gloves. This pattern makes for a quick and easy knit with the addition of an Estonian, also known as Vikkel, braid at the intersection between ribbing and stocking stitch. Choose high contrast, bright shades for a pop of colour, or keep it subtle with a toning yarn.

This pattern can also be used as a basic fingerless glove by omitting the Estonian Braid.

Instructions for knitting and finishing an Estonian Braid in the round are included, as are instructions for an invisible join of a cast-off in the round.

Note that the mittens are mirrored so be careful to pay attention to the instructions for right and left.

Sizes
Toddler—to fit hand 10-12cm
Child - to fit hand 12-14cm
Teen / small adult - to fit hand 14-16cm
Women / small men - to fit hand 16-18 cm
Men / large women - to fit hand 18-20 cm
Large Men - to fit hand 20-22 cm
Hand is measured around (circumference), just above the thumb.

Materials
Double knitting yarn in quantity as follows
Single colour mittens
Approx 123 (135, 148, 163, 179)m / 134 (147, 162, 178,196) yds

Three colour mittens (use these quantities to calculate requirements if only two colours are used.
Col 1 (for ribs): 57 (63, 70, 76, 84)m / 63 (69, 76, 83, 92) yds
Col 2 (for braids) 12 (13, 15, 16, 17)m / 13 (14, 15, 17, 18) yds
Col 3 (for hand): 54 (59, 65, 71, 78)m / 59 (64, 71, 71, 86) yds

The samples shown here were made from Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (100% extrafine merino wool). A good substitute for this yarn is Drops Merino Extra Fine or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK, although the pattern is suitable for any double knitting yarn that knits to the correct tension. Choose a yarn with high wool content for warmth, or a cotton or bamboo rich yarn for milder weather conditions.

Other supplies
3¼mm (UK10, US3) dpns, set of four
4mm (UK8, US6) dpns, set of four

Note: you can work the cuff and hand of the gloves using circular needles and the magic loop method if you prefer, but you will need dpns for the thumbs due to the small number of stitches.

3 x marker in two different colours
Waste yarn
Blunt ended tapestry needle (for finishing braids and invisible joins)
Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

Techniques Used
Knit and purl
Increases and decreases
Knitting in the round
Estonian braid - written instructions with photos provided
Invisible join - written instructions with photos provided