Crossroads Mittens by Jesie Ostermiller

Crossroads Mittens

Knitting
October 2020
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
17 stitches and 26.5 rows = 4 inches
in Double Knit Stockinette stitch
US 3 - 3.25 mm
400 - 500 yards (366 - 457 m)
8 (9)" hand circumference
English

This pattern is found in The Colorwork Bible and cannot be purchased as an individual download. The book is available for purchase here.

These fun, double-knit mittens are the perfect answer to the chilliest day. The two layers work together to trap air and provide extra insulation, keeping your fingers toasty. The fully reversible design gives you a couple of different looks to work with, depending on your mood, one side being more subdued and the other more colorful. If you find the small circumference challenging with double-pointed needles, try using a 9” (23 cm) circular so that you don’t find yourself worried about constantly switching needles. Don’t be scared off by the colorwork changes, either; remember there are no floats with double knitting, since each color is used in each pair of stitches. You’ll achieve the best color outcome if MC and CC1 have the highest contrast, with a gradient of colors based on CC1.

Finished Size
8 (9)“ (20.5 23 cm) hand circumference, 10¼ (11½)” (26 29 cm) long.
Note: With the two layers of knit fabric, the hand circumference on the inside of these mittens is about ½“ (1.3 cm) smaller than the listed size.

Yarn
Worsted weight (#4 Medium)
Shown in: Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50% Superfine alpaca, 50% Peruvian wool; 219 yd 200 m/3½ oz 100 g): #6289 Charcoal Mix (MC), 2 skeins; #62100 Eiderdown (CC1), #62114 Tea Rose (CC2), #62190 Sweet Nectar Mix (CC3), #6267 Orchid (CC4), 1 skein each.

Needles
Size U.S. 3 (3.25 mm): 9” (23 cm) circular (cir) or double-pointed (dpn).
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions
Markers (m); removable m; stitch holders; tapestry needle.

Gauge
17 sts and 26½ rows = 4” (10 cm) in doubleknit St st.

Notes

  • These mittens are knit seamlessly in the round from the cuff to the top of the hand.

  • The yarn is held doubled while knitting the cuff, and then the stitches are split to establish doubleknitting layers for the hand and thumb.

  • The thumb gusset is created by working increases while knitting the hand and then placing thumb stitches on scrap yarn while finishing the hand. The held stitches are then picked up and worked to complete the thumb.