Ancestral Fingerless Mittens by Samantha Main

Ancestral Fingerless Mittens

Knitting
November 2018
DK (11 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 42 rows = 4 inches
in Garter Stitch
US 6 - 4.0 mm
109 - 164 yards (100 - 150 m)
2-4 years, 5-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-15 years, adult
English
This pattern is available for £3.50 GBP
buy it now or visit pattern website

These snug-fitting fingerless mittens have been my go-to comfort pattern for many, many years now. When I don’t know what to make, I make this.

It has comforted me through family losses, anxiety and stress, knitting anhedonia, as well as last minute panic gifts.

This pattern gives me great comfort - it’s like a hug for the hands - but I’ve never been ready to share it with anyone. But now that I am no longer the bottom branch on my family tree, deep down I know it’s time to share it. Even if I am a little anxious about sharing it still!

I hope it brings you some comfort like it has done for me.

There is a photo tutorial for seaming the mittens here.

If you’re giving a #hugforthehands as a gift to someone I have created a gift wrap that fits snugly around the wrist of the pair of mittens. It is free to download here.

Each mitten is worked flat in one piece. The cast on and cast off edges are then seamed together to run down the back of the hand and wrist. These mittens work up super quick - approximately 4 hours total - and are fabulous for gift giving and stash busting. The garter stitch fabric creates a snug fit, leaving fingers free for use, and it is brilliant for showing off any smooth yarn - whether it be a solid colour, a gentle tonal, or the wildest coloured yarn you can find!

Materials:
~ Double Knit (DK) Weight Yarn x 1 skein (225m / 100g) - I can usually get 2 pairs from one skein
~ 4.0mm knitting needles
~ Darning Needle

Difficulty: Beginner

Skills Used:
~ Knit
~ Wrap & Turn
~ Selvedge Edge

Sizing: 2-4 years, 5-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-15 years, adult.