Bernie Sanders Crochet Mittens by Rebekah Egresites

Bernie Sanders Crochet Mittens

Crochet
January 2021
Big Twist Renewal
Aran (8 wpi) ?
6 stitches and 8 rows = 2 inches
5.5 mm (I)
6.5 mm (K)
300 - 400 yards (274 - 366 m)
US
English
This pattern is available from etsy.com for $5.00.

Materials Needed:
Red Heart Super Saver (or other 4 worsted weight yarn) in colors:
White
Gray
Buff (tan)
Café Latte (brown)
Coffee (dark brown)
Big Twist Renewal yarn in Dark Blue (or a Navy Colored yarn, this was just the best color match I could find)
6.5 mm & 5.5 mm crochet hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Felt or fleece for lining (optional) (about 15 x 36 inch piece, color of choice: blue, black, brown, etc.)

Size/gauge:
8 rows of 6 spsc = 2 inch x 2 inch (about 5 x 5 cm)
Mitten length from tip to end of cuff: 15 inches (38 cm)
Mitten outside width 6 inches (15 cm)

Stitch Info:
Sl st – slip stitch
Sc – single crochet
Spsc – split single crochet (waistcoat stitch)
Spsc2tog – split single crochet two together

Information on pattern:
These mittens as made by this pattern are extra-large sized like an oven mitt, like the ones Bernie wore. You can also make them smaller by using a 3-weight yarn instead of a 4-weight yarn and using a smaller hook, or by removing some stitches from the color chart and corresponding stitches from the blue/gray portion of the mitten.

This pattern uses a special stitch called the split single crochet or waistcoat stitch, which gives a knit look.

The main part of the mitten and the thumb are worked in separate pieces in rounds.

Color changing can be done either by carrying the yarn, which will result in less loose ends, or by cutting it at the end of each 21 spsc section. If you cut the yarn, you will end up with a LOT of loose ends inside the mitten at both sides. You will need to tie each loose end to the end next to it using a double knot, gently pulling the sides together.
You can then either weave the ends in with a yarn needle or you can triple-knot the ends, trim them shorter, and put a fleece or felt lining inside the mitten to cover the ends (you can also opt to weave in the ends AND put in a lining if you want, for additional warmth and extra security).

Information on split single crochet or waistcoat stitch:
This is like a single crochet, but it is worked between the bars of the stitch instead of under the top loops like in a single crochet.

I recommend looking up how-to videos on this stitch, but there are pictures included