Fili Top Down Convertible Mitts by Sheila Toy Stromberg

Fili Top Down Convertible Mitts

Knitting
February 2016
DK (11 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette stitch on larger needles
US 3 - 3.25 mm
US 4 - 3.5 mm
175 - 300 yards (160 - 274 m)
Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, Extra-Extra Large)
English
This pattern is available for $3.00 USD
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Oh my gosh, Fili is such a hardcore character. He somehow manages to make being a dwarf look elegant, despite the clunky boots and heavy-set features. I hope these mitts embody him! I wanted to work something with the beauty of cables, while keeping the rustic quality of tweed alive. I think these would suit him. The double-staghorn cable (don’t google this, I just made it up) definitely keeps the work from getting boring!

This is a top-down convertible mitt. The work begins by working a small cuff (which will end up at the base of the fingers, where the mitt opens) and setting it aside. Then, the main mitten begins at the fingertips and increases down to the palm. The small cuff created will be joined to the mitten top to make an opening for the fingers. Then the work progresses to the thumbhole (which is created by using a provisional crochet cast on) and is decreased down to the wrist. Work will continue straight until the mitten is the desired length and a final cuff is added to keep mitts snug.

The sizing on this pattern span from a small woman up to a large man. Make sure you check your palm measurement to ensure you are casting on for the right size! This unisex pattern looks just as great on a man as it does on a woman.

Size: Palm circumference in inches/centimeters
Extra Small: 6 ½”/16.5 cm
Small: 7”/18 cm
Medium: 7 ½”/19 cm
Large: 8 ½”/21.5 cm
Extra Large: 9”/23 cm
Extra-Extra Large: 9 ½”/24 cm

Notions: A small cable needle, 4 stitch markers, a crochet hook, waste yarn, a small stitch holder (can substitute a safety pin or locking stitch marker), and 2 – 4 small buttons.

Techniques: Judy’s Magic Cast On, knitting in the round using the Magic Loop method, basic increases and decreases, basic cabling, basic chart reading, provisional casting on (using a crochet chain), and picking up stitches.

This is a moderate pattern. Knitters should have a good understanding of working in the round and the construction of gloves/mittens before beginning this pattern.

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