HELPFUL HINTS:

These mittens are a perfect knit, and using a Super Bulky Yarn (i.e Malabrigo Rasta) you can easily knit up a pair in a few hours. Knitting mittens can always be a daunting thing – how scary is the thought of knitting a thumb ? Don’t be scared to try – this pattern is knitted cuff first. Once the cuff is the right length, you do a set-up round which increases the stitches. Why is this set up round needed I hear you asking ? Your wrists where the cuff sits are smaller than the rest of your hand, so by doing the set up round (which increases the number of stitches), you are guaranteed to have a larger section for your hands to fit snuggly inside these super warm mittens. If you are knitting these for someone with larger hands, you can cast on with size (US 11 / 8mm) DPNs (or change to these once you have completed the cuff and set-up round). If you are knitting a larger size, don’t forget to measure the length of their hands & thumb and adjust the pattern to add an extra row or two.
When it comes to the thumb, you’ll be popping in a piece of scrap yarn per the instructions, and then continuing to finish the rest of the mitten.
The thumb is then knitted on (eekk that sounds scary right ?) afterwards. There is often a slight hole or gap where you knit the thumb. Don’t stress though – this is sewn up nicely with the long tail used for commencing the thumb. Let’s get you started though, and all of this will be made crystal clear by following the instructions and step by step photos shown.

If you are a tight knitter, I suggest you go up a needle size when casting on – perhaps cast on using 7mm DPNS and use these throughout the pattern.

If you are knitting for someone with smaller hands, you can reduce your needle size and number of rows to adjust accordingly. Be sure to do this for both mittens.

Be sure to read the whole pattern through before commencing to familiarise yourself with the terms used and the techniques used.
I have included many instructional photos with the pattern which should help you to navigate the pattern beautifully.