Sometimes the best things are often born out of necessity. I found myself constantly wishing for hand warmers that were both long to keep my fingers warm & short so that I could easily type and knit. Then I was gifted with a single skein of Koigu, not enough for socks, so what to knit. I began to think about my cold hands & how perhaps hand warmers out of sock yarn might be warm enough to heat my frozen fingers, but thin enough to fold out of the way at a moments notice. Thus the perfect hand warmers were born.
I’ve also included modifications for smaller hand warmers designed to use your leftovers from sock knitting.

Supplies

185 yards sock yarn for flip-top version, or a minimum of 90 yards for smaller mitts.
Samples shown in Koigu KPPM, Claudia’s Handpaints, & Socks That Rock lightweight.
Size 2 needles for small circumference knitting

Gauge
12sts per inch in 1x1 rib completely relaxed & 6sts per inch when worn (this fabric is very stretchy, so if gauge is a little off don’t fret too much)

Note about measurements
All lengths should be measured with fabric completely relaxed. When you try on your wrist warmer it will get considerably wider & shorter.

Sizes
To fit a 7” (7.5”, 8”) hand circumference.
You’ll probably find these wrist warmers too tight when it first comes off the needles. They quickly stretch out and will become quite comfortable.