Christmas Mittens of Love x

As promised here are instructions on how to knit simple tube mittens.

I'm knitting these mitts with my own unique handspun wool which makes any simple knit look fabulous anyway without having to do anything fancy 😘

You can buy my wondrous here... Just saying xx 

Alternatively, you can use another other double knit or aran weight yarn in your stash and a long 5mm circular needle, at least 80cm. I've taken to getting 2 long circulars and knitting these simultaneously as I struggle with 2nd Sock Syndrome (a lack of motivation when knitting pairs of things). 

Right here we go..... 

Cast on 32 stitches arranging 16 stitches per side/needle,  leaving a loop either end the row. This is using the magic loop method and knitting in the round.

Here is a good tutorial on how to cast on and use the magic loop method. 

Work 10-12 rows knit 2 purl 2 rib to create the cuff. The pattern can be adapted to suit your taste for a longer or shorter cuff.

Next knit in the round in ss (knit every row) for 6-8cm for the wrist part. Again it's up to you how long you want your wrist section.

You can mark the beginning of the row by using a marker or seeing where the cast on string is. 

Thumb shaping...when wrist section is a desired length start thumb increases. 

Knit 14 - to last 2 stitches on needle 1. Place a marker. Inc 1 stitch (k f&b), then k2.

2nd needle & 2nd 16 sts knit 2,inc 1 (k f&b) Place marker. Knit to end of 2nd needle row.

Here's another tutorial on how to increase using kf&b.

The stitches between the markers will become the thumb.

If you're super lucky like me you'll have a clever daughter that can make you an abundance of beautiful stitch markers. Thanks Lil ;-) 

Knit 1 Row. 

Increase after the 1st marker & before the 2nd every other row until you have 8 stitches per needle or 16 all together for the thumb.

Work 1 row. 

Next row, knit until 1st marker. We will now work back and forth across the 16 thumb stitches. Knit every row for 6 rows (to create 3 garter st ridges). Cast off 16 thumb sts loosely. 

Rejoin the yarn to the sts on needle 2. Knit across remaining stitches to complete the round. 

Next row knit next 14 stitches. Cast on 4 stitches. Knit stitches from needle 2.

You should now have the original 32 stitches arrange 16 on each needle. Knit in the round until you reach the desired length for the hand section and then cast off sts. 

I hope you can understand and enjoys these steps and hands are kept warm around the world ❤️

Any feedback on these instructions would be most welcome and I may even be persuaded to add a few more. 

Busy hands make happy hearts xxx