Fingerless Mittens: Keeping Hands Warm and Fingers Free

Fingerless mittens are a practical and cozy solution for those chilly days when you need to keep your hands warm while maintaining dexterity. Whether you're typing, gardening, or enjoying outdoor activities, fingerless mittens offer the best of both worlds. They also make thoughtful, handcrafted gifts.

Materials Needed

To create your own pair of fingerless mittens, gather the following:

• 50 yards of worsted-weight yarn or a wool/yarn blend
• Double-pointed knitting needles, No. 8

Knitting the Fingerless Mittens

Cuff Construction

1. Cast on 28 stitches, ensuring they are evenly distributed. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)
2. Begin knitting in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Use the yarn tail to mark the end of each round.
3. Knit three rounds.
4. Switch to the twisted rib pattern: Knit one stitch through the back loop to twist it, then purl one. Repeat this pattern until the cuff measures approximately 2 1/4 inches. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

Hand and Thumb Portion

1. Using a stocking stitch, begin the hand and thumb portion of the mitten.
2. Row 1: Knit one, purl one, make one (increase the stitch), knit one, make one, purl one, knit until the end of the round. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)
3. Row 2: Knit one, purl one, knit until you reach the next purl stitch in the row above, purl one, knit until the end of the round. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)
4. Row 3: Knit one, purl one, make one, knit until the next purl, make one, purl one, knit until the end of the round. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)
5. Repeat the second and third rows until you have nine stitches between the purls. The glove should now measure about 5 1/4 inches from the edge of the cast-off point.

Creating the Thumb Hole

1. Place two purl and nine thumb gore stitches on a piece of scrap yarn. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)
2. Cast off three stitches and knit four rounds of stocking stitch.
3. Change to twisted rib stitch and make six rounds. Bind this off very loosely.

Knitting the Thumb

1. Put 11 stitches on hold for the thumb onto an extra knitting needle. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)
2. Pick up three stitches at the base of the thumb and make 14 stitches.
3. Knit one round of only 12 stitches.
4. Using the twisted rib stitch, make six more rounds and bind off loosely.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in the yarn ends. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)
2. If necessary, sew closed any holes at the sides of the thumb base.

Optional: Individual Finger Openings and Hood

The pattern can be easily modified to include individual finger openings and finger "hoods." Follow the steps for making the thumb hole for each additional finger opening. For the "hood," follow the directions for making a hat (only make it much smaller) and sew it onto the mitten above the knuckles. (Source: Document: 1740366455897-w9wujm-homestead.txt)

Conclusion

Knitting fingerless mittens is a rewarding project that combines practicality with the satisfaction of creating something unique. With a little yarn and some basic knitting skills, you can craft a pair of cozy and functional mittens for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone special. Enjoy the warmth and freedom they provide!