Knitting Your Way to Warmth: Creating Knitted Mittens and Blankets

Knitting is a rewarding craft that allows you to create cozy and practical items. From fingerless mittens that keep your hands warm while leaving your fingers free, to knitted blankets that provide warmth and comfort, the possibilities are endless. This guide will walk you through the process of creating both, providing clear instructions and helpful tips.

Fingerless Mittens: Practical Warmth

Fingerless mittens are a fantastic accessory for those who need to keep their hands warm but still require dexterity for tasks like typing or crafting. They also make thoughtful and personalized gifts.

Materials Needed

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cuff: Cast on 28 stitches evenly. Knit in the round, ensuring the stitches aren't twisted. Use the yarn tail to mark the round ends. Knit three rounds.

2. Twisted Rib: Switch to a 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.

3. Hand and Thumb (Row 1): Using a stocking stitch, begin the hand and thumb portion. Knit one, purl one, make one (increase the stitch), knit one, make one, purl one, knit until the end of the round.

4. Hand and Thumb (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.

5. Hand and Thumb (Row 3): Knit one, purl one, make one, knit until the next purl, make one, purl one, knit until the end of the round.

6. Repeat Rows 2 and 3: Continue repeating the second and third rows until there are nine stitches between the purls. The glove should measure about 5 1/4 inches from the cast-off edge.

7. Thumb Gore: Place two purl and nine thumb gore stitches on a piece of scrap yarn. Cast off three stitches and knit four rounds of stocking stitch.

8. Twisted Rib for Mitten Hand: Change to twisted rib stitch and make six rounds. Bind this off very loosely.

9. Thumb (Step 1): Put 11 stitches on hold for the thumb onto an extra knitting needle. Pick up three stitches at the base of the thumb to create 14 stitches.

10. Thumb (Step 2): Knit one round of only 12 stitches.

11. Thumb (Step 3): Using the twisted rib stitch, make six more rounds and bind off loosely.

12. Finishing: Weave in the yarn ends and sew closed any holes at the sides of the thumb base, if necessary.

Modifying for Individual Fingers: The pattern can be modified to include individual finger openings and a finger "hood." Simply follow the steps to make the thumb hole (steps 8-10) for each additional finger opening. For the "hood," follow directions for making a hat (only much smaller) and sew it onto the mitten above the knuckles.

Knitted Square Blanket: A Cozy Creation

A knitted square blanket is a versatile project that can be customized to any size and color scheme. By knitting individual squares and then sewing them together, you can create a unique and comforting blanket.

Materials Needed

• Thick yarn in your choice of colors
• Knitting needles, No. 6

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Individual Squares: Begin by making smaller squares that will be sewn together.

2. Cast On: Cast on a number of stitches divisible by three. For a 6-inch square, cast on 45 stitches.

3. First Row: Slip one, knit two. Turn the yarn around the needle and bring it again in front. Then, slip one, knit two together. Purl the last two stitches.

4. Second Row: Turn the yarn around the needle, bringing it to the front. Slip one, knit two together. Knit the last two stitches in the row.

5. Repeat: Continue the pattern in step 4 (alternating purled and knitted last two stitches) until you reach the end and cast off your square.

6. Create Multiple Squares: Continue making as many squares as needed to achieve the desired blanket size.

7. Sewing the Squares Together: When all squares are knitted, use a knitting needle to sew each square together, forming the blanket.

Tip: When knitting a blanket for a baby, be sure to use soft yarn that will not irritate a baby's sensitive skin. Keeping your yarn in neat balls will also make knitting easier and faster.

Conclusion

Knitting fingerless mittens and blankets are excellent projects for knitters of all skill levels. With patience and attention to detail, you can create beautiful and functional items that will provide warmth and comfort for years to come. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of crafting something special with your own hands.