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The World’s Simplest Mittens: How to Knit Mittens with a Free Pattern

As winter approaches and the temperatures begin to plummet, the need for warm and cuddly mittens becomes all the more pressing. What better way to keep your hands warm than with a pair of hand-knitted mittens? Whether you are a seasoned knitting aficionado or a beginner looking for a straightforward project, these world’s simplest mittens will keep your hands toasty and add a personal touch to your winter wardrobe. Plus, we have a free pattern for you to follow!

Materials You Will Need

To create your own pair of simple mittens, you will need the following materials:

• Yarn: Approximately 100 grams of worsted weight yarn (substituting using a different weight will adjust the size).
• Needles: 4mm (US 6) needles, either straight or circular, depending on your preference.
• Double-pointed needles (DPNs): A set of 4mm DPNs for the fingers (optional, if you prefer).
• Stitch marker: To track your rounds or pattern shifts.
• Yarn needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors: To snip your yarn.

Understanding the Basic Stitches

Before we dive into the pattern, here’s a quick refresher for some of the basic stitches you’ll be using:

• Knit (k): Insert the needle through the front of the stitch, wrap the yarn around and pull it through to create a new stitch.
• Purl (p): Insert the needle through the back of the stitch, wrap the yarn around the needle and pull it through.
• Ribbing: Alternate between knit and purl stitches (for example, k1, p1) to create a stretchy texture.

The Free Pattern: World’s Simplest Mittens

Size: Adult (adjust yarn weight and needle size for different sizes)

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch

Instructions:

1. Cuff: Cast on 36 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method.
2. Work in ribbing (k1, p1) for 10 rows. This will create a nice stretchy cuff.

3. Body: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every row) until the piece measures 10 cm from the cast-on edge.

4. Thumb Gusset:

   • Next row: k12, place a stitch marker, k1, increase (by knitting into the front and back of the stitch), place another stitch marker, k to end.
   • Next row: k to the first marker, slip marker, k1, increase, slip marker, k to end.
   • Repeat the last two rows until you have 8 stitches between the two markers.

5. Separate Thumb:

   • Now, place the 8 thumb stitches on a piece of scrap yarn, and cast on 2 stitches to close the gap.
   • Continue knitting the remaining body until it measures 18 cm from the cast-on edge, or until the mittens reach your desired length.

6. Top Decrease:

   • Begin decreasing for the top of the mitten.
   • Decreasing round: k3, k2tog; repeat to the end, leaving you with 30 stitches.
   • Knit 1 round even.
   • Next decrease round: k2, k2tog; repeat to the end (24 stitches).
   • Knit 1 round even.
   • Repeat these two rounds until you have 12 stitches remaining.

7. Finish: Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread this through the remaining stitches and pull tight to secure. Weave in all ends with a yarn needle.

8. Thumb:
   • Transfer your thumb stitches back to your needles and pick up 2 stitches from the cast-on. You should now have 10 stitches.
   • Knit until the thumb measures about 6 cm or desired length.
   • Decrease similarly as above until 5 stitches remain. Pull yarn through to secure and weave in any loose ends.

Tips for Success

• Choose Your Yarn Wisely: Opt for a soft and warm yarn, such as wool, to ensure comfort and warmth.
• Keep It Tidy: Tidy up any loose ends. This not only keeps your mittens looking polished but also prevents any interference with the fit.
• Experiment: Once you master the basic pattern, try adding stripes, colour blocks, or even a decorative stitch to personalise your mittens further.

Conclusion

Knitting mittens is a delightful way to keep your hands warm while expressing your creativity. With this simple pattern and a few basic stitches, you can create a pair of lovely mittens for yourself or as a heartfelt gift. So grab your needles, choose your favourite yarn, and dive into the world of knitting these simple mittens. Happy knitting!

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