Hand Knit Mittens

These hand knit mittens are simple and quick to make. I think they are a good project for new knitters. And they make a wonderful gift! Keep reading to learn how to knit these mittens yourself.

Hand knitting was the first traditional handicraft that I learned to do. And it is something I have never grown tired of. I am so glad to be able to craft clothing for myself and others. From scratch, with just my hands, a couple of sticks and some wool. I find it incredibly satisfying to watch as each little stitch compounds to become a beautiful knit fabric, and then a wearable garment.

I often hear folks say they tried to learn to knit once but they just couldn’t get the tension right, or they couldn’t understand the patterns, or some other reason why it was too difficult. If you are one of those folks, or if you are someone who has never tried to learn, I would like to encourage you. Knowing how to hand knit is a very useful skill. It is absolutely worth the trial and error. The hardest part is always just getting started.

This outfit is 100% "me-made". I'm wearing my hand sewn linen kirtle, brown pinafore apron, hand knit sontag shawl, and hand knit mittens. verity folk school — This outfit is 100% “me-made”. I’m wearing my hand sewn linen kirtle, brown pinafore apron, hand knit sontag shawl, and hand knit mittens.

Mittens Are Better Than Gloves – Here’s Why:

I always used to wear gloves to keep my hands warm in the winter. I thought they would give me better use of my fingers. But my fingers would get cold and numb so quickly…

So a few winters ago I tried wearing mittens. And I will never go back to gloves!

Here are several reasons why mittens are the better choice.

Firstly, mittens have fewer seams. This means there are less places for heat to escape.

Secondly, having your fingers together in the mitten top keeps in the most body heat. When wearing gloves all of your fingers are separated, so there is less body heat to keep them warm.

Thirdly, mittens can actually give you better range of motion. Mittens tend to be more flexible, while gloves can be quite stiff.

verity folk school Rachel Berndt in hand sewn and hand knit clothing in the woods

Tips and Tricks for Hand Knit Mittens

I recommend using a 100% wool yarn for maximum warmth. My mittens in these pictures were knit with Brooklyn Tweed’s 100% wool Shelter Yarn in the “Embers” color way. I also love Rauma Vandre Yarn for this project.
I think this project is great for beginners because mittens are very forgiving. The gauge doesn’t need to be exact and the sizing is very flexible. Also, the techniques used in this pattern are basic enough, but it will challenge and grow your skills as a knitter.
The cuff can be knit longer or shorter as desired. I like a longer cuff as it helps to keep my wrists and forearms cozy.
This pattern can easily be turned into “fingerless” mittens. When it comes time to do the decreases on the thumb and the mitten top, simply cast off the stitches instead.
Always block your mittens before wearing them. This helps them keep their shape and it gives a polished finished look.