Alternathumb Mittens by Ellie Jones

Alternathumb Mittens

Knitting
October 2024
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
8 stitches and 11 rows = 1 inch
in Stockinette
US 1 - 2.25 mm
US 1½ - 2.5 mm
US 2 - 2.75 mm
219 - 328 yards (200 - 300 m)
Small, Medium and Large
English
This pattern is available for £4.25 GBP buy it now

The Alternathumb Mitten is a straightforward pattern made from 50-60g (depending on your size) of fingering weight yarn. You can use your leftover yarn to make something lovely or to show off some ‘too good to wear on your feet’ sock yarn! These mittens are knitted in the round with step-by-step instructions to create a well-fitting thumb. A simple cable stitch creates a beautiful texture. For those experienced knitters there are also some abbreviated instructions with a chart on pages 5, 8 & 9. The pattern has 3 sizes Small, Medium, and Large. To simplify the pattern instructions, different needle sizes are used to achieve size variations.

Requirements
50-60g of fingering weight / 4ply yarn (small 50g / Medium and Large 60g)
2.25mm / 2.5mm or 2.75mm needles depending on the size you choose and your gauge (either 80cm cable needles for magic loop, DPNs, 9 inch circular or HiyaHiya Flyers). I would suggest using DPNs or magic loop for the thumb as it is a bit fiddly. Optional cable needle.
You can use the cabling without a cable needle technique. I have a tutorial to help you with this:

Gauge
Small - 2.25mm needles - Stockinette 9 stitches per inch, 12 rows per inch.
Medium - 2.5mm needles - Stockinette 8 stitches per inch, 11 rows per inch.
Large - 2.75mm needles - Stockinette 7 stitches per inch, 10 rows per inch.

Sizing
To find your size measure around your hand, just below your knuckles.
Select the size that is closest to your measurement. The stitch count is the same for all sizes, change your needle size to obtain gauge for a small, medium or large mitten.
Small - To fit 5.5-7inch (14-18cm) hand use 2.25mm needles.
Medium - To fit 7-8.3 inch (18-21cm) hand use 2.5mm needles.
Large – To fit 8.3-9.5 inch (21-24cm) hand use 2.75mm needles.