Back Roads Mitts by Melissa Burke

Back Roads Mitts

Knitting
February 2014
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
21 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette Stitch, unblocked
US 6 - 4.0 mm
135 - 155 yards (123 - 142 m)
6.5, 7.5, 8.5” (16.5, 19.1, 21.6 cm) palm circumference
English
This pattern is available for $6.50 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
--Robert Frost (1874-1963), The Road Not Taken

Back Roads Mitts invite such an adventure with a cabled cuff to fight off drafts and a lovely textural pattern of curving stockinette stitch paired with garter stitch ridges and slip-stitch crosses adorning the back of the hand.

The pattern has been professionally tech edited and test knit to reduce the potential for error.

If you like Back Roads Mitts, be sure to check out the coordinating Back Roads Hat and Back Roads Headband!

SIZING NOTE

For your reference when picking a size to work, our model is wearing a size Medium. Her actual palm circumference is 7.25” (18.4 cm).

CONSTRUCTION

Mitts are worked in the round from the wrist up using a variety of stitches for added visual interest.

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Knit and purl stitches
  • Knitting in the round
  • Increase and decrease stitches - M1L, M1R, k2tog, ssk
  • Knitting through the back loop
  • No cable needle 2 stitch cables
  • Slipped stitches

The pattern stitches are charted, but pattern includes complete written directions so the ability to read a chart is not necessary to work this pattern.

YARN NOTES

A worsted weight yarn with good stitch definition and little to no halo is recommended. Some tonals will work, but highly variegated yarn will distract from the slipped stitch pattern.

ADDITIONAL NOTIONS

You will also need:
Tapestry/blunt yarn needle
Stitch marker (5 per mitt)
Scrap (approx 6”/15 cm) of waste yarn

NOTES

I recommend highlighting all numbers that pertain to the size you are working to assist you in following the pattern.