Using one basic pattern, you can crochet owl, puffin or rockhopper penguin mittens to fit all ages, from toddler – adult. Five different sizing options are given, to fit hands from 4.5” to 8.5” wide (when measured around the palm above the thumb).

Mittens are crocheted top-down from the finger tips to the wrist. A hidden little wristband of crocheted ribbing on the inside helps the mitten cling to the hand, and allows the sleeve of your jacket to sit neatly between the mitten wristband and gauntlet, minimising draughts. Eyes are crocheted separately and sewn on at the end, and beaks embroidered.

The basic pattern is intermediate in difficulty: you work in the round, in continual circles as well as back and forth. You need to know how to do basic crochet stitches and how to join a round with a slip stitch. If you work your mittens in more than one colour, you need to know how to strand the unused colours.

The pattern is written in UK crochet terms; however it’s simple to translate to US terms, and US equivalents are given.

You’ll need approx 110 yds of main colour DK (light worsted) weight yarn for the smallest size (toddler) up to 275 yds for the largest size (man). You’ll also need between 30 - 50 yds of contrast yarn for eyes if you’re making the puffin or owl versions, plus scraps for beak embroidery.

Pattern uses 4mm and 3.5mm crochet hooks.

Your purchase includes 2 PDFs: a written pattern with detailed instructions and photographs, and a print-friendly version.

Thank you very much to my helpful Ravelry testers who helped me tweak the pattern, and whose clever adaptations made me smile - please check out the project pages for a wine-wrapper and a version with cute little feet!