These mitts were inspired by a pair of two colour gloves auctioned by Bonham’s in 2014, which were similar to those knitted in Sanquhar, Scotland. They had the date of 1818 knitted into the palms, and a small chequer board pattern in the hand and fingers. The pattern round the wrist was also found on these very special, old gloves.

Why mitts? Sometimes mitts can be more useful than gloves, if you need to text or use touch screens, and mitts are certainly easier knitting than gloves, while keeping the interest of constructing the thumb.

The thumb is positioned on the side of the hand which allows for wearing them on either hand, although the thumb shaping is asymmetric.

The mitts are knitted in the round on double pointed needles or circulars, whichever is preferred.

Sized to fit an average woman’s hand width of 9cm/3.5in.

The pattern requires 25g in main colour (A) and 25g in contrast colour (B) of 4 ply wool with approximately 90m/98yds per 25g. The pictured sample was knit with Rowan Fine Tweed in Bell Busk and Monsal Dale.

This pattern is made available with kind permission of the designer, Angharad Thomas, who has granted the Knitting & Crochet Guild exclusive rights to sell the pattern via Ravelry. Sale proceeds for this pattern support the guild in its continuing work of education, innovation and preservation. Visit our website for more details at www.kcguild.org.uk.