The given gauge is for a women’s medium to large (big medium or small large ;o) it depends on how you choose to see it). The width across the widest part of the mitten is 10.5 cm and the length measured from the top of the cuff is 19.5 cm.

This design is inspired by Norwegian Selbu mittens with a twist of Swedish Dala tradition in it.

The pattern is charted from above the cuff. Written directions are not given for finishing the design, see below.

To knit a cuff like I’ve done, do the following:

Co 56 sts with color1 (C1).
Purl 1 row.

For the following rows repeat the next two rows:
row 1: *k2tog, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4, ssk, p1*. Repeat between *..* 3 more times.
row 2: *k13, p1*. Repeat between *..* 3 more times.

At the same time follow the setup for the stripes as below (color1=C1 and color2=C2):

rows 1-8: C1 (= 8 rows)
rows 9-10: C2 (= 2 rows)
rows 11-13: C1 (= 3 rows)
rows 14-15: C2 (= 2 rows)
row 16: C1 (= 1 row)
row 17: C2 (= 1 row)
row 18: C1 (= 1 row)
row 19: C2 (= 1 row)
row 20: C1 (= 1 row)
rows 21-22: C2 (= 2 rows)
rows 23-25: C1 (= 3 rows)
rows 26-27: C2 (= 2 rows)
rows 28-32: C1 (= 5 rows)

Now, knit 1 row and at the same time evenly increase 6 sts = 62 sts.

For the rest of the mitten follow the charted pattern.

This is the left mitten. For the right mitten mirror the chart, so that the Dala horse is “looking” in the opposite direction and the thumb comes where it is supposed to be to fit yor right hand ;o)

The words on the back of the thumbs are Norwegian and means Dala horse (dala hest). You could easily replace this with other words such as the year number, your name etc.

I hope you’ll enjoy knitting my Dala Selbu Hybrid :o)

Note added 13. jan 2010: The pdf contains two different charts. Be aware that both are for the left mitten, but with different background color, either light or dark background. The picture above shows a mitten knitted following the chart on page 1, with light background color. Your choice :o)

Note added 14. march 2011: There have been some comments about the spelling of the word dala horse, on the back of the thumbs.

To explain this:
Dala horse in Norwegian is spelled dala hest.
Dala horse in Swedish is spelled dala häst.

Since this pattern was designed as a contribution in a knitting competition in Norway (and I live in Norway) I have chosen to spell it in Norwegian.