Note: chart reading required to knit this pattern. Written instructions complement the charts.

Traditional Bavarian/Austrian stitch patterns are used on the back of the mitt, with a traditional filler stitch worked on the palm and thumb gusset. The helix motif from the back of the hand is used as a traveling motif on the palms. The transitions into and out of the main pattern are planned so that they flow smoothly from and into the ribbing. The thumb gusset emerges out of the palm to keep the pattern panels on the back of the hand centered.

Use stockinette gauge to determine needle size needed to work the pattern. The pattern stretches to accommodate larger hands, but a loose gauge will make for a large, sloppy fitting mitt. Needles with very pointy tips and cabling without a cable needle will make these stitch patterns much more efficient to work!

This pattern uses charts, with some supplemental written instruction. The stitch patterns are charted using contemporary charting symbols.

These mitts require 50 g of fingering weight yarn, so you can get two pairs out of a 100 g hank of yarn, provided it’s in the 430 yds/100g range.

Solids work best to show off the intricate stitch patterns, with semi-solids a good second choice. Avoid variegated and self-striping yarns, as the textured stitches will fight with the color changes and neither one will win.

This Ask a Knitter column demonstrates the “pop and pinch” method of cabling without a cable needle that I use. Specific instructions for working this method with Bavarian stitch patterns, as well as a video appear at the end of the column.