These mitts are designed using motifs inspired by traditional fishermen’s ganseys. Also known as guernseys, these hardwearing, woollen jumpers have been worn by fishermen around the coast of Britain for more than a century. They are knit in one piece, withe underarm gussets to ensure a good fit; techniques that easily translate into sock and mitt designs. The stitch patterns that I have chosen – diamonds, cables and ropes – are amongst those that symbolise the everyday things in the fisherfolk’s lives.
The name these mitts and matching socks were chosen to honour Sir Francis Beaufort and Captain Robert Fitzroy. In 1805, Beaufort was responsible for completing the development of the Beaufort wind scale, a method of standardising descriptions of the strength of the wind. Fitzroy was the first naval officer to use the scale on Charles Darwin’s 1830 voyage on HMS Beagle and further went on to set up the first Meteorological Office in Britain giving regular weather forecasts. Between them, these two men made huge contributions to the safety of all seafarers by pioneering weather forecasts that could be understood by all.

These unisex mitts will make an interesting project for a reasonably experienced knitter who is comfortable knitting in the round.

Brief note re construction
The mitt is worked with a gusset thumb
Instructions are given for Size 1 Size 2, Size 3.
Finished measurements
18 20.5, 23cm / 7 8, 9” hand circumference. Note: for best fit, mitts are worn with 10% negative ease.
Recommended yarn
Guernsey-weight yarn. Pictured in Frangipani Guernsey yarn in Cornish Gold, 100% wool, 220m / 240 yds per 100g. Sample (Size 1) used 70g.
Recommended gauge, blocked and slightly stretched
26 stitches x 36 rows = 10cm / 4” square in stocking stitch worked in the round.
Needles
2.5mm/US Size 2 (or correct size for you to achieve above gauge). Double pointed needles or circular.
Notions
Two stitch markers, length of scrap yarn for holding thumb stitches, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Note: Pattern includes instructions for both socks and mitts.