These mittens, inspired by traditional folk knitting designs, are perfect for chilly winter months. FOLKSONGS mittens feature Latvian braids and colorwork motifs that are relatively simple yet engaging, for new and experienced knitters alike. This pattern is written for one size, but can easily be adapted to a variety of smaller or larger sizes by adjusting the gauge with different yarn weights and/or needle sizes. There are also instructions for knitting fingerless mitts, nice for autumn and spring, or when your hands need just a little extra warmth.

I find that mittens are a great project to cast on when I want to keep knitting, but am perhaps too busy to begin a large project like a sweater or shawl. Because they use a relatively small amount of yarn, mittens and fingerless mitts are ideal for making use of leftover yarns or those single skeins of yarn in your stash.

YARN
The mittens and fingerless mitts pictured here were made
using a rustic sport weight wool. With 50 grams each of Color 1 and Color 2, you should have enough yarn to make one pair of mittens as well as one pair of fingerless gloves (in the sample gauge).

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
• set of 5 size US3 double-pointed needles (or magic loop)
or size to obtain gauge
• tapestry needle, large safety pin or waist yarn to hold
thumb stitches, stitch markers

GAUGE and SIZE
27 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches of stranded colorwork.
This sample uses sport weight yarn, with finished mittens
measuring 8 inches in circumference and 10.5 inches in
length.
For larger or smaller mittens, simply adjust needle size or yarn weight. For example, children’s mittens could be made using a fingering weight yarn and smaller needles. To calculate finished measurements in a new gauge, divide the total mitten circumference (54 stitches) by your stitches per inch.
.
.
.