THE HAMMY STORY
My daughter absolutely loved this tiny bundle of fur (her new dwarf hamster) and took good care of him. She loved to pick up Hammy and cuddle with him. Well, as much as one can with a being that is only about 2” long.

Hammy seemed to enjoy his life and all that cuddling too. Till he didn’t. One day my daughter picked him up and he bit her. She tried again later, and he bit her again. Very quickly it became clear that Hammy wasn’t happy and we didn’t know why. Cuddling with Hammy would have to stop until we figured out the problem. We only had to wait a week.

“Momma, momma, what’s that in Hammy’s cage?“

Oooh I hope it isn’t dead. So I held my breath and approached Hammy’s cage. Pushing aside the hay I got a good look. Oh damn. Seriously? Hammy, how could you? Now what do I do?

There they were - six baby hammies! She was now a mommy hammy. Dwarf hamsters are so dang tiny that it’s near impossible to tell what gender they are or if the females are pregnant. Apparently they tend to go to their new homes with buns in the oven. Pet shop folks don’t tell you any of those fun facts before you get your pet.

The pet shop (with lots of prodding from me) took in Hammy’s babies once they were old enough - which coincidentally is when they can start breeding. Ha ha.

These mitts won’t give you that kind of trouble, but they do have the same cool stripes as Hammy. They are quick to knit and great to wear when there is a little chill in the air.

The Hammy Fingerless Mitts also pair wonderully with these easy brioche patterns: Grandpa G’s Barn Cowl and Oh Brother Hat.

CONSTRUCTION
Hammy Fingerless Mitts are worked from the bottom up and in the round. Vertical brioche stripes create a sporty pattern on the front that look like little Hammy; while the palm and thumb have a comfy horizontal garter stripe pattern.

The mitt begins with 2x2 ribbing and progresses into a two-color brioche and garter stitch pattern. The simple and short brioche repeat is quick to do and easy to memorize.

The top of the mitt also has a border of 2 x 2 ribbing. Gusset stitches are then picked up for a couple of rounds and finished with a garter border. The mitts are mirror images of each other, so there are separate instructions for both.

The hand and thumb length is customizable with 7 sizes available.

Charts are provided to support the writing instructions, but are not independent of the written instructions. A schematic is also included, but a hamster is not.

This pattern is written for circular needles, but can easily be done on double pointed needles.The brioche in this pattern is easy enough to do, but is not recommended for a beginning knitter with no prior experience making mitts.

YARDAGE: MC 52-114 yds / 48- 104 m. CC 14 - 31 yds / 13 - 28 m. Total yardage for one pair of mitts 79 - 173 yds / 72 - 158 m.

SIZES: Unisex sizes 1 (2 3 , 4); (5, 6, 7); sample shown in size 2.

Fits Hand Circumference: 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8); (8.5, 9, 9.5)” / 16.5 (18, 19, 20.5); (21.5, 23, 24), cm.

Finished Hand Circumference: 6.0 (6.0, 7.0, 7.0); (7.5, 8.0, 9.0 )” / 15 (15, 18, 18); (19, 21, 23) cm; mitt designed with 10% negative ease.

Finished Wrist Circumference: 5 (5.75, 5.75, 6.5); (6.5, 7.25, 8)“ / 12.5 (14.5, 14.5, 16.5); (16.5, 18.5, 20.5) cm.

Finished Mitt Length: 5.5 (5.75, 6, 6.25); (6.5, 6.75, 7)” / 14 (14.5, 15, 16); (16.5, 17, 18) cm.

Picking a Size: Pick a size that’s closest, yet smaller than your hand and wrist circumference.

YARN SUBSTITUTION: Tonal, solid, speckled, and some variegated yarns (for CC) work best. Use what makes you happy

NEEDLES: US #5 (3.75 mm) is recommended or size to obtain gauge. 32” ( cm) circular needle for magic loop or five US #5 (3.75 mm) DPNs.

GAUGE: One section of brioche and garter st or just garter st is 20sts x 48 rnds = 4” / 10 cm worked in the round (and blocked). 22 sts x 36 rnds = 4” / 10 cm worked in the round in 2 x 2 ribbing (and blocked). A different gauge will affect drape, yardage required and size. Swatch in the round in garter st for an accurate gauge.

NOTIONS REQUIRED: Tapestry needle, unique BOR stitch marker, 2 stitch markers, stitch holder or scrap yarn.

SKILLS NEEDED: Make one right and left increases in knit and purl (written instructions), slipping stitches, brioche sts (video link included as well as written instructions). Instructions provided for switching colors and modified standard bind off. You should have previous experience with either making a mitt or brioche. Learning both at the same time is not recommended, but if you’re really adventurous give it a try. You can always contact me for help.

THANK YOU
I want to thank my wonderful test knitters who waited so long for this pattern to come out. These knitters truly made this pattern so much better for everyone to enjoy! Please take the time to look at their wonderful projects:
tracyf, ladyj960, Mirandamaeturton, Irinashaar, BeckyEllen, Carliecn, AEC89, pamslu.

I also want to thank my Tech Editor Nicky, handknitsandhygge.