Honeybush Tea

Nothing beats a hot cup of tea on a cold day … there is something about curling your cold hands around a warm mug and letting the steam drift towards your face as you take a sip that is deeply satisfying.

As a celebration of hot tea on cold days - these mitts have been named after Honeybush Tea, a very special brew - the cousin of my beloved Rooibos Tea and also grown in the Cape region of South Africa. It has a subtle honey sweetness and is simply delicious.

These lightweight mitts are idea for keeping your hands warm and snug as the weather warms slightly but you still need the warmth of wool to keep you cosy. The textured pattern is easy to knit and ideal for beginners learning to read their knitting.

The pattern is available in three sizes and the length is easy to adjust.

Materials

Cowgirlblues Merino DK (DK; 100% Merino; 100m / 109yd per 50g ball)
Shade: Cocoa x 2 (2, 2)

3.5mm / US 4 needles suitable for working a small circumference in the rnd
3.25mm / US 3 needles suitable for working a small circumference in the rnd

3 stitch markers
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn (a smooth cotton of a similar weight is recommended) or stitch holder for thumb stitches

Gauge

Always use the needle size that enables you to match the specified gauge.

24 sts and 34 rnds over 10cm / 4in of stocking stitch worked in the rnd and blocked, using 3.5mm / US 4 needles

22 sts and 36 rnds over 10cm / 4in of Double Stitch Textured Pattern worked in the rnd and blocked, using 3.5mm / US 4 needles

Size(s)

S (M, L)
To fit palm circumference (measured at widest point): 18 (20, 22)cm / 7 (7.75, 8.5)in
Finished circumference (unstretched): 16 (17.5, 19.5)cm / 6.25 (7, 7.75)in
Length: 19cm / 7.25in
The length can be easily adjusted by knitting a longer cuff or hand section.

Pattern Notes

The mitts start with a Long Tail cast-on. The cuff is worked in 2x2 twisted rib and the mitt is then worked in stocking stitch with a feature textured panel up the back of the hand. Shaping for the gusset is worked in stocking stitch with mirrored increases. The hand features additional stitches for a comfortable fit and continues in the established pattern. The hand and thumb are finished with ribbing for a snug fit.

A tutorial for the Long Tail cast-on can be found on www.knitsharelove.com/tutorials