I’m one of those people who has multiple Instagram accounts, including one for my cats. (Hush.) And if you’re an Instagram user and you like cats in the slightest, chances are very good that you’ve heard of (or already follow) Hannah Shaw—better known as Kitten Lady.

The photos she shares are always great, partly because her partner is a professional photographer, but also because they’re full of tiny kittens. Some time ago, however, I got distracted from all the kitteny cuteness by a beaded cuff bracelet Hannah was wearing. It wasn’t long before I decided the design would work in knitted colorwork.

And with that, the Kitten Lady Mitts were born.

(Followed closely by the Kitten Lady Hat and Kitten Lady Cowl!)

The design came out exactly as I imagined it, which is incredibly satisfying. I love the original black-on-white color scheme of the bracelet, but I also know that white mitts are not terribly practical. Luckily, the design works well with any two colors that have a high enough contrast to show off the geometric pattern. And it’s a short repeating pattern, so it’s relatively easy to knit without constantly having to refer back to the chart.

The cast-on and bind-off methods I used are a bit more technical than the ones knitters learn as beginners, but I didn’t want that to be a barrier—so there are simpler options for both casting on and binding off in the notes at the end of the pattern.

I hope you enjoy your Kitten Lady Mitts as much as I love mine—even if you aren’t holding tiny kittens while wearing them.

Look for project photos on Instagram with the #kittenladymitts hashtag!

Sizes
Hand Circumferences: sizes A (B, C) D, E to fit hands measuring 7 (7.5, 8) 8.5, 9 in / 17.5 (19, 20.5) 21.5, 23 cm with zero ease

Materials & Details

• Yarn: 175–200 yards (160–183 meters) total fingering weight yarn in two contrasting colors; yarn usage from test knitters across all sizes ranged from 147–165 yards (134.4–150.9 meters) for the MC and 28–37 yards (25.6–33.8 meters) for the CC
• Needles: US 1 (2.25mm) and US 1.5 (2.5mm) or needle size to obtain gauge, plus extra US 1 DPNs to make the decorative cuff and sewn tubular bind-off
• Gauge: 7.5 sts and 11.5 rows per 1 inch (2.5 cm) using US 1 in plain stockinette after blocking
• Gear & Notions: stitch markers (at least one that looks different for BOR), tapestry needle, scrap yarn (for casting on and holding thumb stitches)

Notes:

• This pattern has been tech edited by Vera Engels and tested by a fabulous crew of knitters.
• Size D is the only one that has not been tested at the time of the pattern’s release. If you’d like to test that size, send me a DM and I’ll send you a free copy of the pattern in exchange for some detailed info on your project!

photography by @nerdseyeview