Lightning Strikes Twice Mittens is part of a winter accessory set which features a lightning bolt stitch on a zig-zag background, accented in moss stitch. The lightning bolt stitch is worked by combining familiar techniques in a new way. It’s fun and fairly intuitive once you get going but just challenging enough to keep your interest through the whole project. It works with any yarn but will especially shine in a variegated or handpainted colourway.

Choose between mittens and fingerless mitts, or make both to cover all situations. The fingerless mitts are worked at a slightly tighter gauge for a closer fit.

Level: Intermediate

Skills required: Long-tail cast-on, basic increases and decreases, cables, ability to follow unusual instructions

Instruction type: Fully written and charted

Yarn: This pattern requires worsted weight yarn, approximately 115 yards (105 m) for the fingerless mitts and 170 yards (155m) for the mittens.

Needles & Gauge: Gauge in stocking stitch. Mittens: 19 sts x 29 rnds = 4”/10 cm on 4.50 mm (US 7) needles
Fingerless mitts: 20 sts x 33 rnds = 4”/10 cm on 4.0 mm (US 6) needles

Size: Mittens: 7 ½”/19 cm at the cuff and palm, stretching to 9”/23 cm.
Fingerless mitts: 7 1/2”/19 cm at the cuff and 7”/18 cm at the palm, stretching to 9”/23 cm.

Many thanks to my testers for their feedback.