Knit with two differently spun yarns, this muff would also work well with any sport/DK yarn as long as you can get gauge or within a half-stitch of gauge--fit is not essential. With its angora/wool lining and wool stuffing, it’s warm and mostly windproof. It also has a buttoned pocket for keys and lip gloss and a wrist loop so it can dangle when you need to use your hands.

The outer muff is spun straight from the dyed top; the inner lining is the dyed top blended with angora. Before joining the two layers, a wool batt was inserted for extra warmth and wind resistance. If you aren’t a handspinner, you could use quilt batting as the insulating insert. The gauge for the lining is a bit different from the outer layer; 18 sts and 24 rows over stockinette stitch.

This muff was originally designed for my daughter-in-law as a wedding accessory since the ceremony was held in December in Connecticut. She wanted something to keep her hands warm and still be able to carry a lipstick and other bridal ‘essentials’. The original was spun/knit in natural white wool with a different stitch which was meaningful to her. For PLY, I changed up the pattern stitch to work with the indie-dyed combed top but the rest of the construction remains the same.

Finished measurements
approx. 12” (30.5 cm) wide by 8” (20.5 cm) high by 16” (40.5 cm) around

Materials
Outer layer: approx 250 yards / 229 meters beaded gimp yarn (see yarn statistics table in accompanying article)
Lining: approx 200 yards / 183 meters 80% Cormo/20% angora blend
One wool batt approx 1 - 1.5 oz (28 - 43 g) and 12” (30.5 cm) wide and 15” (38 cm) long
1 set of US 7 (4.5mm) circular or straight needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
extra needle of same size for three needle bind off
1 set of US 6 (4mm) dpns for pocket and i-cord edging
tapestry needle, two stitch markers, 1-2 pieces of scrap yarn at least 16” (40.5 cm) long
One 3/8” (1 cm) shank button to match
6/0 glass beads to match
Crochet hook for slipping beads onto stitches