The word Monadnock is derived from an Abenaki word loosely translated as, “mountain that stands alone”. Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, New Hampshire is one of the most climbed mountains in the world. At over 3,000 feet it’s a moderately challenging climb, with expansive views from the peak, including the Boston skyline. Iconic American writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau wrote about Monadnock and have lookout points on the mountain named after them.

These stranded color work mittens will keep you warm on your next mountain hike or any of your winter adventures. I think they’re suitable for a beginner because most of the color sections are short so you don’t have to catch tons of floats on the main part of the hands. Both the right and left mittens are knit exactly the same. I’ve included several charts, some with light color dominant, and some with dark color dominant. I always like to work from charts that have the same color values that I’m using. I hate trying to reverse colors in my head while I’m knitting.

I think these mittens look pretty with solid color thumbs. This requires stranding the contrast color across the long thumb gusset section. Ladder back jacquard is the best way to carry these long strands. It’s so easy to learn and well worth the effort, but you can also just catch the floats the normal way. I’ve also included charts for a patterned thumb gusset, if you prefer.

I designed these mittens in worsted weight yarn at a gauge of 5 stitches and 6 rows per inch in Stockinette on US size 7 needles. As written it makes an adult size large with an 8 inch palm circumference. Size can be easily adjusted by changing needle and/or yarn size, or by working more or fewer pattern repeats in multiples of 8. If you need help making the calculations, I’d be glad to assist you. And please always reach out for pattern support and knitting questions. I’d love to help!

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