Errata, updated Oct 2024
bricepudding helpfully pointed out that I didn’t call for a m1 halfway around from the beginning of the thumb on the 2nd mitten. The two should be mirror images. The start of the thumb gusset for the right mitten has been updated to read as follows -
Right mitten: k20, m1, k until 3 sts remain, pm, m1, k1, m1, pm, k2.

Cozy felted mittens with an optional inner cuff to keep them snugly in place.

This is a quick project on big needles (but the inner cuffs add a day).

Needles:

• A range of sizes can work. One size is used throughout, except for the inside cuffs. I prefer 6 mm needles, but have used 5.5-6.5 mm.
• Using bigger needles or heavier yarn incorporates more yarn into the fabric, making thicker felt, and might require slightly longer felting time for the same size.
• Use DPNs or magic loop.
• Inside cuffs: choose a needle that makes a snug cuff for your stitch count. For me, 2.5-2.75 mm. Feel free to change the st count if it’s easier than changing gauge. If the inside cuffs aren’t snug they serve no purpose.

Yarn:

• Approximately 200 yds total, of which about 150 yds are above the cuff, and 50 yds on the cuff and contrast stripe or piping.
• This pattern works equally well in any feltable yarn, i.e., untreated wool or alpaca (or llama). The total yarn weight (if you’re holding multiple yarns together) should be approximately worsted or Aran.
• Woolen spun yarns yield a very nice, even and spongy felt, but can be a little itchier than other yarns. Hold two strands of typical jumper-weight Shetland yarn together for this.
• Noro Kureyon works well.
• But really, any wool.

That said…some worsted spun yarns (which have the fibers more aligned) will develop bumps where the curl of the wool shows. It’s been hard for me to predict which yarns. I use a wire brush to fluff up the surface.

Also…NO superwash, NO synthetic. Minimize silk content. Mohair felts very, very slowly (so avoid too much of it).

If you are striping yarns, best that they are the same type of yarn. Different yarns felt at different rates and it could be a struggle to get an even fabric if they are too different.

Optional inside cuffs: 70 yds fingering weight/ sock yarn. This could be Superwash or contain nylon. Note: sewing these in does not need to be very exact, as long as you get a good bite of the mitten yarn in each st.

I recommend manually felting in the kitchen sink for maximum control and I provide instructions for that.

Most of my project pages have detailed notes, and note any deviation from the base pattern.

The pattern has not been tech edited, nor rigorously test knit, but FREE is a very good price! Enjoy!