Whether you have experience using double-pointed needles or not, you can knit these fingerless mitts! In this tutorial, we learn how to get started on DPNs, how to knit in-the-round, how to create a “buttonhole” thumb, and how to bind-off in pattern. The only skills you really need are confidence in both knitting and purling.
This pattern is a FREE RAVELRY DOWNLOAD, and includes links to a 4-part video tutorial. (Video also at the top of this post.)
Sizes: Women’s Small/Medium, Women’s Large (to fit actual hand circumferences of 7-7.5”, 8”; measured around the knuckles of the hand)
Needles: Size 7 US (4.5mm) set of double-pointed needles
Yarn: 50g (about 100 yards) of worsted weight (10 ply) wool or wool blend
Additional Materials: tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Gauge: 5.5 stitches per inch in stockinette
Sizing note: These mitts are quite stretchy. Most women will find that the smaller size will fit fine. The larger size is appropriate if your hands are wide across the knuckles, and/or you have wider wrists.
Information on things you’ll see in the video:
My finished purple mitts were knit with Madeline Tosh, Tosh Vintage, in colorway “Flashdance”.
The bulky yarn I use for demonstration is Berroco Peruvia Quick.
The pink swatch I use when checking gauge is knit with Cascade 128.
The bamboo pins I use to check gauge are by Clover.
The wood needles I use for demonstration are by Clover, size 10.5 (6.5mm).
The sweater I’m wearing (not my design) is called Harvest Moon.
And I knit it with Berroco Blackstone Tweed in color Wintry Mix.
The sweater on the mannequin is my Women’s Zippered Letterman’s Jacket, pattern + video tutorial.
The new animation at the very end of the video is by TJ Morris of Toonicatures.
Your such a sweet heart. Thanks for another great pattern.
dale:)
I have a question. On the bind-off row, I notice this is the sequence. Yarn-forward, purl, then yarn-back, bind-off. Why the yarn-back before the pulling the stitch over for the bind-off? Do you recommend this even if ALL the stitches were purl (rather than 2×2 rib)?
Hi Joan – to answer your question, yes. I always yarn-back before the actual binding-off (pulling one stitch over the other) so that the working yarn is out of the way, and I can see what I’m doing. And yes – I do this same thing when I’m biding-off an entire row purl-wise.
It isn’t essential, just something that I do to make it easier.
🙂
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Staci
I have made several of the fingerless mitts and finding the yarn at the corners of the thumb opening loose. I have tightened up and still not happy with it. Is there a way to reinforce the corners? (BO and CO rows)
I’m a beginner and really love your videos. I am pairing the Fair Isle Snowflake hat with these mitts and giving as gifts this Christmas 🙂
Hi Jenny – you might be happier with the gloves if you use a slightly heavier yarn (and adjust the needle size so you still get the correct number of stitches per inch). Otherwise, you can use duplicate stitch to reinforce the corners of the thumbhole: https://verypink.com/2011/02/15/duplicate-stitch/
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Hi Jenny
You have me so hooked on magic loop knitting. Can I just use the magic
Loop for this pattern ?
Hi Sharon – yes, if you’re comfortable with the magic loop method, you can substitute it for any pattern that calls for DPNs.
🙂
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Hi Jenny,
Yeah! Thank you for your reply and also the great tips and ideas that you share with your followers. Love your website and clear videos and instructions. You are the best!!!!
If I wanted to use the magic loop method could I do it exactly the same way you are doing it with the double pointed needles? thanks so much for your vidios
Linda – yes, if you’re comfortable with magic loop, you can use it in any pattern that calls for DPNs.
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Hey Staci! I have a question. I dont have a size 7 needles. I was wondering what gauge I would use for size 8 us needles?
Hi Nicole – Needle size isn’t as important as getting the correct number of stitches per inch, or gauge. This pattern lists the gauge as 5.5 stitches per inch. You have to use the needle size that will get you that gauge. Otherwise, your mitts will end up being a much different size than intended.
Good luck!
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Staci,
I am new to mitts and the thumb opening. I am getting ready to start these. My question is: the thumb hole is interchangeable? not a left or right, correct?
Michelle – correct, and it’s a good thing. When the left and right mitts are interchangeable, you get more wear out of the gloves.
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I love this pattern! Because I knit this, Using DPNS is my favorite way to knit in the round! I just hope I can make it past the thumb hole. If I can, I will knit mittens and then socks. This is even better then magic loop! Thank you so much!
Hi Staci,
If I wanted to add an fingerless thumb, would your pattern for the Amirah gloves work. I mean the knowledge of what to do? I want this style but would love a thumb. Thanks for your work on the videos. They are the best.
Hi Lynn – yes, you can pick up stitches and knit a bit of thumb using the same techniques in my Amirah Fingerless Gloves pattern.
Good luck!
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All I have made are scarves and part way through my first sweater. I can’t wait to try this pattern for busking daughter! Her ukulele fingers will happier in Montreal!
Hi Staci,
I want to get started on these mitts but I want to add a cable pattern to it (so I have a cable pattern on the back of my hand). how do I do this? I can use some tips!
Lara
Lara – that’s an easy modification. Just find a cable pattern you like, and substitute the same number of knit stitches on the back of the hand with that cable pattern. Good luck!
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Hi Staci. I love your patterns and videos, you have taught me to knit!!! I love these mitts and have made several pairs. I would love to make these but with a luxury yarn such as cashmere for Christmas gifts. Would this pattern work? Thanks !
Inez – yes, you can use any worsted weight yarn that will give you the correct gauge. I used a luxury wool for the sample pair I knit. A cashmere or angora yarn might, however, be less durable.
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Thanks for the quick response! I think I’ll try these in a luxury wool like you did! I think they will make great stocking stuffers:)
thank you so much. you make it easy to understand for an 87 yr old knitter who never mastered knitting.
Hey can you make a video on how to to do these in kid seizes
Hi Staci, Would these fingerless gloves or any other patterns work well for a 7 year old little girl. Also, do you have a child’s par of gloves?
Thanks so much,
Nancy
Nancy – these mitts are sized for teens or adults. I don’t have any patterns for kids’ mitts, but there are plenty available on Ravelry!
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how do I get the free pattern ?
Margarita – just click the words above that say (all caps) “FREE RAVELRY DOWNLOAD”.
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Thank you for sharing this! I’m excited to try these!!
Hi Staci,
Would it be possible to knit these using 16 inch circular needles?
Hi Staci
i was wondering if you could make a circular needle tutorial on this?
hi staci
i was wondering if you could make these on circular needles. if you can, then can you make a video tutorial? Thx!!!
I am trying to find a simple knitted fingerless mittens pattern. The one shown here has no thumb. I want one with a thumb.
This tutorial is a perfect introduction to knitting with DPNs. Thank you so much for your clear and detailed instructions. I knit one mitt and discovered it was a little to large for me, but I have enough knitting experience that it was easy for me to reduce the number of stitches and make it fit. I love the truly finger- and thumb-less option for tap-tap-tapping on my laptop on cold evenings. I can easily push these stretchy mittens up over my wrists. This allows me to keep them on without getting them wet or dirty when I wash my hands and make a snack. 🙂
Thanks for the great tutorial! I made a pair of these several months ago! It was my first time using DPNs and knitting in the round!