Beaded Rib Mitts

Unisex mitts in an interesting textured rib pattern. Instructions are given for two sizes: ladies' and men's. Instructions for smaller size are given first, followed by instructions for larger size in brackets. These mittens are knitted in one piece, in the round. The pictured mittens were knitted with my handspun yarn, but I suggest a commercially available alternative.

Yarn: Solitude Yarns Icelandic, 2 skeins. Approx 150 (200) metres of yarn required per pair.

Needles: 4 mm/US 6 dpns

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4” in stocking stitch.

Dimensions: Ladies': 6” around, 10” long, Men's: 8” around 12” long.

Extras: Three stitch markers, a needle and some scrap yarn.

Notation:

CO = cast on

k = knit

p = purl

k1fb = knit one stitch into the front of the next stitch, and one stitch into the back (one stitch increased).

k1fbf = knit one stitch into the front of the next stitch, one stitch into the back, then one more stitch into the front (two stitches increased).

pm = place marker

sl m = slip marker

Pattern:

Beaded Rib Pattern:

Round 1: *k3 p2* to end of row.

Round 2: *k1 p1 k1 p2* to end of row.

Mitt Directions (make 2):

CO 40 (55) stitches over 3 dpns and join in the round. Work in Beaded Rib pattern until mitt measures 5½” (6½)”, ending on Round 1 of pattern.

Thumb Gusset:

Next row: k1 pm k1fbf pm k1 p2, work in Beaded Rib pattern to end of row (you should be on Round 2 of the pattern).

You will continue working as before, but increasing stitches between the two markers as follows:

Row 1: k1, slm, knit to next marker, slm, k1 p2, continue in Beaded Rib to the end of the round.

Row 2: k1, slm, k1fb, knit to one stitch before next marker, k1fb, slm, k1 p2, continue in Beaded Rib to the end of the round.

Repeat these two rows until you have 13 (17) stitches between the thumb gusset markers.

Thread a needle with about 6” of scrap yarn. Next row: k1; slip the stitches between the markers onto the scrap yarn and tie it in a loop to secure the stitches; k1fb, p2, continue working in Beaded Rib pattern to the end of the round (you should be on Round 1 of the pattern).

Now continue working Beaded Rib pattern until the mitt measures 10” (12”) from CO edge. Bind off all stitches.

Thumb: Pick up the 13 (17) thumb stitches on scrap yarn. Knit all stitches and join in the round. (Tip: On the first round, I like to work a k1fb on the last stitch in the round, slip this extra stitch onto the beginning of the first needle, and knit it together with the first stitch on the next round.) Work in stocking stitch (i.e. knit every stitch) until the thumb measures 3” (4”) from the base (or as long as you want it).

Next round: *k1p1* to last stitch, k1. Now bind off all stitches.

Weave in any loose ends and you’re done!