My Favourites
Make these fashionably stylish and practical fingerless mittens which are worked in a decorative crochet stitch in cosy baby alpaca yarn. Designed by Erika Knight and published in her latest book Crochet Workshop (see bottom of article for book details and giveaway), the skill level is Intermediate and the mittens are one size, to fit an average-size woman’s hand. The finished length is 38cm.
Click to enlarge
In this project you will learn
Practising half treble crochet
Working a horizontal thumb hole
Working pattern repeats
Stitches used
Half treble crochet; Treble crochet
Treble crochet bobbles
Materials
Rowan Baby Alpaca DK, a light double-knitting weight alpaca yarn, in one colour:
4 x 50g balls in light grey (208 Southdown)
3.5mm and 4mm crochet hooks
Tension
8 bobbles and 11 rows to 10cm measured over zigzag lozenge stitch using a 4mm hook.
Abbreviations
1 bobble = [yrh and insert hook in 1-ch sp, yrh and draw a loop through, yrh and draw through first 2 loops on hook] 3 times all in same 1-ch sp, yrh and draw a loop through all 4 loops on hook.
1 half bobble = [yrh and insert hook in 1-ch sp, yrh and draw a loop through, yrh and draw through first 2 loops on hook] twice all in same 1-ch sp, yrh and draw a loop through all 3 loops on hook.
yrh = yarn round hook
TO MAKE THE MITTENS
Foundation chain Using a 4mm hook, make 37 chain loosely.
Work a border of 2 rows of half treble crochet as follows:
Row 1 1 htr in 3rd ch from hook, 1 htr in each of remaining ch to end, turn.
Row 2 2 ch (counts as first htr), miss first htr, *1 htr in next htr; rep from * to end, then work last htr in top of 2-ch at end, turn. 36 sts.
Continue in zigzag lozenge stitch as follows:
Patt row 1 (WS) 2 ch (counts as first htr), 1 htr in first htr, *miss 1 htr, work [1 htr, 1 ch, 1 htr] all in next htr; rep from * to last 2 htr, miss 1 htr, 2 htr in last htr, turn.
Patt row 2 (RS) 3 ch, 1 tr in first htr (counts as a half bobble), *1 ch, 1 bobble in next 1-ch sp; rep from * to end, 1 ch, 1 half bobble in top of 2-ch at end of row, turn. 16 bobbles and 2 half bobbles.
Patt row 3 2 ch (counts as first htr), *work [1 htr, 1 ch, 1 htr] all in next 1-ch sp; rep from * to end, 1 htr in top of 3-ch at end of row, turn.
Patt row 4 3 ch (counts as first tr), *1 bobble in next 1-ch sp, 1 ch; rep from * to last 1-ch sp, 1 bobble in last sp, 1 tr in top of 2-ch at end of row, turn. 17 bobbles.
Patt row 5 2 ch (counts as first htr), 1 htr in first tr, *work [1 htr, 1 ch, 1 htr] all in next 1-ch sp; rep from * to end, 2 htr in top of 3-ch at end of row, turn.
[Repeat patt rows 2–5] 4 times more.
Change to a 3.5mm hook and [repeat patt rows 2–5] 3 times more, so ending with a WS row.
Mitten should now measure approximately 32cm from beginning.
Work thumb hole
Next row (RS) 3 ch, 1 tr in first htr, *1 ch, 1 bobble in next 1-ch sp; rep from * 6 times more; 6 ch, miss next 2 1-ch sps, 1 bobble in next ch sp, **1 ch, 1 bobble in next ch sp; rep from ** to end, 1 ch, 1 half bobble in top of 2-ch at end of row, turn.
Next row 2 ch, *work [1 htr, 1 ch, 1 htr] all in next 1-ch sp; rep from * 6 times more; [1 htr, 1 ch, 1 htr] twice in 6-ch sp, **work [1 htr, 1 ch, 1 htr] all in next 1-ch sp; rep from ** to end, 1 htr in top of 3-ch at end of row, turn.
Next row Rep patt row 4. 16 bobbles.
Next row Rep patt row 5.
Next row Rep patt row 2. 15 bobbles and 2 half bobbles.
Next row Rep patt row 3. Fasten off.
Work second mitten in exactly the same way.
To finish
Weave in any loose ends. Gently steam on wrong side. Sew side seams.
Masterclass
Working a horizontal thumb hole or buttonhole
The simplest way to work an opening, whether it is for a thumb hole or buttonhole, is to miss a number of stitches in a row. At the position at which the hole is required, work a number of chain stitches that will accommodate the thumb or the diameter of the button (for these mittens, work 6 chain).
Miss the number of stitches for which you have worked chain, then continue in the pattern. On the next row, work over the chain, making the same number of stitches as there are chain.
Extract from Crochet Workshop
Learn How to crochet with 20 inspiring projects
by Erika Knight
Photography by: Yuki Sugiara
Photography copyright
RRP $39.99 Paperback
© Quadrille Publishing May 2012
Distributed by Bookreps.co.nz
CROCHET WORKSHOP
Crochet Workshop by Erika Knight is the perfect book for the beginner. Learn how to crochet exquisite accessories and homewares with step-by-step instructions, diagrams and gorgeous photos. There are 20 beautiful projects in this book, from cushions and throws to slippers, purses and laptop covers. Each project teaches the reader a new stitch, technique or trick, and builds on and consolidates crochet techniques already learnt in the preceding projects. The end result is 20 beautiful crafts and a wide repertoire of master crochet skills under your belt.
COMPETITION CLOSED
Congratulations to the winner of the book giveaway: Gen Holland.
I love these mittens just what is needed on cold winter mornings
Just what I need to get me motivated to try some more crochet!
I wind my embroidery floss/cotton around miniature wooden craft pegs (the peg heads are great for holding the loose end of cotton – just slide the cotton in between), and my lace and ribbon around wooden dolly pegs 🙂
These are such cute mittens, perfect for a friend whose Birthday is coming up!
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
I have recently learned to crochet & will confess to be addicted to this craft. Hope to complete blanket soon & my next project could well be these adorable mittens. Thanks for the pattern which i will try.
oh what a delightful wee book – i’d love to go into the draw to win!
I absolutely LOVE crochet – I would absolutely LOVE to have this book in my collection
my wife would be so thrilled if I won this for her – she is crochet mad!!
Another fantastic giveaway! I’d really like to be entered in the draw please 🙂
Haven’t done crochet in a while, perhaps I should get back into it. The above look soooo warm and comfy!
Gloves look neat.Lookforward to making them.
I’ve never learnt to crochet and I would like to, so this book would be so useful.
Thank you for the opportunity of winning this lovely wee book.
It is always nice and comforting to be crochetting while
enjoying other’s company on these cold and chilly nights of Winter.
Hint:
Have a simple & small project always handy for those times when you want something to do, but you don’t want to have to concentrate – eg a facecloth/dish cloth – something that you can never have too many of.
Ideal for travelling/waiting rooms etc. Small things that you only need your hook and a ball of yarn for = productive therapy while you wait 🙂
Having just decided to branch out from knitting and try my hand at crocheting, this book would be fantastic! And as for my storage solutions, I’m afraid mine involves shoving everything into a bag… not so inspirational I’m afraid!!
I store buttons in an old pencil case & other bits & bobs are kept in drawers from a vintage singer sewing machine table.
I love those mitts, they look delicate but warm at the same time – look forward to making some! I store my buttons sorted by colour in a small set of plastic drawers, and my yarn in those opaque 15 litre plastic stackable boxes, also sorted by colour. I’ve been keeping individual crochet and sock knitting projects in their own bags, great for portability. Fabric, unfortunately, is not very well organised at all, and just gets stuffed into a big plastic crate!
These look so good, I keep buttons, thread and needles in a old chocolate tin. it is a bit messy but it does the trick.
Those gloves are so pretty – it’s time I made some more as my previous pair is wearing out. As for storage tips, I wish I had some good ones but unfortunately I just have too much stuff and a whole lot of overflowing boxes and containers! I wish the cleaning fairies would come and sort out my craft room for me.
Wow these look amazing. My wife would love them!!
Just what I have been looking for. i have been making some gloves recently and these are cute
Love that next generation being taught the old crafts like knitting and crochet. My mother taught all my children, boys and girl, when on holidays with her and they can still do them although now in their fifties. One child was left handed but she rose to the challenge and he was very proficient in the end. Will look forward to more patterns etc
I love those mittens! … finally someone has created a pattern that doesn’t just stop at the wrist! Yay!!!
Im making mine in purple & green
My eldest daughter has been asking me to make fingerless gloves, its wonderful to find a nice pattern. I keep all my wool in big cane baskets, it is easy to sort through and looks great when left out.
Anyone who has seen my studio knows it’s more like a shop than a stash… but do I have Rowan Baby Alpaca DK? No. But Alpaca I have – I could spin it up to crochet these lovely mittens. They look yummy and crochet is always faster than knitting! I like to have my fibre and yarns visible, so apart from yarns/fibre I keep specifically for over-dyeing or felting, the rest is on shelves, with dowels across (so they don’t tumble out). I keep perfumed soap in cotton sachet’s to keep the moths away. Happy crafting everyone!
What lovely mittens! A while ago a friend of mine was throwing out all her large glass containers that she used to store flour, rice, cereal, etc in her pantry. Those ones with the rubber ring seal and clip top. I washed them all out thoroughly and now they serve as storage for my haberdashery stash – buttons, zips, lace, cords, cottons, embroidery threads. They are brilliant because you can see everything at a glance.
Thanks for pattern for mittens, I am needing these in Christchurch, so cold. Also would like to enter for the book. Thanks for your great magazine.
This book would be great. I am trying to teach myself to crochet but I’m struggling – there is only so much help ones mother can give over the phone!
At Christmas time Dilmah very giving away tins with their tea bags in them and I now use one of these for my sewing ‘bits and pieces’ and love it.
Many years ago I used to knit and crochet all the time. Then it sort of went out of fashion. But, hurrah, now it is trendy again, and such beautiful patterns are appearing. Thank you!
I have parkinsons and recently started to learn to crochet to help keep use of my hands. Iwould love to be inspired by this book and learn form it.
Ohhh, I would love to be entered in the draw to win this book please 🙂
I’m loving the crochet and knitting crafts, they have got my creative juices flowing again! As for storing sewing accessories, I use those clear clip-seal bags because they are great for seeing what’s inside at a glance. I store things like buttons, bits of lace or elastic rolled up and thread.
love these gloves!
I really want to learn to crochet and this book would be great. Loving the gloves!
would these fit a smallish handed 13 year old?
Hi Fran, these are for an average size hand, so they might be slightly big for a small hand. However, because they have a thumb fitting and are long in the sleeve, they wouldn’t fall off.
thank you 🙂
I just started the mittens the pattern it’s so pretty. And easy to follow. But i changed the yarn to encore dk. I am getting concerned that they seem big. I changed the hook size to. 3.50 mm and 3.25 mm. Can you tell me what the repeat
Hi Jeanne. What do you mean by “what the repeat”?
I love the colour of those mitts, they look warm and cozy.Looking forward to making one. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you soooooo very much to the guys at Sweet Living for publishing the mittens from Crochet Workshop!! AND HUGEST thanks to everyone for the fabulous comments posted here!! These are really the simplest mitts to make…………………………x
Thanks Erika! Your book is the best ever!!! Love it so much. Everyone needs a copy of this.
Great tutorial and beautiful gloves. I have a link party called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party and would love to have you share this with everyone. Here is the link to the party.
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/11/wednesday-adorned-from-above-link-party.html
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Thanks so much for sharing at last Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Link Party. This weeks party is live. The link to the party is
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/11/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-link_14.html
Can’t wait to see you there.
Have a great week.
Debi
These are so pretty! Linking up tomorrow at Tangled Happy. Thanks so much for sharing this. 🙂
Thanks Sara. What a lovely blog you have!
Just a tip: This uses UK crochet terms, so anyone from the States who wants to make these should look up a conversion chart. You’ll have to use a G and F hook.
Thanks Amber!
I’m confused about the htc stitch. A lot of tutorials demonstrate this to be the same as a half double crochet stitch. And some demonstrate it to be similar to the treble crochet stitch. Can you help?
Agree. It is called a Treble Bobble, but it really isn’t a treble stitch that is described
Well, I see now that the “treble” in UK terms is not the same as in US terms….hence the confusion.