Baby, It's Cold Outside - Keep Those Hands Warm!

To get ready for the impending artic weather heading our way I've been making fingerless mitts as fast as I can move my hook. Not only do this help keep your hands warm, but they also allow your fingers to remain free for typing, knitting, hooking, or scrolling on social media.

And bonus! They are a market best seller for me - especially this time of year.

Of course I've done these with crochet, but knitters and weavers can use the same technique to make a pair. The best part, I can usually make a pair in an evening.

Materials Needed

Tape Measure
Yarn of your choice:

Think about long-term care. I usually go for superwash wool, acrylic or a blend.
Variegated yarn or scraps are perfect for this project.
Any weight yarn will work. The goal is to get to the measurement needed (more to come).
Weavers - I know you have scraps!

Knitting Needles or Crochet Hook to correspond with the weight of your yarn.
Embroidery Needle
Optional Embellishments (buttons, beads, appliques, etc.)

Measuring your Hands - Be sure to measure both hands

Width Measurement:
- Lay your hand on top of your tape measure on a flat surface. Wrap the tape measure around your knuckles.
- Make note of this measurement.
Length Measurement:
- Lay the tape measure along the top of your hand to represent how tall you want your mitts to be. I usually like mine to lay about where I would wear a bracelet to my knuckles.
- Make note of this measurement.
Adjust: If you plan to add a trim, subtract 1 inch from the measurement. Example: my original measurements show I should make a rectangle that is 7.75 inches wide and 7 inches tall. I know that I am going to add a tall trim, so I’m going to make mine 7.75 inches wide and 6 inches tall.

Make your Fabric - Make Two

Crochet/Knit/Weave your fabric to the desired measurements.

Pick a stitch/weave that accomplishes your goals and your yarn. In crochet, I like to work in the BLO (back loop only) to provide more stretch. For denser fabrics I work a SC (single crochet).

Fold your fabric in half (right sides together) and use stitch markers to indicate the thumb opening. (This is a great time to try them on and make any needed adjustments).

I like my thumb opening to be around 1.75-2 inches. For children I usually do 1.25-1.5 inches.

Sew Closed

Using the method of your choice, sew the edges closed being sure to leave the thumb opening unworked.

I've used SC (single crochet), SS (slip stitch), and whip stitch with my embroidery needed. All work very well.
For woven fabrics, I use my serger or a zig zag stitch.

Finish off and weave in any ends.

Embellish

For a simple, elegant finish I usually work two rounds of SC on the top and bottom of the mitts.
Pull out your various patterns of flowers and give those a go (I know you have them!)
Add sequins, pearls, buttons or beads.
Whip up some of those applique patterns and attach those.
Do you do hand embroidery? Then now’s the time to show that skill! (TIP: If you are hand-embroidering, you will want to ensure your fabric is tight enough).
Add some spikes and eyeballs to create a cute or scary creature.
There are no limits! Let those creative juices flow!

Here are a few other fingerless mitt patterns you may enjoy. These images link to paid patterns that include a lot more photographs and details. You can also find them in my Etsy and Ravelry stores.