Bermondsey mitts

Bermondsey Mitts by Jennie Atkinson

What is Being Made

The Bermondsey Mitts are a versatile knitted accessory available in two distinct lengths: short hand-warmers and longer arm-warmers. Both versions are designed to fit hand circumferences of S/M (18–20cm) or M/L (21–23cm), with finished circumferences of 19cm or 22cm depending on size. The short mitts measure 17.5cm in length, while the arm-warmer version extends to 32cm, making them suitable for layering or extended arm coverage during cooler weather.

Techniques and Construction

Both mitt variations are knitted in the round, a fundamental technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for fitted hand and arm wear. The construction features a horizontal thumb opening, allowing for practical hand use while maintaining the mitt's structure. The mitts incorporate a 2-colour fair-isle pattern, a traditional colourwork technique that creates intricate patterned fabric by carrying two yarn colours across each round and stranding the unused colour inside the work. This method produces a warm, double-layered fabric with excellent elasticity and durability. Both versions include contrast tipping at either end, which are decorative and functional edgings worked in a third colour to frame the mitt openings.

Stitches Used

The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (knit stitch in the round), which forms the smooth, V-textured base fabric. The fair-isle colourwork is integrated into this stitch structure, with stitches worked consistently throughout the patterned sections. The contrast tipping uses the same fundamental knit stitches but in a single colour, creating a clean, finished edge.

Materials and Specifications

The Bermondsey Mitts are designed to be knitted using Cascade 220 Fingering yarn, a 100% Peruvian Highland Wool in a 4-ply weight, with each 50g ball yielding 250 metres (273 yards). The pattern recommends 3mm double-pointed needles (dpns) to achieve the specified tension of 36 stitches and 38 rounds over 10cm of patterned fabric.

Yardage requirements vary by size and version. For the arm-warmer, the main colour requires 32g (S/M) or 40g (M/L), the contrast colour needs 12g (S/M) or 15g (M/L), and the edging colour requires 2g (S/M) or 3g (M/L). For the short mitts, the main colour requires 18g (S/M) or 22g (M/L), the contrast colour needs 8g (S/M) or 10g (M/L), and the edging colour requires 2g (S/M) or a small amount for M/L.

Difficulty Level and Pairing Options

The Bermondsey Mitts are rated as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with experience in circular knitting and basic colourwork techniques. The pattern coordinates with other designs in the Bermondsey collection, including the Bermondsey Beret and Bermondsey Beanie, allowing for coordinated accessory sets.