Peacock Mitts

Peacock Mitts by Andrea Jurgrau

Project Overview

Peacock Mitts are intermediate-level knitted fingerless mittens designed by Andrea Jurgrau. This downloadable PDF pattern creates elegant hand coverings featuring decorative beadwork that evokes the iridescent beauty of peacock plumage. The design combines traditional knitting techniques with bead embellishment for a sophisticated finished garment.

What Is Being Made

These are fingerless mittens—also known as mitts—designed to fit a woman's hand. The pattern includes sizing options to accommodate both small and average women's hand sizes. Fingerless mittens provide warmth and coverage for the palm and back of the hand while leaving fingers exposed for dexterity and tactile tasks.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Peacock Mitts are constructed using the circular knitting method on double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless, tubular construction in the round. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 60 stitches distributed evenly across four double-pointed needles—15 stitches per needle—and is worked in joined rounds to create a continuous fabric without seams.

The mitts incorporate bead embellishment as a key design element. Beads are integrated into the knitted fabric using a crochet hook method, where a US 14 crochet hook is used to draw yarn loops through bead holes, securing the beads within the knitted structure. This technique adds visual interest and texture while maintaining the integrity of the knit fabric.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs a pattern stitch that is worked in the round across all stitches. Gauge is measured specifically in this pattern stitch when blocked, indicating that the stitch pattern itself is central to the garment's final dimensions and drape. The exact stitch sequence is foundational to achieving proper fit.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Peacock Mitts require the following materials:

• Yarn: One skein of ShaSha yarn in the colorway Duluth, sourced from Land O Lace, providing 400 yards of yardage. The yarn is available in both 3-ply and 4-ply weights, offering flexibility for different needle sizes and fabric densities.
• Beads: 60 Japanese seed beads in size 8/0, finished in Transparent Rainbow Teal. These beads provide the characteristic peacock-inspired coloration and sparkle.
• Needles: One set of five US 1 or US 2 double-pointed needles, depending on desired gauge and hand size. US 1 needles are recommended for a small woman's hand, while US 2 needles accommodate an average woman's hand.
• Additional Tools: One US 14 crochet hook for bead attachment, waste yarn for provisional cast-on or stitch holding, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct fit. The pattern specifies 8 stitches to the inch in the pattern stitch when blocked on US 1 needles, suitable for a small woman's hand. For an average woman's hand, 7 stitches to the inch is achieved on US 2 needles. Knitters should always swatch and block their gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing.

Difficulty Level

Peacock Mitts are rated as intermediate difficulty. While the circular knitting construction and basic stitch patterns are accessible to knitters with foundational skills, the integration of beadwork and the need to maintain consistent gauge in a patterned stitch elevate the complexity. Knitters should be comfortable with double-pointed needle technique and have experience reading knitting patterns before attempting this design.