Give 'Em the Slip Mitts

Give 'Em the Slip Mitts

What is Being Made

Give 'Em the Slip Mitts are a pair of knitted mittens designed by Triona Murphy. These are fingerless mitts that provide wrist and hand coverage while leaving the fingers free. Available in two sizes—Medium with a circumference of approximately 6.75 inches (17.1 cm) and Large with a circumference of approximately 7.5 inches (19.1 cm)—both sizes feature a finished length of 7 inches (18 cm). The mittens are shown in the Lettuce colorway, offering a fresh, vibrant aesthetic.

Techniques and Construction

These mittens are constructed using the knit-in-the-round technique, which creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for fitted wrist wear. The pattern employs double-pointed needles (DPNs) to work circularly, allowing stitches to be divided evenly across the needles. The construction begins with casting on 36 stitches for the Medium size or 40 stitches for the Large size, divided as evenly as possible across the needles and joined for working in the round.

The design incorporates a thumb gusset, a shaping technique that creates room for the thumb by strategically increasing stitches in a designated section. This gusset allows the mittens to fit comfortably around the hand while accommodating the thumb's position. Crafters can customize the length of both the cuff and hand sections by working additional pattern repeats before or after the thumb gusset, providing flexibility for different preferences and hand sizes.

For those preferring a more secure fit, the pattern notes suggest working the ribbing section with needles one size smaller than the main needles, creating a tighter cuff that grips the wrist more firmly.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the body of the mittens. The cuff features ribbing, a textured stitch pattern that provides elasticity and helps the mittens stay in place on the wrist. The pattern also incorporates increases as part of the thumb gusset shaping technique.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The recommended yarn is Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted, a 100% merino fiber yarn that offers softness, breathability, and natural elasticity. Each 100-gram skein provides 210 yards (192 meters) of yardage, and only 1 skein is required to complete both mittens. The yarn weight classification is aran, a medium-weight yarn that works up quickly while providing adequate warmth and structure.

The pattern calls for US #7 [4.5mm] double-pointed needles (available as a set of four or five needles) to achieve the correct gauge of 18 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Crafters should verify their gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit. Additional notions required include 3 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and shaping points, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, these mittens are suitable for knitters with some experience. The pattern requires familiarity with working in the round using double-pointed needles, understanding gauge, and executing increases for the thumb gusset. The straightforward stockinette and ribbing stitches make the project accessible, while the circular construction and shaping elements provide a satisfying challenge for developing knitters.