Snow Day Mittens

Snow Day Mittens by Melissa Metzbower

Project Overview

Snow Day Mittens are a beginner-friendly knitted mitten pattern designed by Melissa Metzbower. These mittens are engineered to be warm, wind-proof, and enjoyable to construct, making them an ideal project for knitters new to the craft. The pattern accommodates multiple sizes ranging from 12 months through adult large, ensuring that every family member can have a custom-fitted pair.

Sizes and Fit

The Snow Day Mittens pattern includes extensive sizing options to fit hand lengths from approximately 4 inches up to 9½ inches (10 cm to 24 cm). Available sizes span from 12 months infant sizing through child small, child medium, child large, women's small, women's medium, women's large, men's small, men's medium, and men's large. This comprehensive range makes the pattern versatile for creating mittens for the entire family.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This beginner-level pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those new to the craft. The primary stitch used throughout the mittens is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The cuff features K1, P1 ribbing, a knit-one, purl-one pattern worked in the round that provides stretch and helps the mittens stay securely on the hand.

The mittens are constructed using the backward loop cast-on method, a straightforward casting technique ideal for beginners. The pattern is worked in the round, which is a fundamental approach in mitten construction that eliminates the need for seaming.

Gauge and Fit Specifications

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 14 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. This gauge is achieved using US size 8 (5.0 mm) needles and is essential for obtaining mittens that fit properly across all the available sizes.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Snow Day Mittens require two types of worsted weight yarn, each serving a specific purpose in the finished mittens:

• Felting yarn: A worsted weight yarn that will felt, required in quantities ranging from 60 yards for the smallest size (12 months) to 275 yards for the largest size (men's large). This yarn creates the main body of the mittens and provides the wind-proof, insulating qualities through the felting process.
• Non-felting yarn: A worsted weight yarn that will not felt and will hold its shape, required in smaller quantities ranging from 30 yards for the smallest size to 138 yards for the largest size. This yarn is used for structural elements that need to maintain their definition and shape after felting.

Needles

The mittens are knitted on US size 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles, which are ideal for working small circumference projects in the round.

Skill Level

Rated as an easy, beginner-friendly project, Snow Day Mittens are suitable for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques including casting on, knitting in the round, and working simple stitch patterns. The straightforward construction and use of fundamental stitches make this an excellent pattern for building confidence in mitten-making skills.