BALM Fäustlinge

BALM Fäustlinge by balm. knitwear

What is Being Made

The BALM Fäustlinge are a pair of knitted mittens designed by the independent designer balm. knitwear. These mittens are sized to fit size 7, with flexibility to accommodate sizes 6.5 and 7.5. The project is presented as a downloadable PDF knitting pattern with intermediate difficulty level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle structured projects with shaping techniques.

Knitting Techniques Used

This mitten pattern incorporates several essential knitting techniques that build intermediate-level skills:

• Double Twisted Cast-On: The pattern uses a doppelter Kreuzanschlag (double twisted cast-on) to create a secure foundation for the mittens
• Increase Methods: Right-leaning twisted increases worked from the horizontal thread (rechts verschränkte Zunahmen aus dem Querfaden) are used for shaping
• Decrease Methods: Two different decrease techniques are employed—knitting two stitches together (2 Maschen zusammen stricken) and the slip-slip-knit decrease (2 Maschen überzogen zusammen stricken)—to shape the mitten crown
• Circular Knitting: The mittens are worked in the round using the stockinette stitch for the main hand and thumb sections

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The BALM Fäustlinge employ a simple but effective stitch combination:

• Ribbed Cuff: The mittens begin with a twisted rib pattern consisting of one twisted right stitch alternated with one left stitch (1 Masche rechts verschränkt, 1 Masche links), creating an elastic, form-fitting cuff that keeps the mittens secure on the wrist
• Main Fabric: The hand and thumb sections are worked in glatt rechts in Runden (stockinette stitch in the round), which produces a smooth, classic knit fabric ideal for mittens

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern provides two yarn options to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Budget-Friendly Option: 100 grams of Stylecraft Special Chunky yarn (100% acrylic; 144 meters per 100 grams) offers an economical choice with excellent durability
• Premium Option: 100 grams of Lang Yarns Merino 70 (100% Merino wool; 70 meters per 50 grams) or comparable yarn provides a luxurious, natural fiber alternative

The pattern calls for 5 mm needle size needles (Nadelspiel—a set of double-pointed needles for circular knitting). Gauge swatches are provided for both yarn options: the Stylecraft Special Chunky achieves 16 stitches by 24 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters, while Lang Yarns Merino 70 produces 16 stitches by 26 rows over the same measurement. The pattern notes that knitters with average tension can use these gauges directly; those who knit very tightly or loosely should adjust needle size by half a size accordingly.

Additional Materials and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a wool needle (Wollnadel) for weaving in ends, scissors, and either a stitch holder or safety pin (Maschenraffer oder Sicherheitsnadel) for managing stitches during construction.