Salmon River Fingerless Mitts

Salmon River Fingerless Mitts

What Is Being Made

The Salmon River Fingerless Mitts are a pair of quick-to-knit fingerless gloves designed by Selena Miskin. These mitts feature decorative cuffs with a stitch pattern inspired by the gentle undulations of the Salmon River in Montana. The fingerless design makes them ideal for autumn wear, providing warmth while keeping fingers free for dexterity and movement.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques. The construction uses double-pointed needles (dpn's) to create seamless, circular knitting. The pattern incorporates increases using both M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) methods to shape the mitts. Knitters will also use stitch markers to track pattern repeats and round beginnings, and a tapestry needle for finishing details.

Stitches Used

The Salmon River Fingerless Mitts utilize a combination of basic and textured stitches:

• Knit stitch (K) - the foundational stitch for the main fabric
• Purl stitch (P) - used to create the distinctive cuff pattern
• M1L (Make One Left) - an increase stitch created by picking up the stitch below the last stitch on the right-hand needle and knitting through the back loop
• M1R (Make One Right) - an increase stitch created by picking up the stitch below the last stitch on the left-hand needle and knitting through the front

The cuff features a ribbed pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches in rounds, producing the visual texture that echoes the river's undulations.

Materials

The Salmon River Fingerless Mitts are knitted using Mountain Colors Half Crepe, a bouclé merino yarn in the 4-ply weight category. The pattern requires just under 2 ounces of yarn, approximately 200 yards total. Three sizes of double-pointed needles are needed: US 7 dpn's, US 4 dpn's, and US 3 dpn's, allowing for gauge control and shaping variations. A tapestry needle is used for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 6 stitches over 1 inch using US 4 needles. The mitts are available in one size, making this an accessible project for knitters seeking a standard fit.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this project is suitable for knitters with basic skills who are ready to tackle circular knitting with dpn's and simple shaping techniques. The quick knitting time and straightforward stitch patterns make this an ideal intermediate project for building confidence with increases and seamless construction.