This Way / That Way Mittens

This Way / That Way Mittens by Alexis Hoy

Project Overview

These creative mittens combine practical directional guidance with playful design, making them an ideal project for children ages 3 to 6 years. Designed by Alexis Hoy, the mittens feature trucks traveling in opposite directions on the back of each hand, while the palms are clearly marked with large "R" and "L" letters to help children easily identify right and left mittens. The mittens are crafted in bright, cheerful colors using soft superwash merino yarn, creating both a functional learning tool and a cozy accessory children will enjoy wearing independently.

What Is Being Made

The project produces a pair of mittens sized for young children, available in two size options: 3/4 years and 5/6 years. The smaller size measures 6 inches long and 2.5 inches wide across the hand, while the larger size measures 7 inches long and 3 inches wide across the hand. Each mitten features a distinct design element: directional truck motifs on the back and bold letter markings on the palm side.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project utilizes fundamental techniques appropriate for knitters with some experience. The mittens are constructed using double-pointed needles, which allow for seamless circular knitting in the round—a standard approach for mitten construction. The pattern incorporates colorwork techniques to create the truck designs and letter markings on the mittens. Knitters will work with sport weight yarn and employ basic stitch work combined with the colorwork elements that define the mittens' visual character.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The mittens are knitted with sport weight yarn classified as CYCA Fine #2. The recommended yarn is Cascade 220 Superwash Sport, which is composed of 100% superwash merino—a fiber choice that provides softness and easy care through machine washing. The pattern calls for two colors: a main color and a complementary color, with 1 skein of each required. The pictured example uses Green Apple #802 and Daffodil #821 from the Cascade 220 Superwash Sport line, though knitters may select other color combinations from this yarn line or similar sport weight superwash merino alternatives.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires US size 4 (3.5mm) double-pointed needles in a set of 4 or 5 DPNs, allowing knitters to choose their preferred needle configuration for working in the round. The pattern requires basic notions typical of mitten projects, though the specific notions list is referenced within the full PDF pattern document.

Skill Level and Project Characteristics

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, these mittens are suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with colorwork and circular needle methods. The combination of directional design elements and letter markings introduces visual interest while the superwash merino fiber ensures the mittens remain soft and wearable through regular washing—an important consideration for children's garments.