Free Pattern: Grewyacke Mittens

After designing my Grewyacke Cowl, I wanted mittens to match, so I whipped up these quick, chunky mittens.

The bulky yarn (I used Cascade 128 held double-stranded) protects you from the elements. I’m home in Canada for the holidays, and these really do the trick. Thanks to our new stray (who needs a name!) for modeling with me. (My parents live on a farm, where there’s a large harem of kitties to keep the mice at bay).

Materials:

Yarn: Approximately 150 yards of bulky weight yarn, held double-stranded. Shown in Cascade 128 (100% wool; 100g/128yd per skein) in natural (#8010).

Other options: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, Rowan Big Wool, or Brown Sheep Burly Spun (held single-stranded)

Needles: Size 13 circular needles (two pairs) (for double circular method)

Size 11 circular needles (two pairs) (for double circular method)

OR DPNs in sizes 11 and 13 if you prefer.

Notions: stitch markers (3), yarn needle for weaving in ends, cat for modeling photos (optional)

Gauge: 3t/inch in Greywacke stitch pattern.

Sizing: S/M [M/L]

Directions:

Cuff:

Using size 11 needles, cast on 15[18] sts. Distribute across two sets of size 11 circulars for double circular methods (or DPNs if you prefer).

Begin working in k1, p2 rib for 11 rounds.

On the next round, expand 3 stitches as follows: kfb, p2, *k1, p2: rep from * to last 3 stitches, k1, pfb, kfb. 18[21] sts total.

Begin pattern as follows:

Round 1: p1, *k1, p2; repeat from * to 2sts before end of round; end k1, p1.

Round 2: set up thumb gusset shaping: k1, pm, *knit to 2 sts before end of round, pm, k2.

Round 3: Begin thumb gusset increases: kfb, sm, *p2, k1; rep from * to marker, sm, pfb, kfb.

Note: The thumb gusset stitches may not really follow the Greywacke stitch pattern—I tried my best. Once you separate the thumb, you can resume the Greywacke pattern. No one will notice if it's a bit wonky).

Round 4: Knit.

Round 5: k1, pfb, sm, p1, *k1, p2; repeat from * to end of round (you'll end with a k1, p1); sm, kfb, p1, kfb, p1.

Round 6: Knit.

For size S/M: Knit to end of round, then place 9 thumb stitches onto scrap yarn. Move to Work Hand, below.

For size L/XL:

Do one more increase row, as follows: p1, k1, pfb, sm, *k1, p2; repeat from * to 2 sts before marker, end k1, p1; sm; end pfb, k1, p2, k1, p1, kfb.

Knit one round, then place 12 thumb stitches onto scrap yarn.

Work Hand:

For all sizes: Work hand portion in Grewyacke pattern until mittens just covers the fingertips.

Size S/M will begin on Round 1; size L/XL will begin on round 3.

Round 1: *k1, p2; repeat from * to end of round

Round 2, 4, and 6: knit

Round 3: p2, *k1, p2; repeat from * to end of round; end k1.

Round 5: p1, *k1, p2; repeat from * to end of round (you'll end with a k1, p1).

Try to finish on an odd-numbered row.

On the next even round, ktog across row (size L/XL will have on extra stitch).

Then, p2tog across row (size S/M will have one extra stitch).

Cut yarn, then place on a darning needle and draw end through the remaining live stitches. Push needle through to the wrong side of the mitten and weave in the end.

Thumb:

Place thumb stitches onto two size 11 circular needles (or DPNs, if desired).

Begin working in Grewyacke pattern (try to figure out the best row to start on, or just restart the pattern—it's no big deal), as follows:

Round 1: *k1, p2; repeat from * to end of round

Round 2, 4, and 6: knit

Round 3: p2, *k1, p2; repeat from * to end of round; end k1.

Round 5: p1, *k1, p2; repeat from * to end of round (you'll end with a k1, p1).

Continue until it is just long enough to cover the thumb. Try to end on an odd-numbered round.

Next round: k2tog across round (you may have one lonely stitch left over).

On the following round, p2tog across round (you may have one lonely stitch left over).

Cut yarn, then place on a darning needle and draw end through the remaining live stitches. Push needle through to the wrong side of the mitten and weave in the end.

Finishing:

Weave in all ends. To fluff up the yarn, spritz the mittens with water and toss in the dryer for a few minutes.

 

Happy holidays everyone!