Cozy Knitted Mittens

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in multiple colorways (examples: teal, grey, blue, etc.) - approximately 100 yards of each color
• Needles: Size US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast On
• k: Knit
• p: Purl
• st: Stitch
• rnd: Round
• og: Knit one stitch from the needle (to indicate working in the round)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cast On

CO 40 sts using your first color. Distribute the stitches evenly across 4 needles (10 sts per needle), and join to work in the round.

2. Cuff

Work in a K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. To do this, knit 2 stitches, and then purl 2 stitches, repeating this pattern until you reach 2 inches in height.

3. Body of the Mitten

Switch to stockinette stitch (knit every round) and continue until the piece measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge.

4. Shaping the Thumb

Next, we will create a thumb opening. Knit the first 20 stitches, and then place the next 10 stitches on a stitch holder or a piece of scrap yarn. Continue knitting the remaining 10 stitches on the last needle. You should now have 20 stitches on one needle (to form the front of the mitten) and 10 stitches on a holder for the thumb.

5. Continue Knitting the Fingers

Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for another 2 inches after the thumb opening. At that point, you'll begin to decrease for the top of the mitten. Work as follows:

• Knit 4, K2tog (repeat this until the end of the round).
• For the next round, knit.
• Repeat this process, knitting one less stitch before each K2tog for a total of 3 rounds.

6. Finishing the Mitten

When you have 10 stitches remaining, cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close up the top. Weave in any loose ends with the tapestry needle.

7. Thumb

Pick up the stitches from the stitch holder for the thumb (10 stitches). Reattach the yarn and knit 5 rounds in stockinette stitch. Then, decrease as follows:

• K2tog around until you have 5 stitches left.
• Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through the remaining stitches and pull to close the thumb.

8. Final Touches

Weave in all ends and give your mittens a gentle wash and lay flat to dry.

Now you have your adorable, cozy mittens ready for winter!