Dotted Diamond Mitts Mittens Knitting Pattern

Dotted Diamond Mitts Mittens Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Dotted Diamond Mitts are classically styled mittens designed by Diane Zangl and published by Cascade Yarns as pattern DK253. These intermediate-level mittens showcase a sophisticated slip-stitch colorwork technique that creates a textured, flecked appearance while remaining accessible to knitters with foundational skills.

What is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of adult mittens available in two sizes: Small/Medium with a hand circumference of 8 inches and length of 9 inches, and Large/Extra Large with a hand circumference of 9 inches and length of 10 inches. The mittens feature a fitted cuff design and include afterthought thumbs, allowing for custom thumb placement and easy adjustment during the knitting process.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The mittens are constructed using double-pointed needles throughout, worked in the round from the cuff upward. The construction begins with a twisted ribbed cuff that provides a secure, elegant edge. The main body features a slip-stitch colorwork pattern that uses only one color per row, simplifying the knitting process while creating visual interest. The afterthought thumb technique involves temporarily knitting with waste yarn to create a placeholder, which is later unraveled and the stitches picked up to complete the thumb opening. This method allows knitters to determine the exact thumb position and fit during finishing.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs several key stitches:

• 1x1 Twisted Ribbing: Used for the cuff, this stitch is worked as knit through the back loop alternating with purl, creating a twisted appearance that sits flat and provides excellent elasticity.
• Flecked Tweed Pattern: The main stitch pattern uses a four-round repeat with slip stitches. Slip stitches are worked both with yarn in front and yarn in back, creating a subtle, dimensional texture. The pattern alternates between the contrast color and main color every two rounds, building the dotted diamond effect.
• Slip Stitches: Worked loosely as indicated in the designer notes, slip stitches are carried across rows without being knitted, allowing the yarn to float and create the characteristic flecked appearance.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Cascade 220® Sport yarn, which is composed of 100% Peruvian Highland wool. This yarn weight is classified as #2 fine, providing excellent stitch definition for colorwork. The pattern requires 1 hank each of two colors: #8686 Dark Brown (main color) and #2414 Rust (contrast color). Each hank contains 50 grams and yields 164 yards, providing sufficient yardage for both sizes. Additionally, knitters need ½ yard of contrast color waste yarn, cut into 2 pieces for the afterthought thumb technique.

Tools and Gauge

The pattern is worked on Size 4 (3.5mm) double-pointed needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches by 32 rounds over 4 inches when working the colorwork pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for correct fit, particularly in mittens where hand circumference directly affects wearability.

Skill Level and Complexity

Rated as Intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with basic techniques including casting on, knitting in the round with double-pointed needles, reading pattern instructions, and managing two colors. The slip-stitch colorwork simplifies traditional stranded colorwork by using only one color per row, eliminating the need to manage multiple colors simultaneously. However, knitters should be familiar with working decreases for shaping the mitten top and understanding afterthought thumb construction.