Fianchetto Mittens Knitting Pattern

Fianchetto Mittens in Berroco Noble

What Is Being Made

The Fianchetto Mittens are a pair of knitted hand coverings designed by Emily Nora O'Neil. These mittens feature a classic construction with a fitted cuff, ribbed body, and integrated thumb gusset. The finished mittens measure approximately 7 inches around the hand and 12 inches in total length when unstretched, making them suitable for average adult hands. This is a one-size design that works as a complete pair project.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Fianchetto Mittens employ several intermediate-level knitting techniques that add visual interest and structural integrity to the finished garment. Circular knitting is the primary construction method, worked in the round using double-pointed needles to create seamless mittens. The pattern incorporates lifted increases, specifically Right Lifted Increase Purl (RLIP) and Left Lifted Increase Purl (LLIP) stitches, which are used to shape the thumb gusset. These lifted increases are worked by inserting the needle into the purl bumps of previous rows, creating invisible or nearly invisible increases that maintain the aesthetic of the ribbed pattern. The thumb is worked separately using waste yarn as a holder, then picked up and completed after the main mitten body is finished.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Fianchetto Mittens is k1TBL, p1 ribbing, which means knitting one stitch through the back loop alternated with purling one stitch. This creates a vertical ribbed texture that provides elasticity and helps the mittens conform to the hand. The ribbing is worked consistently from the cuff through the body of the mitten, with the pattern divided and marked to accommodate the thumb gusset shaping. The k1TBL (knit through back loop) variation adds a subtle twisted quality to the knit stitches, enhancing the visual definition of the ribbed pattern.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Fianchetto Mittens are designed to be made from Berroco Noble, a premium yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. One 100-gram ball of yarn is sufficient to complete both mittens in the colorway #2005 Dandelion. The pattern calls for size 13 (9.00 mm) double-pointed knitting needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Knitters should also have two stitch markers in different colors to track pattern repeats and gusset placement, waste yarn for holding stitches during thumb construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended gauge for the Fianchetto Mittens is 13 stitches and 15 rounds equal 4 inches when measured in k1TBL, p1 ribbing. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the mittens fit appropriately. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, as variance in gauge will directly affect the final size of the mittens.

Difficulty Level

These mittens are rated as intermediate difficulty, making them suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic stockinette stitch. The intermediate skill level reflects the use of lifted increases for shaping, circular knitting techniques, and the coordination required to work with double-pointed needles. Knitters should be comfortable with reading pattern instructions, managing multiple needles, and understanding how to work increases that maintain stitch pattern continuity.