Ida Mitts Mittens Knitting Pattern

Ida Mitts in Juniper Moon Moonshine

What is Being Made

The Ida Mitts are a pair of unisex fingerless mittens designed by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud. These mitts feature a sophisticated cabled cuff that provides visual interest while maintaining an overall simple, wearable aesthetic. Available in four sizes—XS, S, M, and L—with finished circumferences at the base of the fingers ranging from 7 to 10 inches, these mitts are suitable for a wide range of hand sizes and can be worn by any gender.

Design Features and Construction

The Ida Mitts showcase thoughtful anatomical engineering combined with classic knitting techniques. The design includes anatomically correct gussets at the thumb, which provide proper shaping and comfort for the hand. The base of the fingers is framed with garter stitch, creating a neat, finished edge that prevents rolling and adds structural definition to the mitt opening. The cuff features a cable pattern that adds dimension and visual appeal without overwhelming the overall simplicity of the design.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the mitts, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Garter Stitch: Used at the base of the fingers to frame the opening and provide structure
• Cable Stitch (C4F): A four-stitch cable crossed to the front, creating the dimensional pattern in the cuff
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Used in the cable pattern rows to frame and highlight the cable stitches
• Provisional Cast-On: A specialized cast-on technique using waste yarn that allows for a seamless, flexible edge that can be picked up later for finishing
• Make One Increase (M1): Used to create the anatomically correct thumb gussets with minimal visible increases
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) and Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): Decrease stitches used for shaping the gussets and thumb opening

Cable Pattern Details

The cable pattern in the cuff is worked over 10 stitches and repeats every 6 rows. Rows 1, 3, and the subsequent odd rows feature a purl-3, knit-4, purl-3 sequence that creates the frame around the cable. On Row 5, the cable cross (C4F) is executed, twisting 4 stitches to the front to create the characteristic cable appearance. Even rows (2, 4, 6) reverse the stockinette and reverse stockinette placement, maintaining the pattern's visual balance.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: One hank of Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine yarn in color #10 Cotton Candy is required to complete the mitts. Moonshine is a specialty yarn that works beautifully for this project.

Needles and Notions: US 6 (4 mm) double-point needles are used, or needles sized to achieve the specified gauge. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on technique, a cable needle for executing the cable crosses, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing details.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the mitts to fit correctly across all four available sizes. The XS size shown in the pattern photographs has a finished circumference of 7 inches at the base of the fingers, while the largest L size measures 10 inches, providing options for different hand sizes.

Skill Level Considerations

While the Ida Mitts incorporate cable stitching and anatomical shaping techniques, the pattern is described as easy to make. The cable pattern is straightforward, repeating every 6 rows, and the gusset shaping uses standard increase and decrease methods. Knitters with basic to intermediate experience should find this project approachable and rewarding.