Imperial Yarn Thrum Mitten Mittens Knitting Pattern

Imperial Yarn Thrum Mittens

What Is Being Made

The Imperial Yarn Thrum Mittens are a classic handknitted mitten pattern designed for child and adult sizes. These mittens are constructed using the traditional thrum knitting technique, an ancient method that incorporates raw wool fibers directly into the knit fabric to create exceptional insulation and warmth. The finished mittens feature a seamless construction worked in the round, resulting in a polished, professional appearance with no seams to unravel or cause discomfort.

Thrum Knitting Technique

Historical Background: Thrum knitting originated centuries ago in European countries, where peasants developed this ingenious method to add extra warmth to socks, mittens, and other garments. The technique was brought to North America by early settlers and has remained popular among outdoor enthusiasts including skiers, hikers, and fishermen who depend on the exceptional warmth these mittens provide.

How Thrums Work: The technique involves inserting short lengths of raw wool roving into the knit stitches as you work. With regular use and exposure to moisture, these wool fibers felt together, creating a thick, insulating lining inside the mittens. This felting process is particularly effective when the mittens become damp, making thrummed mittens exceptionally cozy even in wet conditions.

Construction Techniques

• Bottom-Up Construction: The mittens are knitted from the cuff upward toward the top, allowing you to try on the mittens as you progress and adjust the length to your preference.
• Seamless, Worked in the Round: Using a set of five double-pointed needles (dpn), the mittens are worked continuously in circular rounds, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, comfortable fit.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the mittens is stockinette stitch worked in the round (knit all rounds), creating a smooth, classic fabric surface that showcases the yarn and provides an excellent base for the thrums.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is graded for five sizes ranging from child to large adult. Finished palm circumferences range from 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) for the smallest size to 9 inches (23 cm) for the largest size. Length from wrist bone to the top of the little finger ranges from 3.5 inches (9 cm) to 7 inches (18 cm), with thumb length varying from 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 2.75 inches (7 cm) across the size range.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Imperial Yarn Columbia 2-ply, a premium 100% wool yarn produced on the historic Imperial Stock Ranch in Shaniko, Oregon, USA. The Columbia wool is specifically chosen for its quality and performance in thrum knitting applications.

Roving: Imperial Yarn Columbia roving, also 100% wool, is used to create the thrums that are worked into the mittens during knitting. The roving provides the raw wool fibers that will felt together over time to create the insulating lining.

Needles and Notions: The project requires US size 7 (4.5 mm) and US size 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles in sets of five. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for finishing, stitch markers to track your progress in the round, and stitch holders or smooth cotton yarn to temporarily hold stitches.

Gauge and Specifications

The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when working circular stockinette stitch on US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for mittens to fit properly, as even small variations can significantly affect the finished circumference and length.

Pattern Features

The pattern includes comprehensive instructions with abbreviations and multiple size options presented in parentheses throughout. The graded sizing allows knitters to customize the fit for different hand sizes, making these mittens suitable for gift-giving or creating a matched set for a family. The combination of Imperial Yarn's premium Columbia wool and the traditional thrum technique results in mittens that are both beautiful and exceptionally functional for cold-weather activities.