Knitting Family of Mittens Pattern

Lion Brand Homespun Knitted 2-Needle Family of Mittens Pattern

What is Being Made

This pattern creates a coordinated family of mittens in four different sizes: Toddler (size 2), Child (size 8), Woman, and Man. A single skein of Lion Brand Homespun yarn is sufficient to knit either two pairs of Toddler or Child mittens, or one pair of Woman or Man mittens, making this an efficient pattern for creating matching sets across multiple family members.

Finished Dimensions

• Toddler: 2 ¾" width, 6" length
• Child: 3 ½" width, 8" length
• Woman: 4 ¼" width, 10 ½" length
• Man: 5" width, 11 ½" length

Skill Level and Techniques

Rated as Easy, this pattern is accessible to beginning knitters. The mittens are constructed using a straightforward two-needle flat knitting method rather than circular needles, which simplifies the construction process. The pattern employs basic shaping techniques including increases and decreases to form the mitten structure.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch, worked by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Ribbed Cuff: Alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1 pattern) worked over approximately 2 to 3 ½ inches depending on size, creating an elastic edge that hugs the wrist
• M1 (Make 1): An increase technique worked by lifting the horizontal thread between stitches and placing it on the left needle, then working through the back loop to create a new stitch
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches individually as if to knit, then inserting the left needle through both stitches and knitting them together

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun in the color of your choice. The pattern shows examples in shades including #311 Rococo, #321 Williamsburg, #307 Antique, and #335 Prairie.

Needles: Two sets of straight knitting needles are required—Size 6 (4 mm) needles for the main fabric and Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles for the ribbed cuff. Needle selection should be based on achieving the correct gauge.

Additional Supplies: Two ring-type stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, and a large-eyed blunt needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge

The pattern requires a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished mittens achieve the correct dimensions.

Pattern Construction

The mittens begin with a cast-on using the smaller needles and a 10-inch tail left for finishing. The cuff is worked in ribbed knit-purl alternation for 2 to 3 ½ inches depending on size. After the cuff is complete, the needles are switched to the larger size, and stockinette stitch is worked for several rows before shaping begins. The pattern uses increases and decreases to form the hand and finger sections, with instructions written for the smallest size and size variations provided in parentheses throughout.