Lillian Mittens Accessory Knitting Pattern

Lillian Mittens in Berroco Nomad

What Is Being Made

The Lillian Mittens are a pair of knitted mittens designed as a classic accessory project. These mittens are constructed from the top down, measuring approximately 7½ inches around the hand and 10 inches in total length. The pattern includes a shaped thumb constructed separately using the Turkish cast-on method, then joined to the main mitten body. This design approach allows for a custom fit and precise thumb placement.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Lillian Mittens employ several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for developing knitters. The pattern utilizes the Turkish cast-on method, a technique that creates a closed loop ideal for working in the round from the beginning, eliminating the need for grafting at the top of the mittens. The mittens are worked in the round using the continuous circular method, which creates a seamless fabric. Increases are strategically placed using M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) techniques to shape the thumb and hand portions. The pattern also incorporates stitch holders and waste yarn for managing stitches during construction, particularly when setting aside thumb stitches before joining them to the hand section.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Lillian Mittens are primarily constructed in stockinette stitch (St st), which is worked by knitting every round when working circularly. This creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped texture on the right side. The pattern incorporates strategic increases worked as M1R and M1L stitches to shape the thumb gusset and hand expansion, adding visual interest and ensuring proper fit. The straightforward stitch pattern makes this project accessible while producing a polished, professional-looking finished garment.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Lillian Mittens pattern calls for Berroco Nomad yarn, a durable and versatile fiber choice. One 50-gram ball in colorway #9116 Cast Iron provides sufficient yardage to complete both mittens. The project requires one set of double-pointed needles in size 9 (5.50 mm), or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking the beginning of rounds, a removable stitch marker for gauge checking, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and stitch holders or waste yarn for managing thumb stitches during construction. The recommended gauge is 13 stitches and 20 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, making accurate gauge swatching essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.