Lonk Mittens Knitting Pattern

Lonk Mittens in Rowan Moordale

What Is Being Made

The Lonk Mittens are a pair of fingerless gloves designed by Martin Storey. These mittens are crafted to measure 21.5 cm (8½ inches) in circumference and 30 cm (11¾ inches) in length when completed. The design features a thumb gusset construction that creates a custom fit around the hand while leaving the fingers exposed for functionality and dexterity.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced beginner project employs several intermediate knitting techniques that build foundational skills. The pattern uses thumb gusset shaping, which involves strategic increases worked at regular intervals to create room for the thumb without requiring a separate thumb opening. The increases are distributed across multiple rounds—worked on Round 1, Round 6, and Round 12—allowing the gusset to expand gradually from 40 stitches to 46 stitches.

The construction method involves working in the round using double-pointed needles, which requires distributing stitches evenly across four of five needles and joining to work continuously in circular rows. The pattern also incorporates color work with three different yarn colors (Beetroot, Pea, and Feather), though the specific colorwork technique is referenced as "patterned st st" in the tension gauge.

Additional techniques include picking up stitches for the thumb after the main mitten body is complete, and finishing with ribbed edging worked on smaller needles to create an elastic cuff and thumb opening.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st) – The primary stitch used for the main mitten body, creating a smooth, flat fabric
• Ribbed Stitch (rib) – Used for the cast-on edge and finishing edges to create elasticity and prevent curling
• Make One Right (M1R) – An increase stitch worked by picking up the horizontal loop before the next stitch from behind and knitting into the front, used for the right side of the thumb gusset
• Make One Left (M1L) – An increase stitch worked by picking up the horizontal loop before the next stitch from the front and knitting into the back, used for the left side of the thumb gusset
• Knit Stitch (K) – The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Lonk Mittens are worked in Rowan Moordale yarn, a worsted-weight yarn supplied in 100-gram balls. The pattern requires one ball each of three colors: Beetroot (shade 007), Pea (shade 021), and Feather (shade 001).

The project uses double-pointed needles in two sizes. The larger needles are 4mm (US 6 / UK no. 8) and are used for the main mitten body and thumb, worked over the patterned stockinette stitch. The smaller needles are 3¼mm (US 3 / UK no. 10) and are used for the ribbed cuff and thumb edging, which creates a tighter, more elastic finish.

The tension is measured at 26 stitches and 27 rounds to 10 centimeters over patterned stockinette stitch using 4mm needles, and 23 stitches and 30 rounds to 10 centimeters over plain stockinette stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the mittens to fit properly at the specified finished circumference.

Pattern Overview

The pattern begins with a cast-on of 56 stitches distributed evenly across four needles, followed by ribbed edging. The main body is then worked in stockinette stitch with color changes. The thumb gusset is shaped through increases worked on specific rounds, gradually expanding the circumference to accommodate the thumb. After the gusset reaches its full width, stitches are divided, with seven stitches slipped to a holder for later and new stitches cast on to close the gap. The main mitten body continues for six additional rounds before the needles are changed to the smaller size and a ribbed finish is worked. The thumb is completed by picking up held stitches and cast-on stitches, then worked in rounds with ribbed finishing. This construction method is worked twice to create both the left and right mittens.