Swans Island Blackberry Mitts Gloves Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Blackberry Mitts

What Is Being Made

The Blackberry Mitts are fingerless gloves designed for everyday practicality and comfort. These mitts keep your wrists and hands warm while leaving your fingers completely free for texting, checking email, picking berries, or any other task requiring dexterity. The design is described as fun and quick to make, allowing knitters to complete a pair rapidly and even create multiple pairs as gifts.

Project Overview

This is an easy-level knitting pattern suitable for knitters of various skill levels. The pattern is available in two sizes: S/M with a finished hand circumference of 6¾" and length of 5¼", and L/XL with a hand circumference of 7½" and length of 5¾".

Techniques Used

The Blackberry Mitts employ several key knitting techniques that add both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Seamless construction: The mitts are worked in the round from the cuff upward, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish
• Lace patterning: The signature Blackberry Stitch creates an openwork lace effect through strategic yarn overs and decreases
• Worked in the round: Using double-pointed needles, the pattern is knitted continuously in circular rows, which is ideal for creating fitted, tubular garments like mitts
• Thumb gusset shaping: Strategic increases create a fitted opening for the thumb, while stitches are held on a stitch holder and later worked separately

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used throughout most of the mitt, created by knitting every round to produce a smooth, V-textured fabric
• Blackberry Stitch: A four-round repeat pattern that creates the distinctive lace design. This stitch alternates between purl rows and a combination of increases and decreases: (P1, K1, P1) all into one stitch (increasing one stitch into three) followed by K3tog (knitting three stitches together), creating a bumpy, berry-like texture
• Garter stitch edges: Purl rounds at the beginning and end of the Blackberry Stitch pattern create subtle texture transitions
• Basic decreases: K3tog (knit three together) is used to shape and create the lace pattern
• Increases: M1 (make one) increases are used strategically for shaping, particularly in the thumb gusset area

Materials

The Blackberry Mitts pattern calls for specific, high-quality materials:

• Yarn: One skein of Swans Island Natural Colors 100% Organic Merino Wool in worsted weight (100 grams, 250 yards per skein). The photographed sample is shown in Charcoal colorway (YW 213)
• Needles: US Size 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles in a set of five, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a small stitch holder for managing thumb stitches

Gauge and Fit

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 stitches by 7 rows equals 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch. Knitters are strongly encouraged to check their gauge before beginning to ensure the mitts fit properly at the wrist and hand.

Pattern Design

The Blackberry Mitts pattern was designed by Michele Rose Ornett and is identified as pattern number PAT02 B. The design balances aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, making these mitts suitable for both everyday wear and as thoughtful handmade gifts.