Swans Island Earl Grey Mitts Gloves Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Earl Grey Mitts

What is Being Made

The Earl Grey Mitts are fingerless mitts designed for warmth and style during cooler seasons. These mitts feature a sophisticated cable panel that winds down the top sides of the hands, creating visual interest while maintaining functionality. The design is named to evoke the experience of enjoying a warm cup of tea on a chilly fall afternoon, making them an ideal accessory for seasonal wear.

Techniques Used

These mitts are worked in the round using the circular knitting method, which creates seamless construction. The primary technique featured is cable work, where sinuous cables are placed strategically along the top sides of the mitts. The cables are described as reminiscent of a vine tracing its way up a garden trellis, adding an elegant, organic quality to the design. The pattern includes a thumb gusset for shaping, which is the minimal shaping element needed to achieve proper fit. The underside of the mitts features ribbing to keep them snug against the wrist and forearm.

Stitches Used

The Earl Grey Mitts pattern incorporates the following stitches and techniques:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches as foundational elements
• Ribbing on the underside for elasticity and a secure fit
• Cable Panel as the main decorative element, beginning as a panel of 27 stitches
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) and knit 3 together (k3tog) for decreasing
• Make 1 increases (m1, m1L, m1P) for adding stitches during the thumb gusset shaping
• Slip stitches (sl) and slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl1-k2tog-psso) for additional shaping
• Stitch markers (pm) to track pattern sections and round beginnings

Materials and Tools

The Earl Grey Mitts pattern calls for 1 skein of Swans Island Natural Colors yarn in fingering weight. The yarn is 100% organic merino wool, with each skein containing 100 grams and 525 yards of yardage. The photographed sample is knitted in the color Teal (YF105). Knitting needles required are US Size 4 (3.5mm) double-pointed needles in a set of 5, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional tools include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, and a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches.

Sizing and Gauge

The pattern is available in two sizes: S/M and L/XL, with the photographed sample shown in size L/XL. The finished circumference measures 6½ inches for size S/M and 7¼ inches for size L/XL, with a length of 5½ inches. The gauge is 7 stitches and 10 rounds per 1 inch in ribbing, with the Cable Panel measuring 3½ inches in width. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the desired fit.

Design Notes

These mitts are rated for experienced knitters, reflecting the complexity of the cable work. However, the pattern is described as fairly simple with just enough stitch detail to keep them interesting. The cable panel provides a fun and slightly challenging element without overwhelming the overall construction. The minimal shaping required—limited to the thumb gusset—makes these mitts a perfectly portable project suitable for knitters who want engaging detail without extensive complexity. The combination of decorative cables and functional ribbing creates a balanced design that is both beautiful and practical.