Swans Island Samoset Mitts Gloves Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Samoset Mitts Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Swans Island Samoset Mitts (Pattern No. 173) are fingerless mitts or mittens designed as an intermediate-level knitting project. This pattern offers two length options: fingerless mitt length at 6¾ (7)" or full mitten length at 8¾ (9¾)", with finished hand circumference measurements of 6¼ (7)" in two sizes (S/M and M/L). The design provides versatility for knitters seeking either a shorter fingerless style or extended coverage mittens.

Techniques Used

The Samoset Mitts are constructed using several key knitting techniques that create a polished, professional finish:

• Seamless, worked in the round: The mitts are knitted circularly without seams, creating a continuous tube structure that eliminates the need for finishing seams.
• Bottom-up construction: The pattern is worked from the cuff upward toward the hand opening, allowing for easy length adjustments and intuitive fitting.
• Kitchener Stitch: This grafting technique is employed to seamlessly join live stitches, creating invisible seams where needed for a refined appearance.

Stitches Used

The Samoset Mitts employ fundamental stitch patterns suitable for intermediate knitters:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch pattern, worked in the round by knitting all stitches every round, creating the smooth, classic fabric that forms the body of the mitts.
• 1x1 Rib: Used as a textured stitch pattern (multiple of 2 stitches) worked across all rounds in an alternating knit-one, purl-one sequence, likely for the cuff to provide elasticity and a finished edge.
• Increases and decreases: The pattern utilizes m1L (make 1 left) and m1R (make 1 right) increases, as well as k2tog (knit 2 together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases to shape the hand and finger openings.

Materials and Gauge

The Samoset Mitts are designed to be knitted with premium natural fibers. One skein of Swans Island Natural Pure Blends worsted-weight yarn in a blend of 85% organic Merino wool and 15% USA alpaca (100 grams, 130 yards per skein) is sufficient to complete the project. Two colorways are shown in the pattern: Oatmeal and Seasmoke.

The pattern requires three sets of US double-pointed needles: size 2 (2.75mm) for the ribbed cuff, size 4 (3.5mm) for transitional shaping, and size 7 (4.5mm) for the main stockinette body. Stitch markers, including one in a contrasting color to denote the beginning of the round, and a yarn needle for finishing are also needed.

The gauge is 5½ stitches and 9¼ rounds per 1 inch in stockinette stitch using the largest (size 7) needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to achieve the correct finished dimensions.