Specifications
| Brand: | Valley Yarns |
| Yarn Weight: | Fingering |
| Designer: | Kirsten Hipsky |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Pages: | 2 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Finished Size: | 7.5" to 9" |
| Techniques and Construction: | Bottom Up, Seamless, Stranded, Worked In The Round |
| Pattern Code: | 623 |
| Featured Products: | Valley Yarns Huntington Yarn - Merino Wool 4 Ply |
What you'll need
| Size: | 7.5" | 8" | 8.5" | 9" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Valley Yarns Huntington Yarn - Merino Wool 4 Ply
|
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
|
Valley Yarns Huntington Yarn - Merino Wool 4 Ply
|
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Product Description
The Rail Trail Mitts from Valley Yarns aren’t just convertible — they’re convertibly convertible! The pattern includes directions for fingerless mitts, full mittens, or convertible mitts that turn into mittens with a flip of their tops. This accessory is knit in the round from the bottom up. The fun colorwork pattern pulls double duty, providing both visual interest and extra warmth and durability.
Sizes: XS (S, M, L) - convertible mitts shown in size S
Hand Measurements: 7½ (8, 8½, 9)” around upper palm at knuckles,
including tip of the thumb
Yarn Requirements: 1 skein each of Valley Yarns BFL Fingering,
colors Hemlock (color A) and Roan (color B)
Needles: US size 0 (2.00mm) DPNs
Gauge: 36 sts = 4” in colorwork pattern
Note: The original yarn recommended for this pattern has been discontinued. We
suggest Valley Yarns Huntington or Charlemont Hand Dyed by the Kangaroo Dyer as a
substitution.
This pattern is also available in the Valley Yarns Great Gifts eBook.
Valley Yarns Rail Trail Mitts
What is Being Made
The Valley Yarns Rail Trail Mitts are a versatile convertible knit accessory designed by Kirsten Hipsky. These mitts offer three distinct wearing options: fingerless mitts for maximum dexterity, full mittens for complete warmth, or convertible mitts with flip-top closures that transform between fingerless and full mitten styles. Available in four sizes ranging from extra-small to large, these mitts fit hand measurements of 7.5 to 9 inches around the upper palm at the knuckles including the thumb tip.
Techniques Used
The Rail Trail Mitts are constructed using several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create both visual appeal and functional durability. The mitts are worked in the round on double-pointed needles, ensuring seamless construction with no side seams. The pattern employs bottom-up construction, beginning with the cuff and progressing toward the fingertips. A key structural element is the thumb gusset, which is increased gradually using kfb (knit front and back) increases to create proper shaping and fit around the thumb. The design incorporates stranded colorwork, a technique where two colors are carried across the round to create a patterned fabric. This colorwork pattern alternates between two-stitch blocks of contrasting colors in repeating sequences, providing both visual interest and practical benefits through the extra yarn layers that increase warmth and durability.
Stitches Used
- Knit (k): The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
- Purl (p): Used in the k2, p2 ribbing of the cuff for elasticity
- Ribbing (k2, p2): Creates the stretchy, fitted cuff that measures 2.5 inches or to desired length
- Kfb (knit front and back): An increase stitch used to create the thumb gusset shaping
- K2tog (knit 2 together): A decrease stitch for shaping
- Ssk (slip, slip, knit): An alternative left-leaning decrease stitch
- Stranded colorwork: Two-color pattern blocks (A2, B2 notation indicates knitting 2 stitches with color A followed by 2 stitches with color B) worked in repeating sequences across the rounds
Materials
The Rail Trail Mitts are knit using Valley Yarns BFL Fingering, a fingering-weight yarn composed of 100% Blue Faced Leicester wool. One skein each of two colorways is required: Hemlock (color A) and Roan (color B). Each skein contains 100 grams and provides 416 yards of yardage. The pattern is worked on a set of 5 US size 0 (2.00mm) double-pointed needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge of 9 stitches per 1 inch in the colorwork pattern. The fine gauge and small needle size create a dense, durable fabric suitable for frequently-worn hand accessories.
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.