Valley Yarns Frostbite Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Frostbite Fingerless Mittens

What Is Being Made

The Frostbite is a pair of fingerless mittens designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. These are elegant, hand-warming accessories that feature an open palm area while providing coverage and insulation for the back of the hand and wrist. The mittens are available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, with finished measurements fitting hand circumferences of 7, 7½, 8, and 8½ inches respectively.

Techniques and Construction Method

These fingerless mittens are worked in the round as a single continuous piece, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern employs the Magic Loop method using a 40-inch circular needle, or alternatively can be worked on double-pointed needles (DPNs). The construction includes a thumb gusset that is increased strategically throughout the piece to create a custom fit around the thumb area. The gusset stitches are later placed on waste yarn and worked separately, allowing for a seamless integration of the thumb opening.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Frostbite incorporates multiple stitch techniques to create both texture and warmth:

• Waffle Stitch — A textured stitch pattern worked over 16 to 20 stitches depending on size, creating a distinctive dimensional surface
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch — Used as the background stitch, providing a smooth, recessed surface that allows the Waffle Stitch pattern to stand out prominently
• Stockinette Stitch — The gauge is measured in stockinette stitch at 20 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches when blocked
• Ribbed Cuff — Creates an elastic, fitted edge at the wrist opening

The combination of these stitches, particularly the textured Waffle Stitch paired with Reverse Stockinette background, creates an extra warm and special fabric with visual interest and substantial insulation.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Taconic, a luxurious blend yarn composed of 70% wool and 30% cashmere. One skein weighing 50 grams with 125 yards of yardage is sufficient to complete the project. The recommended color is #514538 Oatmeal, which provides a neutral, versatile shade suitable for various outfits.

Needles and Additional Supplies

Knitters will need US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles, with the primary recommendation being a 40-inch circular needle for the Magic Loop method. Alternatively, double-pointed needles of the same size work equally well. Additional supplies include stitch markers (with 2 in a contrasting color to clearly mark the thumb gusset boundaries) and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

The Frostbite is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the fundamental techniques are accessible to knitters with basic experience, the combination of working in the round, managing a thumb gusset with strategic increases, and executing the Waffle Stitch pattern requires solid foundational skills and attention to pattern details.

Design Features and Construction Details

The pattern includes a ribbed cuff section that provides elasticity and a secure fit at the wrist. The thumb gusset is created using M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) increases, which are worked between marked stitches. These increases occur every 3 rounds for most sizes, with additional increases every 4 rounds once, building the gusset to accommodate the thumb comfortably. The tight gauge of the yarn and stitch combination ensures that these mittens provide substantial warmth despite being fingerless.