I’m a big fan of worsted and Aran weight mittens knit at a tight gauge. They repel snow, rain and icy winds and last a long time when worn for necessary winter chores like dog-walking and firewood carrying. There are a lot of “Bernie” mittens available for free, but I wanted my iteration to fit a wide range of hand sizes and to include some of my favorite mitten features. So the “Green Mountain Mittens” include a comfortable gusset thumb, placed slightly toward the palm, a somewhat rounded top and a long ribbed cuff.

There are 5 sizes, each with its own chart, which will fit a range of hands from child through extra large adult. Additional sizes are easily added by altering the gauge and/or the type of yarn and needle size. For small child and baby sizes, I would work in a DK or sport weight, and leave off the thumb for babies. Different color palettes are easily accommodated by using 3 values of one hue, along with a white or cream shade.

SIZES: Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
6.25 (7, 7.75, 8.5, 8.5) inch circumference
7.5 (8.7, 9.5,11.5,12.4) inches in length, from cuff to tip
Fits hands measuring up to 6.5 (7.25, 8, 8.75, 8.75) inches in circumference.
Changes to gauge or yarn weight, or adding length, may require extra yarn

GAUGE: 22 sts and 26 rnds = 4”/10cm on gauge size needles (over blocked colorwork pattern).

NEEDLES:
US 6 (4.0mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.
US Size 5 (3.75mm), or needle 1 size smaller than gauge needle.
Choose needle types base on your preferred method of working small circumferences in the round. Options include magic-loop on a 32-inch circular needle, DPNs, or 2 24-inch circular needles.

YARN: Worsted or Aran weight wool yarn that knits to gauge. Samples are worked in Brown Sheep Company, Lamb’s Pride Worsted (190 yds/4 oz).
Dark 60-120 yards
Medium 30-70 yards
Light 10-35 yards
White/Natural 10-35 yards

NOTIONS: 2 stitch markers, a length of smooth yarn for a holder, tapestry needle

SKILLS USED: working in the round, decreases (k2tog, ssk), increases (M1), using a chart, 2-color colorwork, picking up stitches