Starkin

Starkin is a Scots word suggesting anything that’s vital and energetic. These bold star-adorned mitts or fingerless gloves are certainly full of vim!

Yarn
Kate Davies Designs Milarrochy Tweed (70% Wool; 30% Mohair; 100m / 109yds per 25g ball)

Colourways:

Beate
A Hirst: 2 x 25g balls
One ball of each of the following shades:
B Bruce
C Lochan
D Horseback Brown
E Backen
F Hare
G Asphodel
H Cranachan
J Foxglove
K Gloamin’
L Ardlui
M Smirr
N Tarbet
P Ardnamurchan
Q Garth
R Stockiemuir
S Cowslip

Debbie
A Cranachan: 2 x 25g balls
One ball of each of the following shades:
B Cowslip
C Stockiemuir
D Garth
E Ardlui
F Smirr
G Hirst

Alison
A Backen: 2 x 25g balls
One ball of each of the following shades:
B Birkin
C Asphodel
D Garth
E Ardlui
F Smirr
G Hirst

Maylin
A Birkin: 2 x 25g balls
One ball of each of the following shades:
B Lochan
C Backen
D Hare

Needles and Notions
Gauge-size and below gauge-size needle(s) of your preferred type for working small circumferences
Gauge-size dpns
Waste yarn (for thumb placement)
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Gauge
Small size: 34 sts and 38 rounds to 10cm / 4in over stranded colourwork pattern using gauge-size needle. Use 2.75mm needle as a starting point for swatching.
Medium size: 32 sts and 36 rounds to 10cm / 4in over stranded colourwork pattern using gauge-size needle. Use 3.00mm needle as a starting point for swatching.

Sizes
Hand circumference above thumb:
Small size: 19cm / 7½in
Medium size: 21.5cm / 8½in

Gloves and mitts are generally worn with zero to slight negative ease. Cuffs, mitt top, thumb, and fingers can all be adjusted to your preferred length.

Pattern notes
The mitts (or fingerless gloves) are cast on, and the cuff worked in twisted rib. After increasing stitches and beginning to work from the colourwork charts, a placeholder of waste yarn is inserted into the fabric of the palm for an afterthought thumb. The charts are completed, then the mitts are finished with an open rib, or the gloves completed with four individual fingers. The waste yarn placeholder is removed, and the afterthought thumbs are knitted last. Charts are read from right to left throughout.

Thanks to test knitters Beate, Debbie, Maylin and Alison and to models, Iona and Tom