The geometric motif on these mittens is actually a weaving pattern that has been used by Lithuanian weavers for centuries, perhaps even for millennia.

Weaving is revered in Lithuania, while knitting is considered a lowly craft. Why? Likely because weaving takes longer, requires more expensive, bigger equipment, and today is worked only by a small number of skilled craftsmen and women. Knitting is a homey craft that everyone knows how to do.

The difference in prestige may also be due to the fact that a much larger amount of woven fabric was needed in days gone by, both for traditional clothing and for home decor items including table linens, bed sheets, curtains, and more. The small amount of knitting used to make hand and foot coverings took up a relatively small amount of each women’s time.

To honor knitting as it should be, I’ve designed this pair of mittens that ties together the mystique of weaving patterns with the simplicity of the knit stitch. Because there are no long floats and the cuff, thumb, and fingertips are all very simple and worked with one color at a time, these are great mittens for anyone who is new to knitting with stranded colorwork.