Thick and Quick Álafosslopi Mittens

Sometimes, lost mittens happen. Because of this, I’ve created speedy pattern in bulky weight yarn to help remedy the lost mitten situation.

I’ve used this pattern a * just a few * times myself while reciting a modified version of The Three Little Knittens but subbing “kittens” for “teenagers” and “you shall have no pie” for “you shall be off The Knit List.” 🤣

It is only written for one size (because we all wear approximately the same size mittens in this house) but could be easily adjusted to suit your needs. Please keep in mind that it will change the amount of yardage used.

I find that I can knit a pair of these mittens in only a morning. I really love the dense fabric of the Álafosslopi and how it softens with wear. They are good sturdy mittens to handle whatever late Autumn and Winter might throw at you.

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Pattern particulars are as follows:

Yarn: 1 ball of Álafosslopi 100m/109 yards

I found that I could knit one pair in this sizes with approximately 5 meters of yarn leftover. If your gauge is different than mine or if you don’t enjoy playing yarn chicken, I would suggest either buying two balls (just to be safe) or knitting the cuffs in a different color to save on yardage.

Needles: 4.0mm for ribbing

5.0mm for rest of mitten

I like using the magic loop for knitting these mittens. If you prefer small circumference circulars, you will need double pointed needles to close the fingertips.

Gauge: 14 sts x 20 rows = 10cm/4” in stockinette stitch using 5.0mm needles

Finished size: approximately 30.5cm/12” in length and 20cm/8” in circumference around the palm above the thumb

Notions: a removable stitch marker, scrap yarn or a stitch holder, and a tapestry needle for sewing in ends

Notes:

M1R: make your favourite right leaning increase

M1L: make your favourite left leaning increase

BOR Marker: beginning of round marker

PM: place marker

PUK: pick up and knit

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Pattern

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Using 4.0mm needles and your favourite stretchy cast on method (I like German Twisted), cast on 28 sts. Place BOR marker. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.

K1, P1 around for 10cm/4”

Switch to 5mm needles and knit 3 rounds even.

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Thumb gusset

Set up round: M1R, K1, M1L, PM, knit to end of round.

Rounds 1 & 2: knit

Round 3 (inc): M1R, knit to marker, M1L, slip marker, knit to end of round. (2 sts inc)

Repeat these 3 rounds until there are 11 stitches between the BOR marker and the second marker, ending with an increase round. (38 sts total on needles)

Knit 1 round.

On next round, place 11 sts from BOR to second marker on scrap yarn or a stitch holder. Cast on 1 stitch using backwards E cast on, and knit to end of round. (28 sts)

Continue knitting even in the round until the mitten measures 10cm/4” from backwards E thumb stitch cast on or 4cm/1.5” less than desired length.

Setup round: knit 14 sts place marker, knit to end of round.

Decrease round: K1, SSK, knit to 3 sets before next marker, K2TOG, K1. Repeats a second time. (4 sts dec)

Repeat the decrease round until you have a total of 8 sts remaining. Break yarn leaving a 15cm/6” tail. Thread through remaining 8 sts, pull the gap closed and sew in ends.

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Thumb

PUK 11 sts from holder or scrap yarn and PUK 3 sts from inside of thumb. Arrange sts evenly across your needles (whether magic loop or DPNs). (14 sts total)

Set up round: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2TOG, K1. (2 sts dec – 12 sts remain)

Knit evenly in the round until you thumb measures 5cm/2” or 1cm/0.25” less than desired length.

K2TOG around (6 sts remaining)

Break yarn leaving a 15cm/6” tail. Thread through remaining 6 sts, pull the gap closed and sew in all remaining ends.

Repeat for the second mitten.

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I hope that this helps you out of any sticky, lost-mitten situation you might have.

Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow now we shall have some pie …. Is 5 AM too early for pie? 🥧