purlJam

# Simple Ribbed Mittens

A cozy pair of classic mittens worked seamlessly in the round, featuring a snug 2x2 ribbed cuff, smooth stockinette hand, and a simple afterthought-style thumb gusset. Perfect first mitten project!

**Skill Level:** Beginner
**Sizes:** Child (Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large)
**Finished Hand Circumference:** 5.6 (6.4, 7.2, 8) in / 14 (16, 18, 20) cm
**Finished Length (cuff to tip):** 7 (8.5, 10, 11) in / 18 (21.5, 25.5, 28) cm

*Instructions are written for the smallest size with larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.*

---

## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (CYC #4), approx. 110 (160, 200, 240) yards / 100 (146, 183, 220) m
- **Needles:** US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 4 or 5), or size to obtain gauge
  - Optional: US 5 (3.75 mm) DPNs for cuff (for a firmer rib)
- **Notions:**
  - 1 stitch marker
  - Smooth waste yarn (about 12 in / 30 cm) for thumb holder
  - Tapestry needle
  - Scissors

## Gauge

**20 sts × 28 rounds = 4 in / 10 cm** in stockinette stitch in the round, after blocking.
*Taking time to check gauge is essential for a proper fit.*

## Abbreviations (US Terms)

- **k** – knit
- **p** – purl
- **st(s)** – stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)** – round(s)
- **m1L** – make 1 left-leaning (lift bar between sts from front, knit through back loop)
- **m1R** – make 1 right-leaning (lift bar between sts from back, knit through front loop)
- **k2tog** – knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk** – slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **pm** – place marker
- **sm** – slip marker
- **BO** – bind off

---

## Pattern Instructions

### Cuff

Cast on **28 (32, 36, 40) sts** using your preferred stretchy method (long-tail recommended).

Divide sts evenly across 3 or 4 DPNs. **Place marker** and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

**Rib Round:** *K2, p2;* repeat from * around.

Work in K2, P2 Rib until cuff measures **2 (2.5, 2.5, 3) in / 5 (6.5, 6.5, 7.5) cm** from cast-on edge.

*Math check: 28/32/36/40 are all divisible by 4 → rib pattern aligns perfectly. ✓*

### Lower Hand (before thumb)

Switch to stockinette (knit every round).

Knit every round until piece measures **2.5 (3, 3.5, 4) in / 6.5 (7.5, 9, 10) cm** from cast-on edge.

### Thumb Gusset

**Set-up Rnd:** K1, pm (thumb marker), m1R, k1, m1L, pm, knit to end of round.
*Stitch count: 30 (34, 38, 42) sts; 3 gusset sts between thumb markers.*

**Rnd 1 (increase):** K1, sm, m1R, knit to next marker, m1L, sm, knit to end.
**Rnd 2 (plain):** Knit all sts, slipping markers.

Repeat Rnds 1–2 until you have **11 (13, 15, 17) sts** between the thumb markers.
*Total sts: 38 (44, 50, 56). ✓ (Started at 28+3 gusset; added 8/10/12/14 in pairs over 4/5/6/7 increase rounds.)*

Work 1 plain round.

### Place Thumb on Hold

Knit to first thumb marker, remove marker, slip the **11 (13, 15, 17) gusset sts** onto a length of waste yarn and tie loosely. Remove second marker. Knit to end of round.

*Stitch count returns to: 28 (32, 36, 40) sts. ✓*

### Upper Hand

Knit every round until piece measures **6 (7, 8.5, 9.5) in / 15 (18, 21.5, 24) cm** from cast-on, or about **1 in / 2.5 cm** short of desired total length (tip of pinky finger).

### Tip Decreases

Divide sts so that half are on the "front" of the mitten and half on the "back," with the beginning of round at one side. (Place a second marker at the halfway point.)

**Half count:** 14 (16, 18, 20) sts each side.

**Decrease Rnd:** *K1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before next marker, k2tog, k1, sm;* repeat from * once more.
*(4 sts decreased per round.)*

**Plain Rnd:** Knit all sts.

Repeat Decrease Rnd and Plain Rnd until **12 (16, 16, 16) sts** remain.

Then work Decrease Rnd every round until **8 sts** remain.

*Math check (size S example): 28→24→20→16→12 (alt dec/plain) then 12→8 (dec every rnd). ✓*
*Size M: 32→28→24→20→16 (alt), then 16→12→8 (every rnd). ✓*
*Size L: 36→32→28→24→20→16 (alt), then 16→12→8. ✓*
*Size XL: 40→36→32→28→24→20→16 (alt), then 16→12→8. ✓*

Cut yarn leaving an **8 in / 20 cm tail**. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts, pull tight to close, and pull to inside.

### Thumb

Carefully transfer the **11 (13, 15, 17) held sts** onto 2 DPNs.

With a third DPN and working yarn, pick up and knit **3 sts** along the gap at the top of the thumb opening (pick up 1 st on each side of the gap and 1 from the center to close any holes).

*Total thumb sts: 14 (16, 18, 20) sts.*

Join in the round and distribute sts evenly over 3 needles. Place marker at the start of round.

**Rnd 1:** Knit, working a k2tog at each side of the picked-up sts to close any gaps if needed. End with **14 (16, 18, 20) sts**.

Continue knitting every round until thumb measures **1.75 (2, 2.25, 2.5) in / 4.5 (5, 5.5, 6.5) cm** or about **¼ in / 0.5 cm** short of desired length.

**Thumb Decrease Rnd:** *K2tog;* repeat from * around. – 7 (8, 9, 10) sts remain.
**Next Rnd:** Knit.
**Final Decrease Rnd:** *K2tog;* repeat from * around, ending k1 if odd count. – 4 (4, 5, 5) sts remain.

Cut yarn leaving a **6 in / 15 cm tail**. Thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave to inside.

### Second Mitten

Make a second mitten identical to the first. (This pattern is ambidextrous — the thumb sits centered, making both mittens interchangeable.)

---

## Finishing

1. Weave in all ends on the wrong side using a tapestry needle.
2. Pay special attention to closing any small holes at the base of the thumb.
3. **Block** by soaking in lukewarm water with wool wash for 15 minutes, gently squeezing out excess water, and laying flat to dry. Smooth into shape — do not stretch the cuff.

---

## Size Reference Chart

| Size | CO sts | Hand Circ. | Total Length | Thumb Gusset sts | Yardage |
|------|--------|-----------|--------------|------------------|---------|
| Child | 28 | 5.6 in / 14 cm | 7 in / 18 cm | 11 | ~110 yd |
| Adult S | 32 | 6.4 in / 16 cm | 8.5 in / 21.5 cm | 13 | ~160 yd |
| Adult M | 36 | 7.2 in / 18 cm | 10 in / 25.5 cm | 15 | ~200 yd |
| Adult L | 40 | 8 in / 20 cm | 11 in / 28 cm | 17 | ~240 yd |

---

## Beginner Tips

- **Avoid ladders:** After knitting the first stitch on a new DPN, give the yarn an extra tug to tighten the join.
- **Try them on as you go!** Slip stitches onto waste yarn and check fit before committing to thumb placement or tip decreases.
- **Lost your place?** Use a row counter or place a removable marker every 10 rounds.
- **Yarn substitutions:** Any smooth worsted-weight wool will work beautifully. Wool blends offer the best warmth and shape retention.

Happy knitting! 🧤