Simple colourwork fingerless mitts designed for busy hands during the cooler months.
Khumbu mitts use small amounts of yarn, making them a great way to try out colourwork combinations in a wearable swatch – or a “handy” gift for a dear friend who can’t stay idle.
Grey sample used Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (100% CC1 wool; 105 metres // 115 yards per 25g) in Sholmit 103 (MC), Rosewood 236 (CC1), Caspian 760 (CC2), China CC2 Blue 655 (CC3), and Yell Sound Blue 240 (CC4);
Brown sample used ColourMart 2/9nm Shetland wool CC3 (100% wool; 677 metres // 740 yards per 150g) in Mocha (MC), Griffin (CC1), Terracotta (CC2), Loganberry (CC3), and Broom (CC4).
MATERIALS
MC: 72, {85, 100} metres // 80, {94, 110} yards 4ply or fingering weight yarn;
CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4 (each): 4 {5, 6} metres // 5, {6, 7} yards 4ply or fingering weight yarn;
Needle A: Double-pointed needles, or preferred needle for working small circumferences, that gets you gauge; Needle B: Double-pointed needles, etc, 2 sizes smaller than Needle A;
Needle C: Double-pointed needles, etc, 3 sizes smaller than Needle A (1 size smaller than Needle B);
3 stitch markers;
Tapestry needle.
GAUGE
28 sts x 38 rows = 10cm // 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round, washed;
Suggested needle size = 3.25mm // US3.
NOTES
Woolly Wormhead hosts a downloadable photo tutorial for the tubular cast on I use: http://ow.ly/AmFeP
Francesca has a photo tutorial for an alternative Italian method: http://ow.ly/AmE66
For single rib tubular bind off, I recommend Tani’s photo tutorial: http://ow.ly/rJy28
SIZING & DIMENSIONS
Circumference: 15.5, {18.5, 21.5} cm // 6.25, {7.5, 8.5} inches;
Length: 17, {19, 21} cm // 6.75, {7.5, 8.5} inches; (Grey sample = 18.5cm, Brown sample = 21.5cm).
If you are between sizes, choose the one closest to your actual hand circumference.
If gift knitting, these sizes are roughly equivalent to: Teen/Small Adult, {Adult Medium, Adult Large}.
ABBREVIATIONS
k = knit;
k2tog = knit two together (1 stitch decreased);
m = marker;
m1L = insert LH needle into the bar (between last stitch and next stitch) from back to front; knit through the front loop (1 stitch increased);
m1R = insert LH needle into the bar (between last stitch and next stitch) from front to back; knit through the back loop (1 stitch increased);
p = purl;
pm = place marker;
sl m = slip marker;
sl = slip the next stitch as if to knit (with yarn held at back of work);
ssk = slip slip knit (1 stitch decreased);
sts = stitch(es);
DIRECTIONS
HAND
Using MC and Needle C, cast on 44, {50, 56} sts using a tubular method (see Notes).
Join to work in the round. Pm for start of round.
Change to Needle B.
Ribbing round: * K 1, p 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Work ribbing for 4 cm // 1.5 inches, or desired length. Change to Needle A. Knit 4, {7, 10} rounds.
Thumb set up round: K to 4 sts from end, pm, k 3, pm, k 1.
Thumb increase round: K to m, sl m, m1R, k to m, m1L, sl m, k 1. 2 sts increased between markers.
Even round: K all sts.
Repeat the last 2 rounds 4, {5, 6} more times. 13, {15, 17} sts between markers.
Separate thumb: K to m, remove m, transfer 13, {15, 17} sts to waste yarn, cast on 3, {5, 7} sts using backward loop method, remove m, k 1. 44, {52, 60} sts.
Knit 1, {3, 5} rounds.
Work Khumbu chart (below) 11, {13, 15} times around for rounds 1-10.
Knit 2, {2, 3} rounds.
Change to Needle B. Work ribbing for 2 cm // 0.75 inches, or desired length.
Change to Needle C. Bind off using tubular method (see Notes).
THUMB
Transfer 13, {15, 17} held sts onto Needle A and knit.
Pick up and knit 7, {9, 11} sts from backwards loop cast on and surrounding sts, k 13, {15, 17}.
Pm for start of round. 20, {24, 28} sts.
Thumb decrease round: K2tog, k 3, {5, 7}, ssk, k to end. 2 sts decreased.
Knit 1, {2, 3} rounds.
Change to Needle B. Work ribbing for 1 cm // 0.5 inches, or desired length.
Change to Needle C. Bind off using tubular method.
FINISHING
Weave in ends.
Block gently to the dimensions given in Sizing.
Don’t forget to make another one!
KHUMBU CHART
