Thumb Gusset Mittens
Warm, well-fitting mittens knit in the round with a proper thumb gusset. Sized from one hand measurement.
- Yarn
- Worsted (4) wool.
- Needles
- US 6 (4 mm) DPNs or long circular: a firm gauge keeps wind out
- Sizes
- Child to adult large. Measure around the knuckles and from wrist to fingertip. Example: adult M, hand 8 in around, 7.5 in long.
- Example gauge
- 20 sts and 28 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette
- Yarn needed
- About 170 yd (155 m) worsted for a pair.
- Stitch multiple
- 4
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast on | hand around × sts per in, to a multiple of 4 | 8 × 5 = 40 sts | Cast-On Calculator |
| Thumb gusset | hand sts × 0.3, rounded to odd | 40 × 0.3 = 12 → 13 sts | By hand |
| Gusset increases | (gusset − 1) ÷ 2, every 3rd rnd | 6 increase rounds | By hand |
| Start top shaping | hand length − 1.5 in, from the wrist | 7.5 − 1.5 = 6 in | By hand |
Materials
- Worsted (4) yarn (see yarn needed)
- US 6 (4 mm) DPNs or long circular: a firm gauge keeps wind out
- Markers
- Waste yarn
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Swatch in the round.
Instructions
Cuff
Cast on (example: 40). Join. Work *k2, p2* rib for 2.5 in (6 cm). Knit 2 rnds.
Gusset
Set-up rnd: Pm, M1, pm, knit to end. (1 gusset st between markers)
Inc rnd: Sm, M1L, knit to marker, M1R, sm, knit to end.
Work an inc rnd every 3rd rnd until there are 13 sts between markers.
Next rnd: Put the 13 gusset sts on waste yarn, cast on 1 st over the gap, knit to end (41 sts). Next rnd: K2tog the cast-on st with the st after it, knit to end (40 sts).
Hand
Knit until the mitten measures the “start top shaping” figure from the wrist (the top of the rib).
Top
Divide into two halves (20 + 20). Dec rnd: On each half: k1, ssk, knit to last 3, k2tog, k1.
Dec every other rnd until 20 sts remain, then every rnd until 8 remain. Graft the top.
Thumb
Put the 13 thumb sts on DPNs, pick up 3 sts across the gap (16). Knit until the thumb reaches the middle of the thumbnail. Next rnd: *K2tog* around (8). Draw yarn through.
Finishing
- Weave in ends, closing any holes at the thumb base.
- Make the second mitten the same; the gusset works on either hand.
Designer’s notes
- Child sizes: hand 6 in × 5 = 30 → 32 sts, gusset 9 sts.
- Add a string between the cuffs for small children.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: rounds (gusset increase every 3rd). Counter 2: gusset increases (goal 6).
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Want it on paper? This pattern is in Winter Warmers pattern collection, a printable PDF of 12 patterns with photos and row tallies ($8).
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.