Learn to Knit Mittens with Staci Perry: A Comprehensive Guide

Get ready to embark on a cozy knitting adventure and master the art of creating hand-knitted mittens with Staci Perry, an experienced knitter and the author of the best-selling book, "The Knitter's Companion." This comprehensive guide will take you through every step of the process, from choosing the right yarn and needles to shaping and finishing your mittens. Whether you're a beginner knitter or looking to refine your skills, Staci's expert guidance will empower you to create beautiful and practical mittens for yourself, family, and friends.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Worsted weight or bulky weight yarn suitable for the desired thickness and warmth of your mittens.
• Knitting needles: Size US 7 (4.5mm) or US 8 (5mm) circular needles with a 16-inch (40cm) cable.
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in ends and sewing up seams.
• Stitch markers: To mark the beginning of rounds and other important points.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cast on: Start by casting on 56 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method.
2. Join in the round: Join the cast-on stitches together using the slip-stitch method.
3. Ribbing: Knit 2, purl 2 in the round for 2 inches (5cm) for the ribbed cuff.
4. Stockinette stitch: Change to stockinette stitch by knitting every round until the mittens reach the desired length (approximately 6 inches or 15cm).
5. Thumb gusset: Create a thumb opening by casting on 12 stitches and joining them into the next round. Knit the thumb gusset in stockinette stitch for 1.5 inches (4cm).
6. Separate thumb stitches: Place a stitch marker on either side of the thumb gusset stitches. These markers indicate where the thumb will be attached.
7. Knit the hand: Continue working in stockinette stitch, knitting around the mitt and ignoring the thumb stitches.
8. Shape the thumb: Knit the thumb stitches in the round, decreasing one stitch at the beginning and end of every other round until there are 8 stitches remaining.
9. Close the thumb: Thread the yarn onto a tapestry needle and weave it through the remaining 8 stitches to close the thumb.
10. Knit the top: Pick up and knit the stitches around the top of the mitten opening. Knit in stockinette stitch until the top reaches the desired height (approximately 2 inches or 5cm).
11. Bind off: Bind off all the stitches using the regular bind-off method.
12. Finishing: Weave in all loose ends, trim any excess yarn, and block your mittens to give them a professional finish.

Tips and Tricks

• Choose a yarn that is soft and warm for comfortable mittens.
• Use a needle size that is appropriate for the yarn you choose.
• Keep your tension even throughout your knitting for a neat and consistent finish.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes - they are a natural part of the learning process.
• If you need help, refer to online tutorials or reach out to experienced knitters.
• Practice makes perfect! The more you knit, the better you will become.

Congratulations on learning how to knit mittens! You now have the skills to create beautiful and cozy mittens for yourself and loved ones. With practice, you can explore different knitting techniques and patterns to make unique and personalized mittens. Keep knitting and enjoy the fruits of your labor!