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7 Whimsical Knitting Patterns for Wrist Warmers and Mittens eBook Preview 20+ pages FREE PREVIEW- eBook Version Includes book intro, pictures, and descriptions for each pattern You may share this preview! The book is available for purchase at MidnightskyFibers.com
Winter Wonderland Knits
7 Whimsical Knitting Patterns for Wrist Warmers and Mittens
Jenn Wisbeck PDF Version MidnightskyFibers.com
Table of Contents
About and Resources 5 SKILL LEVEL 5 SUBSTITUTING YARNS AND COLORS 5 READING THE PATTERNS AND CHARTS 7 TOOLS OFTHETRADE 7 BLOCKING 8 CABLES AND COLORWORK 8 HELP AND QUESTIONS 9
Patterns 10
WONDERLAND 11 EUPHONY 13 WINTEr LANDSCAPE 15 ANTHRACITE 17 TREESCAPE 19 SLIPPERY SLOPE 21 PEPPERMINT SURPRISE 23
About and Resources
Small projects. Special details. The patterns in Winter Wonderland Knits are knit in sock and double knitting (dk) weight yarns, using patterns and cables inspired by traditional motifs, but with a modern twist! Jenn Wisbeck runs Midnightsky Fibers from the lovely rainy city of Seattle, WA where you can find her naturally dyeing yarn and spinning yarn in addition to writing intriguing knitting patterns. You can find out more at MidnightskyFibers.com!
Difference between to PDF version and print version
The PDF version is sized so you can easily print patterns out on 8.5 by 11 paper (the print version is a standard book size which is slightly smaller). Due to margin and page size differences, page numbers and formatting are slightly different than the print version, and the eBook has a few more pictures since the number of pages is not a concern.
Difference between Books and individual patterns
If you have the individual patterns you will notice that they are sometimes longer than the book versions- all the information is the same. The difference is that in the eBook and book versions the repetitive notes about blocking and hems are located in the resources section instead of taking up almost a page of every pattern.
Skill Level
The patterns in this collection are designed for the adventurous intermediate level knitter. You need to be able to knit in the round and follow a chart. Many of the patterns will require you to knit with two colors at once or work cables (none wider than 8 stitches across). The projects are small enough to knit up quickly, but intricate enough to keep the knitting interesting!
Substituting Yarns and Colors
I have tried to choose yarn that is affordable and relatively widely available for these projects- most of the patterns can be knit for less than \$20 of yarn. If you are going to substitute in another yarn try and make sure it is of a similar structure- the same weight, similar materials, and spun and plied in a similar way. For substituting colors- the most important is to make sure that you can see the color as you knit with it. In colorwork knitting it is best to choose two colors that contrast with each other so it is easy to tell stitches apart. Classic color combinations include: red-white, blue-white, black-white, grey-black, blackred, and green-white, but any color combo with some contrast will work. Variegated yarns also can work well, though I generally keep the variegated yarn to just one of the colors to avoid too much contrast.
Hems
The hems for these patterns are knit on smaller needles and fewer stitches than the body of the projects. This helps to ensure a hem that does not flare out, which is especially important for the colorwork patterns in this book. Well-knit hems blend right in with the mittens and wrist warmers and provide a nice finishing touch on any exposed edges- thumbs openings, top and bottom of wrist warmers.etc.
Hems prevent curling, hide the view of the colorwork ends being carried across the back of the work, and add nice touch to otherwise plain wrist warmers. Finish the hems by carefully stitching them to the inside of the work, making sure not to pull stitches tight, which causes a pucker. I prefer to use a whip stitch to catch one strand of the body and the cast on or cast off edge. Be sure to keep the stitch consistent and along the same row of stitches on the body or the hem will pucker and look uneven.
Reading the Patterns and Charts
All charts are read right to left unless otherwise noted. Each pattern includes a key with instructions for how to read the stitches. The abbreviations section of each pattern and the abbreviations section in this book will tell you what each stitch means and how to Work it. Each pattern is carefully written and edited to include all the information you need to make that pattern in one section so you can make a copy of the pattern to write on. Patterns include a description, yarn and material requirements, skill level, gauge, finished size, notes for special techniques, and full color charts and keys when applicable. Each pattern also includes several pictures of the pattern from different angles so you can see the motifs up close. Most of the charts take up nearly a full page so they are easy for you to read! I recommend making a copy of each chart for each time it is worked (a copy of the chart for both the left and right sides for most of the patterns). This is so you can mark off the rows as you come to them. You can use a magnet, sticky notes, or simply a pen to cross off finished rows to help you keep your place.
Tools of the Trade
You need very few tools to successfully make mittens and wrist warmers, but for most of the projects you will need: Double pointed knitting needles- you may substitute one or two circular knitting needles if you prefer. You will need a set of 4 double pointed needles, but the 5th needle is nice for holding the thumb gusset stitches so you don't have too many stitches on one needle. Tapestry needle- for weaving in ends. I prefer tapestry needles with a curved end, which makes it easier to get in between stitches. Stitch markers- If you can, get locking stitch markers. They open and close like a safety pin, and I prefer them to solid rings since they can be used to mark rows. You will need 2-4 stitch markers for most of the patterns- each pattern tells you exactly how many you will need Stitch holders- I prefer to use a piece of extra contrasting yarn (called "waste yarn") instead of stitch holders. A small stitch holder or waste yarn will be necessary for holding the thumb stitches in almost all of the patterns.
Blocking
Blocking helps even out inconsistent stitches, makes the yarn bloom and fluff out, and gives a crisp finish to the project. To block: Soak finished items in warm water with a mild detergent- hand or dish soap is fine-for 15 minutes. Rinse in warm water. Roll up in a towel and press lightly to remove excess water (do NOT wring out or squeeze the fabric, which distorts the stitches).
Lay flat to dry, gently tugging the project in to shape to smooth any bumps or inconsistent stitches. To prevent a crease and help keep the hem lines flat you may wish to fold a small washcloth and place inside each wrist warmer or mitten while drying. If you wish to press the finished pieces, do so after blocking once the items are barely damp or are dry. To press, cover items with a cloth or lightweight towel and press iron over top. This prevents the iron from burning or overheating the finished item.
Cables and Colorwork
Cables can be worked with or without a cable needle (a tool used to hold stitches to the front of back of the work). When holding stitches to the front of back be sure to not pull on the stiches, which can distort them. In colorwork knitting, be sure to not pull tightly on the color you are carrying behind, especially when you are switching to a new needle. Always carry the same color (Main Color or Contrast Color) in the same hand to prevent the subtle changes in tension between your dominant and non-dominant knitting hand from effecting how the colors showup.
Help and Questions
The patterns in this book have been carefully designed, knit, and edited with an eye to easy to read patterns for the adventurous intermediate level knitter. If you have questions or think you have found an error, please visit MidnightskyFibers.com or contact at Midnightsky@MidnightskyFibers.com.
Patterns
Wonderland
Colorwork motifs inspired by traditional Scandinavian and Fair Isle colorwork techniques. Fancy motifs are on both front and back while trees grace the thumb gusset and sides of these reversible wrist warmers. Simple but perfect hems are knit to keep the edges from curling or flaring out.
Yarn:
1 skein each O-Wool Classic 2-ply (100% organic merino wool; 50 grams/skein; 198 yards/181 meters) colors 4303 Evergreen (Main Color) and 4112 Rust (Contrast Color)
Level:
Intermediate- following a chart, colorwork, increasing, decreasing, hems
Materials:
-1 set of five US #1/2.25mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -1 set of five US #0/2mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -Tapestry needle -Stitch holder
Size:
Women's size medium. Finished size 7 1/2 inches around and 7 1/2 inches long after blocking. Thumb opening up to 2 1%2 inches around.
Gauge:
7 stitches & 8 rows an inch in colorwork pattern on larger needles
Euphony
Delicate cables and twisted ribbing make these wrist warmers nice and stretchy, so they stay on when you wear them! I have been wearing a version of these for years, originally knit in a 100% cashmere yarn. To help keep the wrist warmers from stretching out, this version is knit in a sock weight yarn with silk, which adds a beautiful sheen to the cables! The wrist warmers have identical cables on the top and palm sides, making the wrist warmers identical for both right and left sides. Knit from the bottom up with simple increases for the thumb gusset. eu·pho·ny: Agreeableness of sound; pleasing effect to the ear, esp. a pleasant sounding or harmonious combination or succession of words. (Dictionary.com)
Yarn:
1 skein Spud & Chloe Fine Sock (80% superwash wool, 20% silk; 65 grams/skein; 248yards/227meters) color 7805
Level:
Intermediate- Cables, following a chart, increases, picking up stitches
Gauge:
: stitches/inch and 12 rows in cable pattern, slightly stretched widthwis Materials: -1 set of five US #1/2.25mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -Cable needle (optional) -Tapestry needle -Stitch holder
Size:
Finished size 6inches around and 8 inches long, stretches to fit 6-10 inches around. Thumb stretches from 1 3/4to3 inches around.
Winter Landscape
Reindeer prance and birds flock across the winter landscape in these short wrist warmers. One wrist warmer has two reindeer- one on each side of the wrist-playing in amongst the snowflakes. The other wrist warmer has birds flocking to a tree on each side. The wrist warmers fit both right and left hands, so if you wish you may knit up two if the same side if you want just the reindeer or birds- but I think one of each adds a touch of whimsy! With the Fair Isle inspired patterning only on the cuffs, knitting is quick. The thumb gusset and simple hems add professional looking finishing touches.
Level:
Intermediate- following a chart, colorwork, increasing, decreasing, hems
Gauge:
7 stitches and 8 rows an inch in colorwork pattern on larger needles
Yarn:
150 yards Main Color; 75 yards Contrast Color. Sample knit using 1 skein each O-Wool Classic 2-ply (100% organic merino wool; 50 grams/skein; 198 yards/181 meters) colors 4303 Evergreen (Contrast Color) and 4112 Rust (Main Color)
Materials:
-1 set of five US #1/2.25mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -1 set of five US #0/2mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -Tapestry needle -Stitch holder -Stitch markers (2)
Size:
Women's size medium. Finished size 7 inches around and 5 3/4 inches long after blocking. Thumb opening up to 2 1%4 inches around.
Anthracite
Perfect wrist warmers for when you need to quickly slip a pair on and off and still need to be able to use your fingers. Contrasting hems add interest to otherwise simple wrist warmers. Vintage inspired lines and detailing but minimal shaping makes it so these will fit a variety of sizes. Special care is taken in the shaping of the hems to prevent flaring. Knit from the top down, the wrist warmers are worked in the round until the bottom hem. Anthracite, aka "hard coal" is black and burns slowly with intense heat. Coal companies used to brand the coal with paint as a marketing gimmick.
Yarn:
150 yards Main Color; 50 yards Contrast Color. Sample knit using 1 skein each O-Wool Classic 2-ply (100% organic merino wool; 50 grams/skein; 198 yards/181 meters) colors 4303 Evergreen (Main Color) and 4112 Rust (Contrast Color). 1 skein will make a pair of solid color wrist warmers.
Materials:
-1 set of five US #1/2.25mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -1 set of five US #0/2mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -Tapestry needle -Stitch holders (2) -Stitch markers (4, helpful to have 2 of each of 2 different colors)
Size:
Women's size large or men's size small. Finished size 8 inches around and 6 1/2 inches long after blocking. Thumb opening up to 2 3/4 inches around.
Level:
Intermediate increasing, decreasing, hems, provisional cast on
Gauge:
6 stitches and 9 rows per inch in st st.
Treescape
Delicate birds flock amongst pine trees and snowflakes speckle the background in these tantalizing winter themed fingerless mittens. Purl braids and a thumb gusset with a tree pattern add interest and charm to the traditional Fair Isle inspired motifs. The chart includes all colorwork rows, and instructions are included for working a purl braid.
Level:
nediate- following a chart, colorwork, increasing, decreasing, purl braid
Yarn:
1 skein each Nature Spun Sport by Brown Sheep (100% wool. 50 grams/skein; 184 yards/168 meters) colors Red Fox (Main Color) and Natural (Contrast Color)
Materials:
-1 set of five US #1/2.25mm double point needles or size to get gauge -Tapestry needle -Stitch holder -Stitch markers (2, optional, to mark thumb gusset)
Gauge:
8 stitches and 8 rows an inch in colorwork pattern on larger needles
Size:
Women's size medium. Finished size 7 inches around and 7 inches long after blocking. Thumb opening up to 2 14 inches around.
Slippery Slope
Slipped stitches add texture and blend beautifully with the ribbed hems. Slipped stiches as the hem edges help create snug cuffs that don't flare. The pattern can be feminine or masculine depending on the colors you choose, and works equally well in solid or variegated yarns. Decreases are carefully calculated to line up with slipped stitch pattern with minimal interruption at the top of the mitten.
Yarn:
1 skein Malabrigo Rios (100% superwash wool; 100 grams/skein; 210 yards) color 850 Archangel
Level:
Beginner- Intermediate- increasing, decreasing
Materials:
-1 set of five US #7/4.5mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -Tapestry needle -Waste yarn in contrasting color
Size:
Women's size small or child's size large. Finished size 6 inches around and 9 inches long from bottom hem to tip after blocking. Thumb opening up to 2 12 inches around.
Gauge:
6.5 stitches and 5 rows an inch in slipped stitch pattern
Peppermint Surprise
Simple embroidered running stitches add a quick pop of color to ribbed fingerless gloves.
Level:
Beginner- Intermediate- increasing, decreasing, simple embroidery
Yarn:
1 skein Lamb's Pride Worsted (85% wool, 15% mohair; 113 grams/skein; 190 yards/174 meters) color M-151 Chocolate Soufflé, 20 yards red and 30 yards dk weight yard held double for embroidery or 10 yards red and 15 reds white worsted weight yarn Gauge: 4.5 stitches and 6 rows an inch in ribbing
Materials:
-1 set of five US #7/4.5mm double-point needles or size to get gauge -Tapestry needle -Stitch holder
Size:
Women's size large/men's size small/medium. Finished size 8 inches around and 5 inches long after blocking. Thumb opening up to 3 inches around.
Wintery andwhimsical knitting patterns for thehands.winter WonderlandKnits includes7knitting patternsforwristwarmersandwittens. Small projects.Special details.Thepat terns in winterwonderlandKnitsare knitinsock and doubleknitting (dk) weight yarnswitha coupleof exceptions, using patterns and cablesinspired by traditional vintage patterning and motifs,butwith a modern.twist!The patterns in thiscollection are designedfortheadventurous intermediate level knitter.Theprojects are small enough toknit up quickly,but intricate enough tokeep theknitting interestingand includelargefull color picturesandcharts!
