Sophie's Ruffled Mittens

So I know winter is almost over, but these kids mittens are such a quick knit that there is still time to make them...or get a jump on Christmas knitting. I designed these mittens for my daughter, Sophie. Since they use a thumb gusset, both mittens are made the same and can be worn on either hand. The Ruffles yarn may seem a bit tricky at first, but is easy once you get going. www.lionbrandyarn.com has a tutorial to get you started.



Materials:
1 ball LionBrand Ruffles
1 ball Patons Classic Wool (or other worsted wt yarn)
1 set size 5 double pointed needles (or size to obtain gauge)
size 5 straight needles (or size to obtain gauge)
2 stitch markers
1 stitch holder (or scrap yarn)
sewing needle and thread to match ruffles

Gauge:
22 sts = 4 in with wool

Size: approx ages 2-4 (you can easily adjust the length to fit your preschooler)

Starting at Cuff (make 2):
With Ruffles and straight needles, cast on 13 sts and work for desired length. (the sample has 5 rows, but in hindsight, that was too short. you may want to work more rows)

With wool and dpns, knit 1 row, increasing 11 sts evenly across row. (24 sts)
next round: join for working in the round(mark the beginning of round), work K2P2 rib across row
(you may want to add 2 or so more rows of ribbing here. i didn't in the original, but, again in hindsight, it might be a good idea)
next round: continue k2p2 ribbing, increasing 6 sts evenly across row (30 sts)

Begin thumb gusset:
K1, pm, M1, pm, k to end (the thumb gusset will be on needle 1)

Knit2 rounds
Increase round: knit to marker, slip marker, M1, knit to marker, M1, slip marker, knit to end

Continue working 2 knit rounds and 1 increase round (in other words, work the increases every 3rd row) until there are 9 gusset sts ending with an increase row.

Next row: K1, place all gusset sts on holder, cast on 2 sts (backward loop method is fine), knit to end of the round.

Knit even until mitten measure 2 in from thumb cast on (approx 14 rows)

Begin Decreases:
slip 1 st from needle 1 to needle 3
arrange sts as follows: 16 sts on needle 1, 8 sts each on needles 2 & 3.

Decrease round:
needle 1: K1, ssk, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1
needle 2: K1, ssk, k to end
needle 3: K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1

Next round: K around

repeat decrease round and next round 2x total
then work decrease round 2x
last round: K2tog around
graft remaining sts together. if you'd rather not graft, cut a tail of yarn and draw up remaining sts.

Thumb
Put gusset sts on 2 dpns, pick up 5 sts evenly around thumb opening
next: Knit 11 rounds
Next round: K2tog around
break yarn and draw up all sts.

Finishing:
weave in all ends. Use needle and thread to sew the cuff seam.


Items made from this pattern may be used for charity or sold if credit is given to the designer and the website.

-Leigh