One of the classes we’re teaching this quarter is “Your First Mittens”. I wandered by the class while it was in session and decided I needed to make those mittens, too. They are incredibly thick and toasty feeling. Made from a bulky weight yarn, they really keep the chill out. You can find the pattern free (Super Bulky Mittens for Women) and I made it with 1 skein of Malabrigo Rasta. I did add a total of 4 extra stitches to the mitten to make it a little larger, and I also did 10 rows on the cuff to make them a bit longer. This pattern would be equally stunning in The Fibre Company’s Tundra or Spud and Chloe Outer. I made this pair for a gift, but since it only took me one evening of knitting, I’m planning to make a pair for myself as well.
While I was looking for that pattern on Ravelry, I came across a few other fun, bulky (quick to knit) mittens and mitts you also might want to check out: Raglan Mitts, Axel Mitts (I like the turn-down cuff), Highly Regarded Mitts, Chunky Cables Wrist Warmers, Shelburne Mittens, Basket Weave Mittens, and Herringbone Mittens.
Of course as long as you’re making mittens, you might as well make a hat to match, right? So check out these cute bulky hat patterns (and remember – bulky usually means quick-to-knit): Garden Gate Mittens and Hat, Super Chunky Super Quick Toque, Thorpe, and Bella’s Hat. With just under two weeks until Christmas, it’s probably time to do a few bulky projects. Do you like to knit with bulky yarn? Those needles (size 11) seemed so big when I started, but by the second mitten I was whizzing right along with them. Plus, I really like that the mittens are so warm and thick. I imagine it’s the same with anything you knit out of bulky yarn. There are definitely a lot of pluses in using it.
Sheri whomightbeanewbulkyfan
Sheri! Thanks so much for sharing these sweet mitten patterns – they do look super cozy… 🙂 Stay warm!
And the new Knitty has mittens made from THE LOOPY EWE YARN!!!!!
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEw12/PATTcaarbs.php
Seriously, how cool is that?
I love them!!! So pretty!
Sheri, I just finished a vest in Tundra that is TOO DIE FOR. LOVE that yarn! Try it next!
If you give a mouse a mitten, then it will ask for a hat….
I’m normally not a bulky yarn person, but the lack of snow here in Colorado has made me yearn for warm fuzziness. Kind of like “Build it and they will come.” I figure warm fuzzy has GOT to bring snow. So, I’ve been churning out hats and cowls with Boboli Quick, Borealis and a few others. I’ve gotten creative with it on a couple Gap-tastic cowls. And against my nature have worn them and enjoyed…or tried to in 60° weather. Now – if it would only SNOW!!!!!
I am loving the idea! Just need to figure out which color!
I’ve been saving a skein or Zarzamora for a great project. I think you’ve just given me my answer. A warm pair of mittens seems like the perfect choice. Now I don’t have to thrum a pair!
I live in a warm climate where heavy mittens and hats don’t work. But, I am currently knitting a heavy blanket (2 yarns held together on size 36 needles). It is proving to be a lot of fun. After knitting with tiny, tiny needles most of the time, it is quite enjoyable to knit with huge ones! So, bulky can be a fun project for anyone. It is nice to get out of one’s comfort zone (even in knitting).
I too am not usually a bulky fan BUT Christmas knitting has gotten me going on it this year: three pairs of Duffers Revisited felted slippers and a Baby/Toddler Tiered Coat/Jacket so far. Gotta admit the instant gratification factor is appealing… but still need to balance it with some lace and sock time 🙂
Thanks for the ideas Sheri. Very cute mittens!
I don’t mind bulky yarn, but I gravitate towards fingering weight for nearly everything. It is kind of funny how often I pick a project just to use even more sock yarn.
I made my first mittens this week as well! I used the Wishbone Mittens pattern and Swans Island Merino Worsted yarn and I love love love them. That yarn is so lovely I may have to get some more…
I’m planning on making Super Bulky Mittens for my daughter from Malabrigo Rasta. On the website above, you mention that you added 4 stitches. I’ve never made mittens before and I’m wondering where you added the 4 stitches (to the cuff? to the main mitten?) and whether you think that’s sufficient for someone with fairly large hands.
Hi Liz – I added in 4 extra stitches when I did the cast on. I also made the cuff a little longer. With adding in those stitches, it will be plenty big for someone with large hands!
In the pattern, does “put the safety pin on the next stitch” mean the first or second stitch on the left needle? Thanks!
Hi Sophia – I looked up the pattern and it says: “Cast on 2 sts onto the right needle. Place a safety pin in the next stitch on the left needle, this stitch is the first stitch of the round.” So it would be the first stitch on the left needle.