To follow the sample pattern in this article, use a set of 5 US size 7 (4. 5 mm) double-pointed needles with a ball of medium-weight yarn. [1] X Research source
You should only need 1 ball of yarn to knit a pair of mittens.
For example, if you will be using medium-weight yarn, then a US size 7 to 9 (4. 5 to 5. 5 mm) set of double-pointed needles would be appropriate. [3] X Research source
This will be your first cast on stitch.
To cast on, loop the yarn over the left-hand needle. Insert the right-hand needle into the loop you have just created. Then, loop the yarn over the right-hand needle. Pull this new yarn through the first loop to create another cast-on stitch on the right-hand needle. [6] X Research source Keep in mind that the number of stitches you will need to cast on is highly variable depending on the size of the mittens you want to create, the type of yarn and needles you are using, and how loose or tight you want the mittens to fit. This is why it is highly recommended to use a pattern.
For a wider rib, you may knit 2 instead of 1.
For a wider rib, purl 2 instead of 1.
It is nice to start off mittens using a rib stitch because it will create a stretchy cuff that helps the mittens to stay on even if the part that covers your hands is a bit loose. However, if desired, you can skip this and just knit all of the stitches in the round. Doing so will create a looser, plain knit cuff that curls up around the bottom edges. [12] X Research source
Remember that making a ribbed cuff is optional, but you will still need to create some kind of cuff for your mittens.
The stockinette stitch is a classic stitch for knitting mittens. To work the stockinette stitch, simply knit all of the stitches in the round. [14] X Research source
If you are following the sample pattern with medium-weight yarn and size 7 double-pointed needles, then place 15 stitches onto the stitch holder. Make sure to follow what your pattern tells you to do regarding the thumb section. The number of stitches you need to set aside will vary greatly depending on the size of your mittens, yarn and needle type, and how you want the mittens to fit.
Use a ruler to measure the body of the mitten when it seems like you are close to finishing. Make sure that you do not knit across the thumb gap too tightly or the space for your thumb will be too small. Keep some slack in your yarn when you knit across this section. To check, try sticking your thumb through the hole right after you knit across the section. If it is too tight, then undo the last stitch and try again. [17] X Research source
Repeat this sequence all the way to the end of the row. Tie off the last stitch by making a knot through it. Cut the yarn close to the knot.
You will have 2 additional stitches for the round after knitting the first 2 front and back. If you are using a pattern, make sure that you defer to what it says to do. You may need to increase by more than 2 stitches. For the rest of the round, knit the stitches as usual. However, if your pattern says to do otherwise, then defer to what it says to do.
If you are following a pattern, make sure to follow its instructions.
If you are using a pattern, then do what the pattern recommends.
Repeat the sequence to create a second mitten.
