by Dilys Sutherland (c) 1998
**Special Abbreviation: ssk - this is an alternative to the old psso decrease. To ssk, you slip the next two stitches knitwise, then insert the tip of the left hand needle into the front of these two stitches, then knit them together. If you prefer, you could always use the psso decrease instead. (Slip 1, knit one, pass slipped stitch over), but I find the ssk is quicker and neater.
These are a women's medium size.
Materials:
4.5 mm and 5 mm double pointed needles
chunky weight yarn (100 gm would be plenty!)
Gauge: 18 st to 10 cm (4") on 5 mm needles
(NOTE: this pattern has no left or right mitten. They are interchangeable.)
With smaller needles, cast on 32 stitches, divided over three needles. Work k1, p1 ribbing for 2 1/2 ". Change to larger needles.
Knit 4 rounds, placing marker ring between 2nd and 3rd stitch on 1st needle.
Thumb gusset:
Round 1: M1 in first stitch, knit to last stitch before marker, M1, knit rest of round.
Round 2: knit
Repeat these 2 rows until there are 14 stitches before the marker on 1st needle.
Thumb:
Knit across 14 stitches of thumb. Slip remaining stitches off of 1st needle onto 2nd needle. Turn, and starting with a purl row, work the 14 thumb stitches in stockinette stitch for 1 1/2", ending with a purl row.
Next row: k2tog across (7 st)
Next row: purl
Next row: k2tog three times, k1. Cut yarn and thread through remaining 4 st and sew up thumb seam.
Hand:
Rejoin yarn at base of thumb, ready to start knitting on the first needle (which used to be the second needle). Cast on 2 stitches, then divide stitches thusly:
1st needle - 16 st. 2nd and 3rd needle - 8 stitches each.
Continue to knit in stockinette stitch until mitten hand measures 3" from thumb join.
Next round: 1st needle - k1, ssk, knit to last 3 st, k2tog, k1. 2nd needle - k1, ssk, knit to end. 3rd needle - knit to last 3 st, k2tog, k1.
Knit 2 rounds even.
Repeat these 3 rounds until there are 16 stitches left. Slip stitches so there are 8 on each needle. Graft stitches using Kitchener Stitch OR cast off and sew.
