Mohair Mittens

GAUGE: 3 1/2 stitches on larger needles.

With the 4.0 mm needles and using TWO strands of mohair, cast on 34 stitches and rib in K1, P1 rib for 2 1/2 inches (12 rows).

Change to 4.5 mm needles and knit 4 rows of stocking stitch.

SHAPE THUMB

Row 1: K15, K1FBF(Knit into the front, back and front of same stitch). Knit to end of row. (36 sts)

Row 2 and all even numbered rows: Knit.

Row 3: K15, K1FB (Knit into the front and back of the same stitch), K1, K1FB. Knit to end of row. (38 sts)

Row 5: K15, K1FB, K3, K1FB, Knit to end of row. (40 sts)

Row 7: K15, K1FB, K5, K1FB, Knit to end of row. (42 sts)

Row 9: K15, K1FB, K7, K1FB, Knit to end of row. (44 sts)

Row 11: K15, slip 12 stitches on to a thread, cast on 2 stitches. Knit to the end of the row.

Continue to knit around on the 34 sts til distance from thumbhole opening measures 4 inches or desired length, roughly the tip of the baby finger.

SHAPING FOR TOP

Row 1: K2tog, K6, K2tog, K7, repeat to the end of row. (30 stitches)

Row 2 and all even numbered rows: Knit.

Row 3: K2tog, K5, K2tog, K6, repeat to the end of row. (26 stitches)

Row 5: K2tog, K4, K2tog, K5, repeat to the end of row. (22 stitches)

Row 7: K2tog, K3, K2tog, K4, repeat to the end of row. (18 stitches)

Row 8: K2tog to the end of row. (9 stitches)

Row 9: K2tog to the end of row. (5 stitches)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6 inch tail, thread thru the 5 stitches, pull tight, and secure. I run the thread thru the stitches a couple of times.

THUMB

Row 1: Pick up and knit 5 stitches where you cast on the 2 sts for the hand, and knit to the end of row. (17 sts)

Row 2: Knit around, decreasing 3 stitches evenly. (14 stitches)

Rows 3 to 10: Knit to the end of row. (I found the thumb too short for me, and added another 2 rows. Please measure for yourself.)

Row 11: K2tog to the end of row. (7 sts)

Thread yarn through stitches and secure.

Ellen Kellaway of Belleville, Ontario