Knitted mittens are an affordable, simple project for beginners looking to advance their knitting technique.
Mittens are small and can be knitted fingerless or in full. This makes them great for using a small amount of yarn or recycling what you already have. Unlike gloves, you don’t have to contend with individual fingers, which can be difficult to work up.
In this list, we’ve curated 15 easy mitten knitting patterns you can complete in just one or two days. With just a few skeins of yarn, you can knit a pair of adult or children’s mittens to last you through autumn, winter, and early spring.
Most of the patterns in this list are worked seamlessly in the round using double pointed needles or circular needles with the magic loop technique. Much like bralette knitting patterns, you’ll need to know how to knit in the round, increase, decrease, and pick up stitches.
You’ll find patterns for simple, classic knitted mittens and others with a modern twist. We’ve included chunky and cable knit variations, straight needle patterns, as well as a range of yarn weights and fibers.
15 Easy Mitten Knitting Patterns (Circular & Double Pointed Needles)
Here’s a list of 15 knitted mitten patterns from established and indie designers. Each pattern includes detailed instructions for first-time or intermediate knitters.
You’ll learn how to knit a pair of mittens as small or as large as you need. Some patterns include sizes for children’s mitts too, so everyone can keep their hands cosy in the colder months. For more simple patterns, you can check out our collection of easy beret knitting patterns, too.
1. Cable Knit Mittens
| Price | $7.54/£5.62 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Cable Knitting Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | Cable Knit Mittens – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
This pattern by Darling Jadore uses a mix of cablework and stockinette stitches to create a sophisticated pair of cable knit mittens in worsted weight yarn.
You’ll need to be familiar with cable knitting patterns and knitting in the round on double pointed needles, which is explained using a set of written instructions, video tutorials, and photos. The final mittens measure between 17cm and 19cm in circumference.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Medium/Worsted Weight |
| Yarn Quantity | 82m/90 yards |
2. The “Spruce” Mittens
| Price | $6.28/£4.68 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Increasing Decreasing Cable Knitting |
| Suggested Yarn | Chic Sheep – Red Heart Yarn |
| Designer’s Website | “Spruce” Mittens – OriginallyLovely on Etsy |
Another worsted weight pattern, the Spruce Mittens feature intricate detailing, a dense texture, and a double-brimmed cuff to keep them fitted snugly on your hands. Worked up quickly in the round, the pattern includes instructions for 5 adult sizes between 17 and 22 centimeters in circumference.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Medium/Worsted Weight |
| Yarn Quantity | 182m-274m (200-300 yards) |
3. Cashmere Mittens Knitting Pattern
| Price | $4.38/£3.27 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Cashmere Premium – Lang Yarns |
| Designer’s Website | Cashmere Mittens – Laura Dalgaard Knit |
The Cashmere Mittens by Laura Dalgaard can be knit in one color or two using circular or double pointed needles. The pattern includes instructions for children’s mittens aged 2 to 10 years, and adult mittens in sizes small, medium, and large.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles (60cm-80cm Cable) US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles (60cm-80cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 25g = 115m |
| Yarn Quantity | 25g-50g |
4. Deima’s Winter Mittens
| Price | $4.38/£3.27 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Betty – Permin Tynn Silk Mohair – Sandnes Garn |
| Designer’s Website | Deima’s Winter Mittens – Deima Knitwear |
This pair of classic winter mittens is knit using a combination of chunky alpaca yarn and mohair. Worked from the bottom up, the mittens can be knitted fingerless and in varying lengths, with instructions for 2 sizes between 8cm and 11cm in width.
With just 3 skeins of yarn, this beginner-friendly pattern will help you knit a pair of soft, fluffy mittens that are excellent for first-time knitters.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10.5/7mm Circular Needles (80cm Cable) US Size 11/8mm Circular Needles (80cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 50m (Yarn A) 25g = 212m (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 2 Skeins (Yarn A) 1 Skein (Yarn B) |
5. The “Nora” Mittens
| Price | $6.28/£4.68 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | The “Nora” Mittens – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
Another timeless pattern from Darling Jadore, the Nora Mittens have been designed specifically for beginners. Worked from top to bottom using simple stockinette stitches on double pointed needles, the pattern includes photo and video instructions for every technique involved.
The final mittens are sized around the average woman’s hand size: between 17cm and 19cm – though the pattern contains instructions for knitting the mittens as small or as large as necessary.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Medium/Worsted Weight |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
6. Easy Mittens Knitting Pattern
| Price | $6.28/£4.68 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Garter Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | Easy Mittens Knitting Pattern – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
This mitten knitting pattern uses garter stitch: the simplest knitting stitch out there. The instructions are easy to follow and include everything you need to create these cozy knitted mittens. You’ll need approximately 118m of worsted weight yarn and 4.5mm double pointed needles.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 7/4.5mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Medium/Worsted Weight |
| Yarn Quantity | 118m/130 yards |
7. The “Luxury” Mittens
| Price | $4.38/£3.27 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Stockinette Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Merino DK – Hedgehog Fibres Tilia Silk Mohair – Filcolana |
| Designer’s Website | The “Luxury” Mittens – Spektakelstrik |
The Luxury Mittens are knit in stockinette stitch with two strands of yarn held together. Focusing on fit, the pattern creates a pair of super-feminine mittens with a folded cuff. You’ll find instructions for children’s mittens for ages 6 to 10 years, and adult mittens between sizes S and XL.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 2/3mm Double Pointed Needles US Size 7/4.5mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 115g = 225m (Yarn A) 25g = 210m (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 100g (Yarn A) 25g (Yarn B) |
8. “Happy Heart” Chunky Mittens Pattern
| Price | $6.38/£4.76 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Fair Isle Knitting |
| Suggested Yarn | The Petite Wool – We Are Knitters |
| Designer’s Website | “Happy Heart” Chunky Mittens – Bluebirdpineshop on Etsy |
This fair isle mittens knitting pattern includes sizes for babies, toddlers, children, and adults. It uses double pointed or circular needles and “The Petite Wool” from We Are Knitters. Knit from the bottom up, you’ll use two stranded threads in contrasting colors to create beautiful heart shapes across your mittens.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 129m |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
9. The “Aune” Mittens
| Price | $7.00/£5.22 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Felted Tweed – Rowan |
| Designer’s Website | The “Aune” Mittens – Rowan |
This unique, modern knitting pattern uses fair isle stitching to create rows of contrasting stripes in a traditional Norwegian design. The mittens are knit with felted tweed yarn, which is made using a combination of alpaca wool, felted wool, and viscose.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 2/3mm Double Pointed Needles US Size 3/3.25mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 175m |
| Yarn Quantity | 5 Balls |
10. “North Sea” Mittens
| Price | $3.29/£2.45 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Sunday – Sandnes Garn |
| Designer’s Website | “North Sea” Mittens – PetiteKnit |
Available in adult sizes S, M, and L, the “North Sea” mittens pattern uses circular or double pointed needles and 44g-50g of mid-weight yarn in three colors. Worked from the bottom up, the final mittens measure between 23cm and 26cm in total length.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 1.5/2.5mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 235m |
| Yarn Quantity | 44g-50g |
11. “Love You Lots” Mittens
| Price | $0.00 (Free) |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Baby Alpaca – We Are Knitters |
| Designer’s Website | “Love You Lots” Mittens – We Are Knitters |
This free mittens knitting pattern by We Are Knitters uses just three skeins of alpaca yarn. To create these winter mitts you’ll need a pair of circular knitting needles, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle to finish the pattern off.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 8/5mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 111m |
| Yarn Quantity | 3 Skeins (150g) |
12. The “Tundra” Mittens Pattern
| Price | $6.28/£4.68 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | The “Tundra” Mittens – DarlingJadore on Etsy |
Another pair of elegant knitted mittens with a faux-fur cuff, this simple pattern can be worked up quickly by ambitious beginners. Knitted seamlessly in the round, the pattern also includes video and photo instructions to make things easier. The final mittens measure between 17cm and 19cm in circumference, though you can knit them smaller or fingerless if you’d prefer.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 13/9mm Double Pointed Needles US Size 9/5.5mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Medium/Worsted Weight (Yarn A) Super Bulky Weight (Yarn B) |
| Yarn Quantity | 64m (Yarn A) 22m (Yarn B) |
13. Vintage Ladies Mittens, Gloves and Hats
| Price | $2.68/£2.00 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | Vintage Ladies Gloves, Mitts, and Hats – Etsy |
This set of vintage knitting patterns includes 3 patterns: one each for mittens, a hat, and gloves. This means you can knit a set of fashionable, vintage knitted winter accessories for the price of just one pattern.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | N/A – See Pattern |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
14. “Honey” Mitts
| Price | $7.00/£5.22 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Cable Knitting Twisted Rib Stitch |
| Suggested Yarn | Pure Cashmere – Rowan |
| Designer’s Website | “Honey” Mitts – Rowan |
Pictured above with the accompanying Honey Hat, the Honey Mitts by Rowan make an excellent matching set for the colder months. The mittens knitting pattern uses one ball of cashmere yarn and double pointed needles, and involves simple twisted rib stitches and cable knitting.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 5/3.75mm Double Pointed Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 50g = 137m |
| Yarn Quantity | 1 Ball |
15. “Color Pop” Chunky Mittens Knitting Pattern
| Price | $11.26/£8.40 |
|---|---|
| Techniques Required | Basic Shaping |
| Suggested Yarn | Super Chunky Yarn – Lauren Aston Designs |
| Designer’s Website | “Color Pop” Mittens – Lauren Aston Designs |
This bright, chunky mittens knitting pattern by Lauren Aston Designs only uses basic knit and purl stitches, which makes it suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters. You can choose any color combination you’d like and knit up all of your leftover bulky yarn.
If you don’t have the yarn or needles ready, there is also a knitting kit available for these mittens which includes everything you’ll need to get started.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 15/10mm Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 200g = 130m |
| Yarn Quantity | 130g |
How Do You Knit a Pair of Mittens?
Mittens aren’t usually hard to knit. In fact, most mitten knitting patterns require simple knit and purl stitches, with occasional ribbing or cabling for decoration around the cuffs.
In most cases, you’ll work each mitten in the round from the bottom up, and use basic decreasing to shape around the fingers. If you’re looking to use less yarn, you can also reduce the length of your mittens by knitting them fingerless.
Knitting a pair of simple mittens typically requires one to three balls of yarn, though this will depend on the weight of the yarn you’re using. Chunky mittens will usually use less yarn overall, while more delicate designs may require more. In general, most mitten knitting patterns use worsted or bulky weight yarns.
Just like knitting patterns for pants, we recommend following your designer’s instructions closely when it comes to yarn weight and needle size, as even relatively small adjustments to your gauge can have a large impact on how your mittens eventually fit.
Can You Knit Mittens with Straight Needles?
It is possible to knit mittens flat using two straight needles. To do this, simply knit each section symmetrically and sew them together on the side. In fact, mittens are easier to knit on straight needles than full gloves, as gloves require seams on each finger too.
Though it is possible to knit them on all knitting needle types, mittens are usually knit with double pointed needles, or circular needles with the magic loop technique. This is because most mittens are knit in a tubular fashion in the round, and the patterns are often too small for traditional circular needles.
In this respect, mitten patterns are very similar to sock knitting patterns, and typically involve many of the same construction techniques.
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