New Twists in Cables: Fingerless Mittens

Class Preview

Combine basic techniques to make complex cables simple, fun and rewarding. Knit two pairs of outfit-enhancing fingerless mitts with captivating cables that beg to be shown off.

Getting Started

Meet knitwear designer and instructor Fiona Ellis and find out more about the gorgeous cabled mittens you’ll be making in your class. Fiona discusses yarn choices, needles and getting the right gauge for your mitten to show off those cables. Once you’ve measured your hand to determine the size you’ll need, you’ll be ready to cast on!

The Glendale Mitten: Basic Cables

Learn about the basic cable crosses and how to make them when you encounter them in the pattern chart. You’ll have a grasp of the symbols and terminology as you work the first part of the Glendale Mitten.

The Cuff & Troubleshooting

You have many options for customizing the length and look of your mitten cuff. Fiona discusses ways you can change up the mitt pattern, then shows how to transition from ribbing at the wrist into cables on the hand. You’ll also learn how to work traveling cables that move across your work rather than straight up and down. Get tips on how to fix common mistakes, even repairing miscrossed cables without ripping back multiple rows.

Shaping the Thumb Gusset

To give your thumb room to move, you’ll add a thumb gusset: a triangle of wider fabric on the edge of your mitten. Fiona shows you the types of increases you can make to add those stitches, some modifications you can make to the mitten shaping and how to transition back into the hand.

Finishing & Cable Patterns

Get valuable advice from Fiona on how to find your place in your cabled knitting by reading the stitches, then finish the Glendale mitten. If you want to make a full mitten that covers your fingers, Fiona shows you two methods to carry your design to the top. Then get inspiration for designing your own mitts by seeing a variety of Fiona’s swatches. Learn about playing with rest rows and putting your stitches through “costume changes.”

Celtic Knot Cables

Celtic Knot Cables are the star of the Cramond mitten. Fiona shows how these dramatic designs are made and walks you through the pattern chart before demonstrating the critical increases and decreases. You can even try your hand at morphing cable patterns!

Shaping a Palm Gusset: Cramond Mitten

The Cramond mitten has a palm gusset rather than a thumb gusset. Learn how to create it, then finish your mitten according to the pattern or take a leap into design. Fiona shows you shaping choices for the thumb, options for pattern placement and a parade of cable inspiration for your mittens or future knitting projects.