How to Make Mitten Thumbs

With some practice, adding a thumb to a mitten can become a simple process.

A knitted mitten is an important finishing piece to practically anyone's winter outfit. As the body of a mitten is all one piece, learning to knit fingers is not a necessary skill to have. However, an added thumb is an important aspect of a mitten. Once the correct technique is learned, adding a thumb can become a simple aspect of any mitten project.

Things You'll Need

• 4 double pointed needles
• Yarn

Instructions

1. Slide half the thumb stitches on one double pointed needle. Place the remaining stitches on a second double pointed needle.

2. Drop yarn through the thumb hole of the mitten, then pull it through to the other side. Using a third needle, knit the stitches on both needles.

3. Create stitches in the space between the two needles by putting a needle under a stitch in that region. Wrap yarn around the needle and bring it through to create a loop. Repeat five times. Place the stitches on an empty double pointed needle.

4. Knit until the thumb has reached desired length.

References

• Crazy Aunt Purl; Mitten Thumb Pattern Decoded; Laurie Perry; June 2008
• Knitty; Mittens 101; Kate Atherley; 2005