How to Knit Mittens and Slippers
Mittens and slippers are warm, practical winter accessories. Adjust the yarn gauge and needle size to create a felted slipper or a child's mitten. These knitting projects are also an ideal way to use up leftover bits of yarn to create something usable, attractive and affordable. Knit mittens and slippers for your friends and family, or donate to charities around the world to provide warmth to someone in need.
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Things You'll Need
- Yarn
- Double-point knitting needles or your preferred needles for knitting in the round
- Stitch markers
- Paper
- Pencil
- Flexible tape measure
Instructions
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1
Take measurements or estimate size based on age and body frame. Size options for knit mittens and slippers to include infant, toddler, child and adult sizes. Look for sizing options for adults for the best fit or adjust your pattern for larger or smaller size knit slipper or mitten.
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2
Knit a gauge swatch in stockinette stitch using your preferred needles and yarn. Use worsted weight or bulky yarn for knit slippers; however, you can knit mittens in nearly any weight yarn. Choose a needle size that creates a firm and sturdy fabric for warm knit mittens and slippers.
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3
Measure your gauge over 4 inches of knit fabric. Count the total number of stitches in 4 inches of knit fabric horizontally to find your stitch count. Repeat this step over 4 inches vertically to determine the row count.
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4
Use a knit mitten or knit slipper pattern generator to produce basic, versatile knitting patterns for these items. Input your stitch, row gauge and desired size into the generator.
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5
Knit ribbing as indicated in the pattern to form a cuff for your knit mittens and slippers. Work in stockinette in the round until your generated knitting pattern tells you to do otherwise. Work the mitten thumb gusset or the slipper heel flap and turn, then continue on in stockinette for the body of your knit mittens or slipper.
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Continue on until your knit mittens and slippers are the desired length. Graft the seam closed.
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Tips & Warnings
Make oversized mittens or slipper socks in wool yarn, then felt them in the washing machine for additional warmth and durability.
Add dots of puffy fabric paint to the soles of your slippers for a non-skid finish.
