How to Knit Mittens With Four Needles

Knit with four needles to create seamless mittens.

Knitting with four needles at the same time may sound daunting. Once the technique has been mastered, seamless mittens of all sizes can be created. Keeping the yarn on the needles is not difficult, and the needles tend to be less wobbly as the mitten rows progress. This project requires knitting experience, and knowing both the knit and purl stitches. This pattern for pair of young child’s mittens made with a thick, bulky yarn will work up quickly

Things You'll Need

• 1 skein bulky yarn
• 4 knitting needles, size 6
• Safety pin
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Tapestry needle
• Crochet hook, size J

Instructions

1. Cast on 25 stitches, using two needles. Slide eight stitches on a second needle. Slide nine stitches on a third needle. Make sure no stitches are twisted.

2. Working in the round, use the fourth needle to knit the stitches from the triangle made by the other three needles. Knit one and purl one, for 12 rows, to create the ribbing for the mitten cuff.

3. Stockinet stitch for three rows. The stockinet stitch is purl one row and knit the next.

4. Slide eight stitches on to a safety pin for the thumb, which will be worked later. Redistribute the remaining stitches on the three knitting needles evenly.

5. Continue knitting the mitten in the stockinet stitch until the hand portion of the mitten measures 6 inches long, including the ribbing. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tapestry needle with the yarn tail and inset the needle into each stitch on the knitting needles. Pull tight, knot and pull tail to inside of mitten.

6. Slide the thumb stitches onto the three needles. Work in stockinet stitch for 1 1/2 inch. Cut a 6-inch tail. Gather and end stitches by threading the tapestry needle with the yarn tail and inset the needle into each stitch on the knitting needles. Pull tight, knot and pull tail to inside of mitten.

7. Weave the yarn tails into rows of knitting on the inside of the mittens with the crochet hook. Repeat all steps for a second mitten.

References

• Craft Yarn Council of America: Learn Knit Stitch

Resources

• Lion Brand: Free Knitting Patterns