Orchard Mitts Free Pattern – Knit a Pair of Cable-Knit Harvest Gloves

Wrap your hands in the warmth of a rustic autumn orchard with these richly textured cable-knit mitts. The intricate braided cuffs and leafy motifs evoke the beauty of falling fruit and turning leaves. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their cable skills while creating a cozy, functional accessory. The combination of deep burgundy, burnt orange, and golden yellow creates a stunning harvest palette that will brighten any chilly day.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a confident beginner ready to tackle your first cable project, these fingerless mitts are a rewarding and practical make. They knit up quickly with worsted weight yarn and make wonderful handmade gifts for friends and family. Let's dive into this delightful pattern!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in deep burgundy, burnt orange, and golden yellow (approximately 200g total). Choose a soft, durable wool blend for best stitch definition.
• Knitting Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles – straight or circular, whichever you prefer.
• Cable Needle: A small cable needle (or double-pointed needle) for creating the braided cable patterns.
• Stitch Holder: To hold thumb stitches while you work the hand section.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and finishing.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge before starting to ensure proper fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own pair of Orchard Mitts. The pattern is written for one mitt – make two identical pieces. Take your time with the cable sections and enjoy the meditative rhythm of the stitches.

Mitts (Make 2)

Cuff

1. Cast On: With deep burgundy yarn, cast on 40 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).
2. Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a snug, stretchy cuff that will keep your wrists warm.
3. Begin Cable Pattern: Switch to the cable pattern as follows:
   • Row 1 (RS): *C4B (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle), P2; repeat from * to end of row.
   • Row 2 and all WS rows: Knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they appear. This means you'll knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches you see on the needle.
   • Row 3: *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.
   • Row 5: *P2, C4F (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle); repeat from * to end.
   • Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
   • Row 8: Repeat Row 2.
4. Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 1-8 until the cuff measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side (WS) row. The cable pattern will create a beautiful braided texture.

Hand Section

1. Switch Yarn: Cut the burgundy yarn, leaving a tail for weaving in. Join the burnt orange yarn.
2. Stockinette Stitch: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 1 inch. This creates a smooth, comfortable hand section.
3. Thumb Gusset Increases: Now you'll create the thumb gusset by increasing stitches on each side of a central stitch. Follow these rows:
   • Row 1 (RS): K20, M1L (make 1 left – pick up the bar between stitches from front to back and knit through the back loop), K1, M1R (make 1 right – pick up the bar between stitches from back to front and knit through the front loop), K19. (42 stitches total)
   • Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches.
   • Row 3: K20, M1L, K3, M1R, K19. (44 stitches)
   • Row 5: K20, M1L, K5, M1R, K19. (46 stitches)
   • Continue: Keep increasing in this manner every RS row. Each increase row adds 2 stitches, and the center section grows by 2 stitches each time. Continue until you have 13 stitches between the increases (total 54 stitches on your needle).
4. Separate Thumb: On the next RS row, work as follows:
   • K20, place the next 13 stitches onto a stitch holder (these are your thumb stitches), cast on 1 stitch (using the backward loop method), K21. (42 stitches remain on your needle)
5. Continue Hand: Work in stockinette stitch for 2 more inches on these 42 stitches. This creates the main body of the mitt that covers your palm and fingers.

Finger Section

1. Switch Yarn: Cut the burnt orange yarn, leaving a tail. Join the golden yellow yarn.
2. Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch. This creates a stretchy, comfortable opening for your fingers.
3. Bind Off: Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as you bind off). This ensures the edge remains stretchy.

Thumb

1. Return Stitches: Place the 13 held thumb stitches back onto your knitting needle.
2. Pick Up Stitch: With golden yellow yarn, pick up and knit 1 stitch from the cast-on edge at the base of the thumb, then knit across the 13 held stitches. (14 stitches total)
3. Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 0.5 inch.
4. Bind Off: Bind off loosely in pattern.

Finishing

1. Weave in Ends: Using your tapestry needle, carefully weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the work. Make sure to secure them well so they don't unravel with wear.
2. Block Gently: To shape your mitts and even out the stitches, gently block them. Wet block by soaking in lukewarm water with a mild wool wash, then gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring!). Lay flat on a towel and shape to the correct dimensions. Allow to dry completely.
3. Repeat: Make a second mitt following the same instructions.

Tips for Success

• Mark Your Rows: Use a stitch marker or row counter to keep track of your cable pattern rows – it's easy to lose your place!
• Check Your Gauge: If your gauge is off, your mitts may be too tight or too loose. Adjust needle size accordingly.
• Practice Cables: If you're new to cabling, practice on a swatch first. Remember: C4B means the cable needle goes to the back, C4F means it goes to the front.
• Customize Colors: Feel free to experiment with different color combinations – these mitts look gorgeous in any palette!

These Orchard Mitts are the perfect autumn project – cozy, stylish, and practical. The combination of cables and seasonal colors makes them a joy to knit and wear. Whether you're treating yourself or gifting to a loved one, these handcrafted mitts will bring warmth and beauty to any crisp fall day. Happy knitting!