Slip Stitch Mittens Free Pattern – A Knitted Frosted Berry Garden
Slip Stitch Mittens Free Pattern – A Knitted Frosted Berry Garden
Wrap your hands in the cozy embrace of these slip stitch mittens, where a delicate mosaic of frosted berries and cream unfolds across a deep plum canvas. This pattern offers a modern twist on a classic technique, creating a richly textured fabric that is as warm as it is beautiful. The slip stitch pattern not only looks intricate but also creates a dense, insulating fabric—perfect for chilly winter days. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, these mittens are a rewarding project that will keep your hands toasty and stylish all season long.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
- Main Color (MC) – Deep Plum (approx. 180 yards)
- Contrast Color (CC) – Cream (approx. 120 yards)
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (or circular for magic loop), plus a spare needle for grafting.
- Notions: Stitch markers, waste yarn or stitch holder, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
Gauge
22 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. For the slip stitch pattern, gauge may vary slightly; aim for a snug fit. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your mittens fit perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in the round from the cuff up. The slip stitch pattern creates a dense, warm fabric. Read all instructions before beginning.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit two together
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, then knit them together through back loops)
- MC = Main Color (Deep Plum)
- CC = Contrast Color (Cream)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- sl = slip stitch purlwise
- wyif = with yarn in front
- wyib = with yarn in back
- kfb = knit front and back (increase one stitch)
Cuff
With MC, cast on 40 stitches. Distribute evenly over 3 or 4 needles (or use magic loop). Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 12 rounds. This creates a neat, stretchy cuff that will keep your wrists warm and snug.
Slip Stitch Pattern Body
Switch to working the slip stitch pattern. The pattern is a 4-round repeat, worked over an even number of stitches. This is where the magic happens—the slipped stitches create the beautiful mosaic effect.
- Rnd 1 (MC): Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 2 (CC): *Sl 1 wyif, k1; repeat from * to end.
- Rnd 3 (MC): Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 4 (CC): *K1, sl 1 wyif; repeat from * to end.
Repeat these 4 rounds until the piece measures approximately 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a Rnd 4 (CC). The alternating slipped stitches will create a dense, woven texture that traps warmth effectively.
Thumb Gusset
Continue in the slip stitch pattern, but begin increasing for the thumb gusset. Place a marker after the first 2 stitches of the round (these will be the thumb stitches).
- Increase Rnd (MC): Work in pattern to marker, kfb (knit front and back) into the first stitch after marker, knit to last stitch before marker, kfb into last stitch before marker, work in pattern to end. (2 stitches increased)
- Work 3 rounds in pattern without increasing.
Repeat the increase round every 4th round until you have 12 stitches between the markers (the thumb gusset). Work even in pattern until the gusset measures 2.5 inches from the last increase. The increases are placed symmetrically to create a comfortable, anatomical thumb fit.
Separate Thumb
On the next round, work in pattern to the first marker. Slip the 12 gusset stitches onto a waste yarn or stitch holder. Using the backward loop method, cast on 2 stitches over the gap. Continue in pattern to end of round. You now have 42 stitches for the hand. The backward loop cast-on bridges the gap neatly, preventing holes at the thumb base.
Hand
Continue in the slip stitch pattern (4-round repeat) until the hand measures 2 inches less than the desired total length (typically about 4.5 inches from the thumb separation). End after a Rnd 4 (CC). This ensures the mitten fits snugly without being too long.
Decreases for Top
Switch to MC only. Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for the decreases. This creates a smooth, rounded top that tapers gracefully.
- Rnd 1: *K2tog, k17; repeat from * to end. (38 sts)
- Rnd 2: *K2tog, k16; repeat from * to end. (34 sts)
- Rnd 3: *K2tog, k15; repeat from * to end. (30 sts)
- Rnd 4: *K2tog, k14; repeat from * to end. (26 sts)
- Rnd 5: *K2tog, k13; repeat from * to end. (22 sts)
- Rnd 6: *K2tog, k12; repeat from * to end. (18 sts)
- Rnd 7: *K2tog, k11; repeat from * to end. (14 sts)
- Rnd 8: *K2tog, k10; repeat from * to end. (10 sts)
- Rnd 9: *K2tog; repeat from * to end. (5 sts)
Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in end. The gradual decreases create a smooth, rounded crown without any puckering.
Thumb
Place the 12 gusset stitches back onto needles. With MC, pick up and knit 2 stitches from the cast-on edge at the base of the thumb, plus 1 stitch on each side to avoid holes (total 16 stitches). Join in the round. The extra picked-up stitches ensure a seamless transition between the hand and thumb.
Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 2 inches, or until the thumb reaches the base of your thumbnail. This length provides comfortable coverage without being bulky.
Decrease for Thumb Top
- Rnd 1: *K2tog, k2; repeat from * to end. (12 sts)
- Rnd 2: *K2tog, k1; repeat from * to end. (8 sts)
- Rnd 3: *K2tog; repeat from * to end. (4 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in end. The thumb decreases are quick and clean, creating a neat, rounded tip.
Finishing
Weave in all loose ends. Block gently by soaking in lukewarm water and laying flat to dry. This relaxes the stitches and evens out the slip stitch pattern, giving your mittens a professional finish. Repeat the entire process for the second mitten, making sure to mirror the thumb gusset placement (place marker after the last 2 stitches of the round instead of the first 2). This ensures you have a left and right mitten that fit both hands perfectly.
These slip stitch mittens are a joy to knit and even more delightful to wear. The combination of deep plum and cream creates a sophisticated, berry-inspired design that pairs beautifully with any winter coat. The dense slip stitch fabric provides exceptional warmth, making these mittens your new cold-weather essential. Happy knitting!
