Last updated on December 26th, 2022 at 01:58 pm
These traditional two needle mittens work up quickly and suit everyone from child to adult. Use up your yarn stash and knit a pair of mittens in a different color for everyone in the family.
Basic Two Needle Mitten Pattern
Sizes: small child, medium child, large child, adult
Materials:
- #5 and #7 needles
- 200 yards of worsted weight yarn
- 1 stitch holder
- 2 stitch markers
- tapestry needle
Gauge: 5 sts = 1″ on #7 needles
Two Needle Mittens
Knitting Pattern Instructions:
Cuff: With smaller needles, loosely cast on 24(28-32-36)sts. Work *K1, P1,* ribbing until piece measures 2 1/2 (3 1/2, 4, 4 1/2)”. Change to larger needle.
Hand: Row 1 (right side): K2, inc in next st, K to last 3 sts inc in next st, K2. Row 2 Purl. Continue working in SS until piece measures 1″ (1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2″) from end of ribbing, ending with a P row. For the last 3 sizes only Work 2 more rows. (SS)
Thumb Gusset: Row 1: K12 (14-16-18), place marker on needle; inc in each of next 2 sts, place marker on needle: K12 (14-16-18) sts. Row 2: and all even rows Purl. Row 3: K to marker, sl marker, inc in next st; K to st before next marker, inc in next st, sl marker, K to end. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until there are 8 (10-12-14) sts between the markers; end by working Row 2.
Divide for Thumb: K12 (14-16-18), drop marker; K8 (10-12-14)sts for thumb, and then place thumb sts on holder; K 12 (14-16-18) Work even in SS until work measures 4″ (5 1/2 -6-7″) from start of Hand, ending by working a purl row.
Top Shaping: Row 1: *K2, K2tog; rep from* across. Row 2: Purl. Row 3: *K1, K2tog, rep from * Row 4: Purl. Row 5: K2tog across; break yarn, leaving 18″ end. Thread yarn into tapestry needle, run needle through remaining sts. Slip sts off needle, pull yarn up tightly and fasten securely. leave yarn for sewing.
Thumb: Sl sts from holder to needle, purl one row. Work even in SS until thumb measures 1 1/4 ( 1 3/4-2-2 1/4″) ending with a purl row. Next Row: K2 tog, rep across row cut yarn leaving 12″ end finished the same as above. Fold mitten and sew seams.
Editor’s Notes:
These are just like the mittens that I remember my mother knitting for me as a child. Although she also made striped mittens on double pointed needles as well.
When I was very young, the two mittens were often attached by a long chain of yarn that allowed the mittens to be fed through the arms of my winter coat so that one, or the other, wouldn’t get lost if I took one off.
Does anyone else remember this? I’d love to hear your comments and memories!
If I was lucky, I’d get to choose what color yarn she used, although sometimes it wasn’t up for debate as my mum often unraveled old sweaters or other knits to reuse the yarn.
About the Contributor: Spinayarn.com is a family-owned yarn shop located in Edmonds WA, U.S.A.
Pat says
I love this pattern, but I can’t decide how to sew them together. How do you do it?
Jane Lake says
That’s hard to describe, Pat. I like the seams to meet tidily and securely. I tend to sew under the top thread of the right side then under the top thread that is just above it on the left side, and so on, checking my work frequently to make sure the seams lay flat.
Rose A Fixel says
I have been searching for this pattern for years. I learned on 2 needles as a child and always thought the thumb directions were best. Thank you!
Jane Lake says
Rose,
Your comment made my day! That’s how I learned to knit as child too. Smile.
Roberta says
Could you please send me a copy of the pattern for the 2 needle mittens? Really appreciate it and thanks Roberta
Jane Lake says
Roberta, the complete pattern for two needle mittens is on this page. You don’t need any other instructions because it is all here for you already!
Roberta says
Thank you so much
Jane Lake says
You are most welcome, Roberta. I’m just tickled pink when someone uses this pattern. When I see hand knitted mittens on someone when I’m out shopping, I sometimes wonder if the knitter used this pattern. I will probably never know, although I’ve had similar things happen with other crafts and patterns on my site. It’s a small world!
Biddy says
Mittens were the first things I was taught to knit and they were in fairisle I was so proud of them but unfortunately was not told how to weave in the colours so inside were a load of loops but did nt stop me wearing them
Jane Lake says
Biddy, your story made me smile so much! If you’re still reading mitten patterns like this one, then your very first pair surely got your hooked (even if the loops were hidden)!
Grace Alexander says
I have been knitting 2 needle mittens since I was 4. I always begin my thumb with markers and m1s I think it gives a better shaped thumb, anyway it’s how my mum taught me. I have never tried 4 needle ones, I never got the point.
Jane Lake says
I will have to try that. Thank you for the tip!
carolyn r wood says
Do I knit the same mitten twice as I see there are only instructions for one.
Jo says
Happy memories of mittens on a string but not for my husband who got stuck in the doors of the bus when he got off and was dragged along until the bus driver was alerted to his distress!!
Will be knitting these mitts for my daughter’s girlfriend with a note warning her of the dangers of getting off the bus!!
Jane Lake says
I had replied here but see it didn’t publish. Sorry about that!
Your bus story is scary! But I’m glad to hear you’ll be making this pattern. They are a lovely gift for anyone.
Karen says
My grandmother knit a basket full of single mittens of various sizes, all battleship gray. if you lost one, you simply grabbed another from the basket. no strings attached!
Jane Lake says
I LOVE this idea! Such a wonderful family memory and so practical too!
Pauline says
What does ss mean in these mittens.
Jane Lake says
Hi, Pauline, SS is short for stocking stitch or stockinette stitch which means alternating rows of plain knitting rows with purl rows.
Julie says
It depends on the size you are making.