Perfect fit mittens and thumb gusset

Mittens with a thumb gusset are more fitted than the mittens without a gusset. The triangle shaped gusset makes the hand wider below the thumb. When the stitches of the gusset are separated for the thumb, the hand usually has the same amount of stitches as the cuff in the beginning. This makes the mitten comfortable to wear. In this post I learn you an easy way to knit thumb gusset for mittens.

How to shape thumb gusset?

Work with dpn’s. Work first the cuff in rib. Work then 1-2 cm in stockinette or any other stitch for the hand. Now start the gusset. The left-hand gusset in worked at the end II needle. The right-hand gusset is worked at the beginning of III needle. The gusset is placed 1 sts from the side. Separate off 2 sts for the gusset and place markers. In some designs base of gusset has only 1 sts or it can have 3 sts. This doesn’t really matter; the process is the same anyway. The gusset is shaped through paired increases every alternating round. Read below the instructions how.

Pattern thumb gusset, left mitten

• Round 1: Knit to last 3 sts on II needle, yo, k2, yo, k1. Knit one round and knit the yarn overs twisted.
• Round 3: Knit to last 5 sts on II needle, yo, k4, yo, k1. Knit one round and knit the yarn overs twisted.
• Repeat increasing stitches this way every alternating round. When the gusset has 20 sts, slip those sts on scrap yarn or stitch holder. (Right amount of stitches for the gusset depends on the weight of your yarn and the gauge. 20 sts is perfect for DK weight yarn, gauge 22 sts = 4”. If you work with lighter yarn, continue increasing until the gusset reaches the base of your thumb.)
• Cast on 2 new sts and knit the last sts on II needle. Work the hand ready according your pattern.
• Thumb: Place 20 held sts on needles. Knit across these sts, then pick up and knit 4 sts from the base of the thumb. =24 sts. Distribute sts on 3 dpn’s and work the thumb in rounds. Knit 1 round. Decrease 2 sts at the base of the thumb: ssk, k2tog. Knit 2 rounds and decrease at the same place: sk2p. If the thumb feels too wide, knit 2 rounds and repeat sk2p one time more. Work the thumb ready according your pattern.

Kide

Kide Mittens

Kide mittens have exceptionally well-fitting shape. The top of hand is wider than the cuff below the gusset. The Kide-patterns continues seamless above the thumb. I had quite a few changes to make the pattern, gusset and right amount of stitches match. But I made it. And I like the result. The mittens have the same stitch pattern as Kide beanie. Together they make a nice set for chilly spring weather.

Kide fingerless mittens is a small one-skein knitting project. You can make one pair of aprox. 135 yds yarn. I used DK weight alpaca yarn Teetee Tundra, sold by teetee Shop. This is a soft sock yarn with 25% PA included. Merino wool or brushed alpaca are good alternatives.

The pattern of Kide mittens is now released and available in my Ravelry store Piia Maria Designs. The mittens feature ribbed cuffs, gusseted thumbs and special stitch pattern called Kide. This pattern is worked bottom up, beginning at wrist cuff and finished at fingers near the knuckle. The pattern of Kide beanie was released earlier.

Wish you all warm hands and happy knitting,

Piia Maria