Morningtide

Morningtide Mittens by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

Morningtide is a pair of knitted mittens designed by Becky Herrick, available in two sizes: small (7.5" / 19 cm hand circumference) and large (9.25" / 23.5 cm hand circumference). The mittens measure 8" (20.5 cm) in length from cuff to fingertip. These are warm, comforting mittens featuring a picot edge detail that adds feminine charm to the finished garment.

Construction Method

Morningtide mittens are worked from the cuff upward toward the fingers using a top-down construction approach. The design incorporates colorwork throughout, with all pattern details worked by following chart patterns. The mittens feature a thumb gusset constructed with separate charts that show both the stitches surrounding the gusset and the gusset itself, allowing for a custom fit around the thumb. A picot edge at the cuff provides decorative finishing.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Colorwork charting: The primary construction technique involves following chart patterns for all color work on the mitt body
• Thumb gusset shaping: Separate charts guide the increases and decreases needed to create a fitted thumb opening
• Picot edge: A decorative picot detail finishes the cuff edge
• Marker placement: Stitch markers are used to track the thumb gusset increases

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Harrisville Designs New England Shetland yarn, a 100% wool fiber with approximately 217 yards per 50 gram skein. The colorway shown uses two colors: MC (Main Color) Toffee and CC (Contrasting Color) Blackberry, with 1 skein of each color required. Yardage requirements are MC: 144 yards (small) or 180 yards (large); CC: 93 yards (small) or 116 yards (large).

Needles, Gauge, and Notions

The mittens are worked on US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles (or the size needed to obtain proper gauge). The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 32 rows per 4" (10 cm) square when working the colorwork chart pattern. Because Shetland yarn benefits from blocking, swatching and blocking your gauge swatch before beginning is essential for accurate sizing.

Additional notions required include 2 stitch markers for tracking the thumb gusset shaping, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scrap yarn or a stitch holder for temporarily holding stitches.

Difficulty Level

Morningtide is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. The colorwork charting, thumb gusset construction, and need for precise gauge make this pattern suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic stockinette stitch projects.