Noall'te Mittens

Noall'te Mittens by Sarah Sipe

Project Overview

The Noall'te Mittens are an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Sarah Sipe that creates either full mittens or fingerless mitts inspired by traditional Scandinavian design. The pattern draws cultural significance from the Sami people of the Arctic Scandinavian region, with "Noall'te" being the Sami word for spindle whorl. These mittens are designed to coordinate with a complementary hat pattern based on the same whorl motif, making them an excellent choice for a cohesive, culturally-inspired accessory set.

What You'll Create

This pattern produces a pair of mittens or fingerless mitts that showcase traditional Scandinavian shaping and construction. The example shown is knit in natural, undyed shades that evoke the appearance of bone whorls crafted by the Sami people, though the pattern is adaptable to any color preferences. The mittens are available in two sizes to accommodate different hand measurements.

Sizing and Fit

• Small: 8 inches (20 centimeters) circumference at upper palm
• Large: 10.5 inches (27 centimeters) circumference at upper palm

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch worked in the round. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished size and ensuring the mittens fit as intended.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Noall'te Mittens employ several intermediate-level knitting techniques that make this pattern suitable for knitters with some experience:

• Knitting in the round: The mittens are constructed circularly, creating seamless, tubular fabric
• Decreases: Strategic decreases shape the mittens and create proper fit around the hand and fingers
• Stranded colorwork from chart: Two colors are worked simultaneously using the stranded (fair isle) technique, following a charted pattern that incorporates the whorl motif
• Kitchener stitch: This grafting technique is used to seamlessly close openings and finish edges with an invisible seam

Stitches and Construction

The primary stitch used throughout the mittens is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. The stockinette base is worked in the round to maintain consistent texture. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork, where two colors are carried and worked together to create the traditional Scandinavian design elements. Decreases are strategically placed to shape the mittens from the wrist through the palm and into the fingers or mitt opening, while the Kitchener stitch provides a professional, seamless finish for closing seams and edges.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Noall'te Mittens require approximately 100 yards of yarn total, divided between two different colors. The recommended yarn is Classic Elite MountainTop Vista, a worsted-weight blend of 50% wool and 50% alpaca that provides warmth, softness, and excellent stitch definition for colorwork. Any worsted-weight yarn in two contrasting colors (referred to as color A and color B in the pattern) can be substituted if preferred.

Tools and Notions

• US size 8 (5 millimeter) needles for knitting in the round—circular needles or double-pointed needles are suitable options
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and working the Kitchener stitch
• Smooth waste yarn or stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction

Pattern Format

The Noall'te Mittens are provided as a downloadable PDF pattern, making them convenient for digital access and printing. The pattern includes abbreviations and detailed instructions to guide knitters through each step of construction.