Wolfeboro Mittens and Hat

Wolfeboro Mittens and Hat by ML Egan

Overview

The Wolfeboro collection features a coordinated set of adult mittens and matching hat designed by ML Egan. Both pieces showcase stranded colorwork knitting techniques, creating sophisticated two-color patterns. This advanced-level knitting project combines classic mitten construction with hat design, both worked in DK or light worsted weight wool.

Wolfeboro Mittens

What is Being Made: Adult mittens with a finished palm circumference of 8 inches (21cm) and length of 8 inches (21cm). The mittens feature stranded colorwork patterning worked across the hand and cuff.

Techniques Used: Stranded colorwork knitting is the primary technique, requiring the knitter to work with two colors simultaneously while maintaining even tension. This advanced method creates intricate two-color patterns throughout the mittens. The mittens are constructed in the round using circular needles, a standard approach for seamless mitten construction.

Stitches Used: The pattern employs stockinette stitch as the foundation, with stranded colorwork stitches creating the decorative patterning. The gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10cm) when worked in stranded colorwork with the larger needle size.

Materials: DK or light worsted weight wool yarn in two colors is required. Approximately 100 yards of Color A (dark) and 60 yards of Color B (light) are needed. The project uses Nash Island Light, a 100% wild Maine wool yarn with a yardage of 175 yards per 4 ounces. One skein each of Osier (Color A, dark) and Sea Smoke (Color B, light) is specified. Needles required include US 4/3.5mm 16-inch circular needles and US 6/4mm set of four double-pointed needles, with needle size adjustments available as needed.

Wolfeboro Hat

What is Being Made: An adult hat with a finished diameter of 20 inches (51cm). The hat is designed to coordinate with the mittens and features matching stranded colorwork patterning.

Techniques Used: Like the mittens, the hat employs stranded colorwork knitting as its primary technique. The two-color pattern is worked in the round, requiring the knitter to manage multiple colors while maintaining consistent tension throughout the crown and body of the hat.

Stitches Used: The hat is constructed using stockinette stitch as the base fabric, with stranded colorwork stitches creating the visual pattern. The gauge matches the mittens at 24 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10cm) when worked in stranded colorwork with the larger needle size.

Materials: DK or light worsted weight wool yarn in two colors is required. Approximately 95 yards of Color A (dark) and 65 yards of Color B (light) are needed. The hat also uses Nash Island Light 100% wild Maine wool yarn. One skein each of Osier (Color A, dark) and Sea Smoke (Color B, light) is specified. Needles required include US 6/4.0mm 16-inch circular needles and set of four double-pointed needles, with adjustments available as needed.

About Stranded Colorwork

Stranded colorwork, also known as Fair Isle knitting, is an advanced knitting technique where two colors of yarn are carried across the back of the work while stitches are formed with the working color. This method creates intricate patterns and requires careful tension management to ensure the floats (strands of yarn carried across the back) are neither too tight nor too loose. Proper tension prevents puckering and ensures the finished garment maintains its intended shape and drape.

Design Details

Both the Wolfeboro mittens and hat feature coordinating stranded colorwork designs that allow knitters to create a cohesive winter accessory set. The use of Nash Island Light wild Maine wool provides warmth and durability suitable for cold weather wear. The color combination of Osier (dark) and Sea Smoke (light) creates a sophisticated palette for the finished pieces.