Aurora Bloom Fingerless Mitts Free Pattern – Knit a Northern Lights Dream
Aurora Bloom Fingerless Mitts Free Pattern – Knit a Northern Lights Dream
Wrap your hands in the shifting colors of the aurora with these cozy fingerless mitts, featuring a unique slipped-stitch mosaic pattern that mimics dancing light. Knit in soft, heathered yarn, they are the perfect blend of art and warmth for chilly mornings. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using simple knit and purl stitches combined with slipped stitches to create a stunning geometric design that looks far more complex than it actually is. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick weekend project or a newbie ready to try something exciting, these mitts are sure to become a favorite.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors: Color A (deep teal), Color B (soft lavender), Color C (dusty rose) – approximately 150g total. The heathered texture of the yarn enhances the mosaic effect beautifully.
- Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge).
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders or scrap yarn for the thumb stitches, stitch markers.
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the mitts fit properly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked flat from the cuff up to the fingers, then seamed. The mosaic pattern is created by slipping stitches and changing colors every 2 rows. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful pair of mitts in no time.
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
- SSK: Slip slip knit (decrease)
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Sl: Slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back (unless noted)
- MC: Main color (Color A)
- CC1: Contrast color 1 (Color B)
- CC2: Contrast color 2 (Color C)
- M1: Make one (increase) – pick up the bar between stitches and knit through the back loop
Pattern Notes
- The mitts are worked flat from the cuff to the fingers, then seamed.
- The mosaic pattern is created by slipping stitches and changing colors every 2 rows.
- Always slip stitches purlwise with yarn in back on knit rows, and yarn in front on purl rows (unless instructed otherwise). This keeps the slipped stitch loose and creates the woven effect.
- Size: One size fits most adult women (7-8 inch hand circumference).
Left Mitt
Cuff
With MC (Color A), CO 40 sts.
Row 1-10: Work K1, P1 ribbing. This creates a stretchy, snug cuff that will keep the mitts in place.
Body
Now we begin the mosaic pattern. Change colors as instructed, and remember to always slip stitches purlwise.
Switch to CC1 (Color B).
Row 11 (RS): K all sts.
Row 12 (WS): P all sts.
Switch to MC (Color A).
Row 13 (RS): K1, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, Sl 1, K2.
Row 14 (WS): P1, *Sl 1, P3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, Sl 1, P2.
Switch to CC2 (Color C).
Row 15 (RS): K3, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to last 1 st, K1.
Row 16 (WS): P3, *Sl 1, P3; repeat from * to last 1 st, P1.
Switch to MC (Color A).
Row 17 (RS): K2, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 18 (WS): P2, *Sl 1, P3; repeat from * to last 2 sts, P2.
Switch to CC1 (Color B).
Row 19 (RS): K all sts.
Row 20 (WS): P all sts.
Switch to MC (Color A).
Row 21 (RS): K1, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, Sl 1, K2.
Row 22 (WS): P1, *Sl 1, P3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, Sl 1, P2.
Switch to CC2 (Color C).
Row 23 (RS): K3, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to last 1 st, K1.
Row 24 (WS): P3, *Sl 1, P3; repeat from * to last 1 st, P1.
Switch to MC (Color A).
Row 25 (RS): K2, *Sl 1, K3; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
Row 26 (WS): P2, *Sl 1, P3; repeat from * to last 2 sts, P2.
Thumb Gusset
Now we'll add increases to create space for the thumb. Continue in the established pattern, but work the increases as described.
Row 27 (RS): Work in pattern across 20 sts, place marker, M1, K1, M1, place marker, work in pattern to end. (42 sts)
Row 28 (WS): Work in pattern across, purling the new sts.
Row 29 (RS): Work in pattern to marker, M1, K to marker, M1, work in pattern to end. (44 sts)
Row 30 (WS): Work in pattern across.
Repeat rows 29-30 two more times. (48 sts)
Separate Thumb
Next row (RS): Work in pattern to first marker, remove marker, place next 9 sts on a stitch holder, remove marker, CO 1 st, work in pattern to end. (40 sts)
Continue in pattern (without increases) until piece measures 7 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Top Edging
Switch to MC (Color A).
Row 1 (RS): K all sts.
Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
Row 3 (RS): K2tog, K to last 2 sts, SSK. (38 sts)
Row 4 (WS): P all sts.
Row 5 (RS): K2tog, K to last 2 sts, SSK. (36 sts)
Bind off loosely. This creates a gentle taper at the top of the mitt for a comfortable fit.
Thumb
Pick up 9 sts from holder, plus 1 st from the CO st at the gap = 10 sts.
Work in stockinette stitch (K RS, P WS) for 6 rows.
Next row (RS): K2tog across. (5 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure. This creates a neat, gathered thumb tip.
Finishing
Sew the side seam from the cuff up to the thumb, then continue sewing the top edge. Weave in all ends. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for a clean, invisible seam.
Right Mitt
Work same as left mitt, but mirror the thumb gusset placement: work 20 sts in pattern, place marker, M1, K1, M1, place marker, work to end. Continue as for left mitt. This ensures the thumbs are on the correct sides for each hand.
Blocking
Lightly steam block to even out stitches and enhance the mosaic pattern. Pin the mitts flat to the desired dimensions and steam gently, being careful not to flatten the texture. Allow to dry completely before wearing.
Your Aurora Bloom Fingerless Mitts are now complete! The shifting colors and geometric mosaic pattern will bring a touch of the Northern Lights to your everyday life. These mitts make wonderful gifts and are perfect for keeping your hands warm while leaving your fingers free for typing, texting, or sipping a hot cup of coffee. Enjoy your beautiful, handmade creation!