The Wonderland Whorl Mitts: A Free Knitting Pattern for Twisted-Stitch Fingerless Gloves

Introduction: Step Into a Storybook with the Wonderland Whorl Mitts

Inspired by the whimsical, topsy-turvy world of Alice, these mitts feature a mesmerizing, spiraling twisted-stitch pattern that evokes the Queen's croquet grounds and the Cheshire Cat's grin. Knit in a soft, heathered yarn, they are a cozy, modern accessory with a storybook soul. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick, satisfying project or a confident beginner ready to tackle twisted stitches, this free pattern will guide you through creating a pair of fingerless gloves that are as delightful to make as they are to wear. The dense, textured fabric is not only beautiful but also wonderfully warm, making these mitts a perfect companion for crisp autumn days or chilly winter evenings.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. The exact yarn and needle sizes are crucial for achieving the correct gauge and the beautiful, defined twisted stitches.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Malabrigo Rios in 'Diana' or a similar heathered purple/teal/green), approximately 200 yards. A heathered or semi-solid yarn will best showcase the texture.
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (or a circular needle long enough for the magic loop method). The smaller needles are for the ribbing, the larger for the main pattern.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 2), cable needle (or a spare double-pointed needle), stitch holder or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles (US 7), after blocking. Taking the time to check your gauge is essential for a perfect fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for two sizes: S/M (M/L). Instructions for the larger size are in parentheses. The mitts are worked from the cuff up, in the round. The twisted stitch pattern creates a dense, warm fabric with excellent stretch.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• m1L = make one left (increase)
• m1R = make one right (increase)
• C4F = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, k2, k2 from cable needle
• C4B = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, k2, k2 from cable needle
• Tw2R = knit into the front of the second stitch on left needle, then knit the first stitch, slip both off together (right-leaning twist)
• Tw2L = knit into the back of the second stitch on left needle, then knit the first stitch, slip both off together (left-leaning twist)

Cuff

1. With smaller needles (US 6), cast on 36 (40) stitches. Distribute stitches evenly across your double-pointed needles or prepare for magic loop. Join to work in the round, being very careful not to twist the cast-on edge.
2. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 1.5 inches. This creates a snug, stretchy cuff.

Hand

1. Switch to larger needles (US 7).
2. Set-up Round: Knit all stitches around. This prepares the fabric for the twisted stitch pattern.

Begin Twisted Stitch Pattern

The pattern is a 10-round repeat. Work these rounds carefully, paying close attention to the twists. The "p2" sections create the background columns.

• Round 1: *Tw2R, k2, Tw2L, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 2: *k4, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 3: *k1, Tw2R, Tw2L, k1, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 4: *k4, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 5: *k2, Tw2R, k2, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 6: *k4, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 7: *k1, Tw2L, Tw2R, k1, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 8: *k4, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 9: *Tw2L, k2, Tw2R, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Round 10: *k4, p2; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rounds 1-10 until the piece measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Round 10.

Thumb Gusset

We will now create the thumb opening by increasing stitches on one side. The "back of hand" is the first half of the stitches, and the "palm" is the second half.

1. Next Round (Increase Round): Work in pattern across the first 18 (20) stitches (back of hand), place marker (pm), m1R, k1, m1L, place marker (pm), work in pattern across the remaining 18 (20) stitches (palm). You now have 3 stitches between the markers.
2. Continue in the established pattern, increasing every other round as follows:
   • Increase Round: Work in pattern to the first marker, slip marker (sm), m1R, knit to the next marker, m1L, sm, work in pattern to end.
   • Even Round: Work one round even in pattern (knit the knits, purl the purls, and work the twists as they appear).
3. Repeat these two rounds until there are 13 (15) stitches between the markers. This is your thumb gusset.

Separate Thumb

1. Work in pattern to the first marker, remove the marker.
2. Place the 13 (15) thumb stitches onto a stitch holder or a length of waste yarn. Remove the second marker.
3. Using the backward loop method, cast on 1 stitch to bridge the gap.
4. Work in pattern to the end of the round. You should now have 36 (40) stitches total again.

Continue Hand

1. Work even in the established twisted stitch pattern (Rounds 1-10) until the piece measures 6 (6.5) inches from the cast-on edge, or until it reaches the desired length to the base of your fingers. End with a Round 10.

Finger Edging

1. Switch back to smaller needles (US 6).
2. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 0.5 inches.
3. Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knit stitches, purl the purl stitches). A loose bind-off ensures the edge is stretchy enough to fit over your hand.

Thumb

1. Place the 13 (15) thumb stitches from the holder onto your larger needles (US 7).
2. Pick up and knit 2 stitches from the cast-on gap at the base of the thumb. You now have 15 (17) stitches.
3. Knit 1 round even (all stitches knit).
4. Switch to smaller needles (US 6) and work in k2, p2 ribbing for 0.5 inches.
5. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends securely using a tapestry needle.
2. Block the mitts gently. Wet blocking or steam blocking will help open up the twisted stitches, making the pattern more defined and the fabric more even. Lay flat to dry.

Congratulations! You've created a pair of Wonderland Whorl Mitts. Wear them with a touch of whimsy and a whole lot of handmade warmth.