Panda Man's Paw Warmers

I know that most folks in the Northern Hemisphere aren't thinking about Winter now that Spring is here and Summer is rapidly approaching, but this would be a good time to start making some small items to set aside for next Winter!

Then there are those who will soon be starting their Winter, so this pattern will be posted right on time for them!

Either way, this is a very warm and easy mitten that I designed about two years ago. Because they're mostly garter stitch, they work up rather quickly also and we all like quick, easy and mindless knitting, don't we? Of course we do! :o)

These can be made in many sizes simply by changing the yarn and needles to get different gauges - without changing the pattern at all! I LOVE patterns like that and I thoroughly enjoy creating them, too! :o) And so, without further ado, I give you my Paw Warmers pattern! :o)


PANDA MAN'S PAW WARMERS
Copyright © 2006 by James G. Davis

Materials: 2-3 ozs sport, DK or worsted weight yarn; needles required for gauge; 2 stitch markers; stitch holder or waste yarn; tapestry needle for sewing.

Edited on 5/6/2008 to add:
Note on Needles: I used straight needles for these mittens, but if you want to do them on dpn's, just cast on 2 less sts and work the cuff adding the 2 sts on the last cuff rnd. After that, just remember to purl all odd-numbered rounds (starting with rnd 17) and it should work out just fine! :o)
End of edit.

NOTES:
* Size is determined by Gauge - use whatever size needles and yarn you require to obtain gauge for desired mitten size.
* Odd numbered rows (1, 5, 17, etc) are Wrong Side of mitten
* Beginning with Row 17, ALL Wrong Side (odd numbered) rows will be: K across.
* M1 (Make 1): make backward e-loop on RH needle and pull it snug (not tight)

Gauge ................ Approx. Mitten Size
6 sts = 1" ................ 4 - 6 year old
5.5 sts = 1" ............. 7 - 10 year old
5 sts = 1" ................ 11 - 13 year old
4.5 sts = 1" ............. teenager
4 sts = 1" ................ large teen - med adult

Cast On 34 sts using long-tail cast on

Rows 1 - 16: Work K2, P2 ribbing (34 sts)
Rows 17 - 25: K across (you will have 5 ridges on Right Side of mitten)
Row 26: K16, place marker, M1, K2, M1, place marker, K16 (36 sts)
Rows 28, 30, 32, 34, 36: K16, sl marker, M1, K to next marker, M1, sl marker, K16 (after Row 36 you will have 14 sts between markers)
Row 38: K16, remove marker, place next 14 sts on stitch holder or waste yarn, remove next marker, CO 2 sts on RH needle, K16 (34 sts)
Rows 39 - 63: K across (you will have 13 ridges above thumb opening on Right Side of mitten)
Row 64: K2, K2tog, (K7, K2tog) 3 times, K3 (30 sts)
Row 66: K2, K2tog, (K6, K2tog) 3 times, K2 (26 sts)
Row 68: K1, K2tog, (K5, K2tog) 3 times, K2 (22 sts)
Row 70: K1, K2tog, (K4, K2tog) 3 times, K1 (18 sts)
Row 72: K2tog, (K3, K2tog) 3 times, K1 (14 sts)
Row 74: K2tog across. (7 sts) Leaving long strand for sewing (about 18"), cut yarn and weave through remaining sts with tapestry needle and pull snugly.

Thumb
With Right Side of mitten facing, move the 14 sts from holder or waste yarn to needle and attach yarn.
Row 1 (Right Side): K1, M1, K across to last st, M1, K1 (16 sts)
Rows 2- 14: K across (you will have 7 ridges on Right Side of thumb)
Row 15: (K2, K2tog) across (12 sts)
Row 16: K across
Row 17: K2tog across (6 sts) Leaving long strand for sewing (about 8 - 10"), cut yarn and weave through remaining sts with tapestry needle and pull snugly.

Sew thumb seam and base of thumb as needed. Sew side seam.

Make another mitten to match. :o)