Lucky Twist Mitts

Lucky Twist Mitts is based on everything I love about the original Luckyslips Mitts pattern: the right kind of stretchy in the right places. Slip stitch ribbing is perfect for comfortably snug and warm texting mitts.

These mitts feature a mock cable accent. This entry-level “luckytwist” method is promising; see issue #65 of my newsletter, “Mock Cables for Slip Stitches). Slip stitching below the working row is the first step in creating this simple mock cable texture. Add that “luckytwist” to the stitch loop to enhance the cabled look.

Each step of the first mitt is designed as a roll out of skills in a gradual progression. There’s a complete photo tutorial for the Twisted Slip Stitch Spike Mock Cable on a printer-friendly page. Customizing tips for both Luckywomen’s and Luckymen’s sizes are included along the way for more experienced slip stitchers.

Skill Level

Advanced Intermediate. You may find it challenging to combine these three skills in this pattern: short row shaping, twisted spike stitches, and crocheting slip stitches with a consistently looser gauge. If you haven’t crocheted a project in slip stitch ribbing yet, I recommend starting with the free Eva’s Ribs Scarf (or if you’re easily bored, try a quick Bling Bam Bangle, or the free Slip Slope Scarf). The skill-building Luckyslips Mitts pattern is the ultimate introduction because it started out as a class project for slip stitch crochet beginners. Also see Slip Stitch Crochet FAQ.

I’ve kept pattern abbreviations to a minimum. UK and Australian equivalents are included with American terms.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to crochet a mock cable with twisted spike slip stitches.
• How to use the foundation row, seaming row, and turning chains in slip stitch crochet.
• How to begin and end ribbed rows, and how to count them accurately.
• How to determine the front and back of this reversible ribbing.
• How to shape slip stitch ribbing into a fitted cuff that retains its stretch.
• How to adjust both width and length of this type of fingerless glove.
• How to edge the ribbing with a Bosnian slip stitch.

Finished Dimensions

You can customize the cuff-to-finger opening length, the placement of the thumb opening, and the width across the palm; tips for doing this are indented and italicized within the pattern. Sizes are given for a luckywomen’s size with changes for the luckymen’s size in parentheses:

• Length of mitt from cuff to finger opening: 6.5 (7.5)” {16.5 (19) cm}
• Circumference of palm of mitt, unstretched: 12 (15)” {30.48 (48) cm}; nearly doubles when stretched.
• Circumference of finger opening, unstretched: 5.25 (6)” {13.3 (15.25) cm}; stretches to approximately 7 (8)” {17.75 (20.3) cm}
• Circumference of wrist cuff opening, unstretched: 5″ {12.75 cm}; nearly doubles when stretched.
• Circumference of thumb opening: 2.5 to 4″ {6.3 to 10 cm} depending on your finishing rounds.
• Distance from thumb opening to top (finger opening) of mitt: 1.25 (2)” {3.18 (5.0) cm}
• Distance from thumb opening to cuff of mitt: 3 (3.75)” {7.6 (9.5) cm}

Materials

• Crochet Hook: Size K/US10.5/6.5 mm hook or size needed for gauge.
• Yarn: Choose a #4 medium-weight wooly blend that lists a crochet hook size range from US H/8/5mm to J/10/6mm on its label. These yarns may also be referred to as Heavy Worsted, Aran, Afghan, and “Light Chunky” Weight.

Each luckywomen’s mitt takes approx. 24g of yarn, so a 100g ball should yield two pairs. Each luckymen’s mitt takes approx. 50g of yarn, so a 100g ball should be enough for one pair.

Yarn Shown for luckywomen’s light green mitts: Briggs & Little Softspun (100% Wool; 240yd/219m per 4oz/113g skein).This thick two-ply yarn feels soft, light, and sort of felted.

Yarn Shown for luckymen’s blue mitts: DesigningVashti Treat Medium-Z (discontinued; 100% Merino wool; 218yd/200m per 3.5oz/100g skein). This yarn feels like cashmere.

• Recommended: 3 stitch markers (until you can recognize the last slip stitch of each row), plus 10 for the Lucky Twist cable row.
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends.