Mittens (small and Med/Lrg) ~ Addi, Sentro, Circular Knitting

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of knitting cozy mittens using Addi or Sentro circular knitting machines. You'll learn how to create both small and medium/large sizes, following a straightforward pattern. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter, these mittens are a warm addition to your winter wardrobe.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start knitting, ensure you have the following materials ready:

• Yarn: Choose a warm and cozy yarn suitable for mittens.
• Knitting Machine: An Addi or Sentro circular knitting machine.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Stitch Markers: Optional, for marking important points in your pattern.

Step 2: Set Up Your Knitting Machine

Follow these steps to prepare your knitting machine:

1. Thread the Yarn:

   • Make sure the yarn is securely threaded through the machine.
   • Check for any tangles or knots in the yarn.

2. Select the Gauge:

   • Choose the appropriate gauge setting for your machine based on the yarn thickness.

3. Cast On:

   • Use the cast-on method appropriate for your machine.
   • For medium/large mittens, cast on approximately 40-50 stitches.

Step 3: Knit the Cuff

The cuff adds a nice finish to your mittens. Here’s how to create it:

1. Knit a Ribbing Pattern:
   • Alternate between knit and purl stitches for about 5-6 rows to create a stretchy cuff.
   • Use a duplicate stitch technique if you want to add designs. You can watch this tutorial for the duplicate stitch: Duplicate Stitch Tutorial.

Step 4: Create the Body of the Mitten

Now, let’s move on to the main part of the mitten:

1. Knit the Main Part:

   • Continue knitting in a stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the piece measures around 8-9 inches for medium/large mittens.

2. Shaping the Top:

   • To shape the top of the mitten, begin decreasing stitches every few rows as follows:
     • Row 1: Decrease by 2 stitches.
     • Row 2: Knit straight.
     • Repeat these rows until you have about 10 stitches remaining.

Step 5: Finish the Mitten

Complete your mitten with these final steps:

1. Bind Off:

   • Use a stretchy bind-off method to ensure the top of the mitten is comfortable.
   • Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.

2. Weave in Ends:

   • Use the tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends from the cast-on and bind-off.

Step 6: Create the Second Mitten

Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the second mitten, ensuring to mirror any design elements or stitch counts for consistency.

Conclusion

You have now completed your cozy knitted mittens! Enjoy wearing them or giving them as gifts. If you're interested in adding personal designs, consider experimenting with colors and patterns as you become more comfortable with the process. Happy Knitting!