Mittens?

How-to Questions
1

Hi all,

This is my first post in the forum, as I am new to knitting and to this page, which I have started loving immediately (it’s so useful!).
So far I have made a scarf in ribbing, which has gone pretty well, so now i would like to start a new project a bit more complicated.
I have been looking at patterns and I am in love with one to make mittens, it seems pretty basic so I think it will be good for a beginner like me… but after having a look at some patterns for mittens I have a question: do I need to know how to knit in the round and use circular needles if i want to knit something like a hat, mittens or socks? Or can I just knit them using regular needles?
For the moment I am just learning with usual needles and the thought of circular needles scares me!

2

Hi! Welcome to knitting help! You will find some patterns like hats and such you can knit flat. If you can, the pattern will tell you, and you just sew it up when you’re done. For the most part though, hats and mittens and such will be knit in the round. For someone who is still new to knitting, I would recommend starting with a hat if you are wanting to start knitting in the round. The reason I say this is bc getting used to knitting with circular needles and dpns can be a bit tricky. I haven’t even tried anything like mittens or socks yet, and I’ve been knitting for about 9 years now. But then again, I didn’t really get the hang of the purl stitch til about a week ago either! lol. But anyway, I hope that my advice has helped you a little. And of course, if you have any questions, feel free to ask us on here!!! Good luck!!! :slight_smile:

3

Thanks! Well, for the moment I think I’m gonna stick to the straight needles before I try the circular needles (which I had never seen ever before until a few days ago!).
This particular pattern says that I need a US 8 DPNs or circular needle of 24’’, I guess this means i can try to knit them with straight needles, but then I will have to sew them together?
It’s a bit dumb question, I know, but…

4

When a pattern tells you to use either DPNs or a circular needle, they are telling you that you can use whichever of those two methods of circular knitting. Both DPNs (Double Pointed Needles) and circular needles can be used to knit mittens in the round.

I don’t think I’ve seen a pattern for mittens that is knit flat … but I haven’t really looked for one either, so maybe someone else here on KH will know of one for you. :thumbsup:

5

First of all, there’s no such thing as a dumb question on here. We were all new to knitting at one point. Second, I wouldn’t suggest knitting a pattern straight that is meant to be knit in the round. Here, I have a pattern for a hat that can be knit straight…here it is!!! And you don’t have to put the emblem on there if you don’t want to. Good luck!!! :slight_smile:

6

What do you know? I did find a pattern for mittens that are knit flat … apparently there are lots of them! :rofl:

You could check out this oneif you like.

If you haven’t already, I would definitely recommend checking out the videos page here on KH to learn how to increase/decrease and seam before you get started. These are all very easy, so don’t worry … but it’s worth being prepared so you don’t get too frustrated with your new project! :thumbsup:

Good luck! :knitting:

7

Yes, some patterns can be knit flat. Here are some fingerless mittens that re knit flat, too -
http://store.tangleonline.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_231&products_id=989
http://21stcenturygirl.net/index.php/my-quick-and-easy-fingerless-mitten-pattern/knitting/

8

Ok, now I get it! so the double pointed needles can be used for this, I think I will try that rather than the circular needles… I will have to get myself a pair of DPNs (planning a raid to the yarn store tomorrow, hehehe!).
For the moment I am also gonna have a look at those patterns for mittens to be knitted flat, thanks a mil for your help!

9

There are a lot of mittens and gloves patterns out there, so I would look around and choose one to fit what you can do. There are patterns where you knit flat, then seam up the edges, knit in the round, etc. There’s also gusset patterns and non-gusset patterns. (The gusset is shaping worked for the thumb.) Choose what makes sense to you and you know you can do… even if it is a bit of a challenge. Also, I prefer dpns over circular. Sometimes, it’s just better to do circular but dpns typically work for anything. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure your tension is correct as you knit to the next needle. Some people tend to go too loose and end up with a hole there and some too tight and you can see those spots, as well… just not as much.