Crocheting Mittens From The Top Down

Creating mittens has really stirred up my creative spirit.  i started with knitted mittens and transitioned to crocheted mittens.  If you read my last post, you would have noted that my designs started with the cuff and went up to the fingers.  However, as I did my research, i was excited to explore the exciting patterns that started with the fingertips and work down to the cuff. Then the thumb was added, and voila, a lovely mitten.

---

My first pattern for top down mittens was published by Ticklish Fingers.(http://ticklishfingers.blogspot.com/2013/2014/crochet-mittens-innstructions-oncluded.htm).The pattern starts with a magic circle and incorporates the double crochet stitch. I started with mittens with alternating colored rows.  The mittens were easy to make, and the resulting  product was attractive and comfortable.  Since I was working in double crochet, using worsted weight yarn, and an H (5.0mm) hook,  I was able to complete the pair in a matter of hours.  The solid burgundy and the self striping acrylic/wool Lion Brand Scarfie blend went even faster.  These mittens guard against the chill,, but  for a warmer mitten I would try a denser stitch.

Quick Crocheted Charity Mittens by Random Randi's Ramblings  (https://www.rave;y.com/patterns/libary/quick-chairty-mittens) also started with a magic circle and worked well with double crochet stitches.  The pattern calls for an H (5.0mm) hook for the body of the mitten with a G (4.0) hook for the cuff. I did not make the switch and used the H hook throughout the project. The purple and green worsted remnants from my stash were put to good use. Another remnant from Caron Latte Cakes made for warm, fuzzy, and cozy mittens. These mittens were a bit more form fitting and seemed a bit warmer. The pattern called for the thumb to be crocheted separately and then joined to the body of the mitten at the thumb hold. I reversed the directions and crocheted the thumb directly out from the thumb hole.The cuff was produced by alternating front and back double crochet post stitches.The length of the cuff actually depended on the amount of yarn I had left in the remnant. The pattern is available as a free Ravelry download and can be used for charity or personal use.

The Perfect Fit Mittens from Left in Knots (https://leftinknots.com/home/crochet-perfect-fit-mitten) differs from the first two sets of mittens, as directions call for a half double crochet stitch in the body of the mitten.  The directions do not require a separate cuff, but I chose to add the alternating front and back post stitches.  Since this stitch is a bit tighter, the mitten feels warmer. I plan to keep the black/gray Lion Brand Scarfie yarn mittens for myself.  Since there is about 20% wool in the yarn, I really like the feel of these mittens.  The heather rose and brown striped mittens were made from small discount skeins which are perfect for donating.

The Mixed Stripe Mittens Crochet Pattern (https://stitch11/com/mixed-strip-mittens-crpchet-pattern) was densest of all as it used the single crochet stitch.  When I followed the directions with the plum, pink, and blue mittens, I felt that the mittens were a bit tight.  Then I moved up to an I  (5.5mm) hook.  However, the gloves were still snug for an adult hand, and were best used for a youth or young teen.  I would even consider going up to a J (6.0mm) hook to get a looser feel.  

While most of these mittens will be donated to local charity groups,  I will probably keep the black and white Scarfie Yarn mittens for my winter accessory wardrobe..  If I make a crocheted hat, the set will work well with my black trench coat .  Of the three textures, I like the half double crochet from Left in Knots the best.  At this point, having knitted and crocheted countless mittens,I am all mittened-out for a while.  I have a couple of requests to make up before the winter holidays, but I am ready to start some other projects.

I hope that you have enjoyed the results of my research and will undertake some mittens of your own.  I  appreciate your remarks. feedback, and photos.  I welcome you to join me on my stitching journey.