How to Knit Mittens With Circular Needles

Mittens are a great beginner project for knitters of all levels, and circular needles make them even easier! This tutorial will show you how to knit a pair of mittens with circular needles, using a simple pattern that can be easily customized to your own preferences.

Materials:

- Worsted weight yarn (Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in "Charcoal" is shown)

- Size 8 (5mm) circular knitting needles

- Stitch marker

- Tapestry needle

Gauge:

4 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch

Finished Size:

One size fits most adults

Instructions:

1. Cast on 40 stitches.

Use the long-tail cast-on method to cast on 40 stitches onto your circular needles. Join the stitches into a round, being careful not to twist them.

2. Knit 1x1 ribbing for 2 inches.

Knit 1 stitch, then purl 1 stitch for 2 inches. This will create a sturdy cuff for your mittens.

3. Switch to stockinette stitch.

Knit every stitch for the remainder of the mitten.

4. Increase 8 stitches evenly around.

To increase, simply knit into the front and back of the next stitch. Repeat this 8 times, increasing evenly around the mitten. You should now have 48 stitches on your needles.

5. Knit for 5 inches.

Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for 5 inches. This will be the length of the mitten.

6. Begin decreases.

To decrease, knit 2 stitches together. Repeat this 8 times, decreasing evenly around the mitten. You should now have 40 stitches on your needles.

7. Knit for 1 inch.

Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for 1 inch. This will create a shaping for the thumb gusset.

8. Place 12 stitches on a stitch marker and leave the remaining 28 stitches on the needle.

These 12 stitches will be the thumb gusset. The remaining 28 stitches will form the palm of the mitten.

9. Pick up 8 stitches along the side of the thumb gusset.

Carefully pick up 8 stitches along the side of the thumb gusset, using your tapestry needle. This will create the side of the thumb.

10. Knit 12 stitches from the side of the thumb, then place those 12 stitches back on your stitch marker.

Knit the 12 stitches from the side of the thumb, then place them back on your stitch marker. This will create the other side of the thumb.

11. Pick up 8 stitches along the other side of the thumb gusset.

Carefully pick up 8 stitches along the other side of the thumb gusset, using your tapestry needle. This will complete the thumb.

12. Knit the remaining stitches in stockinette stitch for 2 inches.

Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for 2 inches. This will create the top of the mitten.

13. Bind off.

Bind off all of the stitches on the needles, using your preferred method.

14. Weave in ends.

Weave in any loose ends with your tapestry needle.

15. Enjoy your new mittens!

Your mittens are now complete and ready to wear!

Customization:

This basic mitten pattern can be easily customized to your own liking. Here are a few ideas:

- Use a different color of yarn.

- Add a contrasting color for the cuff or thumb gusset.

- Add a simple design, such as a stripe or a snowflake.

- Make the mittens longer or shorter, depending on your preference.

With a little creativity, you can create a pair of mittens that are both stylish and functional!