In addition to knitting and designing patterns, handspinning has found a place in my crafty endeavors. Often, I’m drawn to a colorway or fiber and spin just 1 skein. As I add special single skeins to my stash, I am working on adding special single skein designs to my knitwear design portfolio. Enter SMALL POTATOES FINGERLESS MITTS! This accessory is designed with DK weight handspun yarn in mind. A ribbed and textured pattern accommodates variation in yarn weight, and the circumference shows off color shifts beautifully. If you take care when weaving in your ends, these fingerless mitts are totally reversible. Wear them inside out and on either hand. Directions are provided for both right and left mitts to mirror the textured panel.
Find full gallery images here.
YARN
2-ply handspun yarn, approximately 15-16 WPI (wraps per inch), or DK weight wool or wool blend, 1 skein / 1 4 oz braid.
Sample shown in Size 1, 2-ply fractal handspun, 100% Falkland by Into the Whirled www.intothewhirled.com, colorway Decidedly So, 118 yd / 108 m (51 g).
Choose a DK weight wool or wool blend for a piece with a similar structure.
YARN ESTIMATE PER SIZE
136 (186) yd / 124 (170) m
59 (81) g
Estimate based on commercial DK weight yarn, 230 yd / 210 m per 100 g and includes 15% buffer.
FINISHED HAND CIRCUMFERENCE
Sizes 1 (2)
7” (8.35”) / 17.8 (21.3) cm
FINISHED LENGTH
7.5” (8”) / 19 (20) cm
Adjust length as desired by working a longer cuff or top ribbing.
GAUGE & NEEDLES
23 stitches & 32 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in body pattern
US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needle, 32” / 80 cm for magic loop or double-pointed needles or size needed to get gauge
TECHNIQUES
Knit, purl, working in the round, increasing stitches.
PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This written pattern is gender-inclusive and reversible.
EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#SmallPotatoesFingerlessMitts
Tech editing: Bronwyn HahnTest knitting: Rebecca B., Alison L., Stacey M., Sydney N., Karen P., Isa P., & Kim R.
From Allena W. / Starknits
Shana is such a fun person and I enjoy spending time with her. Her energy comes through in classes and her patterns. I love the modular knitting and how her patterns are written. I love how open to making it your own Shana is. I’ve test knit a few of her patterns and she always is down for using handspun or different yarn or adding a detail to make it specific to the knitter.
Allena was a test knitter for Semantics, Modular Coffee Cup Cozy, Shoulder Season and Split Decision Mitts.
From Leah S. – Gratitude_Knits
I first met Shana through a retreat where she taught her modular knitting technique with her modular knit case and bowl. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a class with her. Her teaching style is engaging and inclusive to all students.
I was immediately fascinated with her unique approach to design. Her patterns take techniques I’ve used in much simpler ways and make them hers in a seriously fun and unexpected way. Since the retreat, I’ve knit the modular Bento Bag and test knit the Turnover mitts. I’m looking forward to knitting one of her sweater designs. I just need to decide which one and if I have to wait to spin enough yarn for it.
Leah S. – Gratitude_Knits took a class at Super Summer Knitogether 2023. She has knit Modular Knit Cast, Modular Bento Bag, and test knit Turnover.
From Nan P.
Shana consistently produces engaging and fun to knit designs, and offers great pattern support. She is really fun to test knit for, as well. I love the playful and meditative aspects of her knits.
Nan test knit Coexist, and has knit other Shanalines Designs patterns.