Cozy and practical hand-knit mittens are the best way to warm up those chilly fingers. And with everyone in need of a reliable pair of mittens, there’s no better time to start knitting!
In this handpicked collection, we’ll share the best free mitten patterns to keep you and your loved ones cozy all winter long. From simple, thumbless baby mittens to more complex cable designs, you’ll find a variety of designs suitable for every size and skill level.
Mitten Knitting Patterns
Anyone who’s ever slipped their hands into a pair of warm mittens on a snowy day understands the charm of cozy hand-knit mittens! Whether crunching through freshly fallen snow, hiking in the woods, or cheering at a crisp fall football game, mittens are the perfect accessory to keep your fingers snug and warm.
In the pattern collection below, you’ll find mitten patterns for babies, mittens for toddlers and children, and mitten knitting patterns for adults, too! Craft a set for your entire family or create thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Plus, mittens make fantastic items for fall and winter craft shows.
21 Free Mitten Knitting Patterns
Enjoy these free mitten knitting patterns for your next project!
The World’s Simplest Mittens
First time knitting mittens? No worries! This free, easy mitten pattern walks you through each step of the way. It’s knit from cuff to fingertip and is available in five different sizes, from toddler to adult large.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: SweetGeorgia Superwash Worsted
Arched Gusset Mittens
You guessed it - these mittens feature a unique arched gusset. This simple pattern will quickly become well-loved whether you’re playing in the snow or going for a hike. These mittens are available in five different sizes.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Knitting Yarn
Comfy Gusset Mittens
With a wide gusset, these comfy mittens won’t pull on the thumb. The ribbed wrist will keep them snugly on your hands, giving you toasty warm fingers no matter what the day brings!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220
Sydänmaa Mittens
These cable-knit mittens make a beautiful pattern for intermediate knitters. Choose your favorite solid to match your winter gear, and watch the gorgeous cable design come to life! Charts are included with the written instructions.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220
Easy Mittens with Thrums
Thrums are cozy pieces of roving that are worked into the yarn of your mittens. The thrums provide extra warmth inside your mittens, keeping your hands warm even on those extra cold days! This pattern will walk you through the steps and tips you’ll need to make and knit with your thrums.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Plymouth Yarn Galway Worsted
Bernat Family Mittens
Keep the whole family warm this winter with this set of family mittens! Make everyone their own color, or make matching mittens for each person. This easy mitten pattern is offered in five sizes, so there’s a fit for everyone.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Super Value Yarn
Tiilda Mittens
These mittens are peaceful to knit and perfect to wear on those quiet, snowy days. In this pattern, you’ll find written instruction as well as a cable chart. This is a lovely pattern for intermediate knitters or those who have cable knitting experience.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Deramores Vintage Chunky
Twisted Rib Hat + Mittens
If you want a matching set, check out this beautiful ribbed hat and mittens combo pattern! Both patterns are available for babies/toddlers all the way up through size adult large. Make your hat and mittens the same color, or mix and match with coordinating shades!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Cashmere Merino Bloom
Minky Mittens
These warm, thick mittens are made with a slip stitch pattern that creates a celebration of color! There are endless variations of amazing color patterns you can make with these fun mittens. This design is available for toddlers through size adult large.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220
Cruiser
Named after a downhill ski slope, these Cruiser mittens are excellent for outdoor adventures! They’re fairly quick to make and would be ideal for gift-giving. These mittens are available in three different sizes.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Extra
Northbound Mitts
These textured mittens are worked from the bottom up. Although they feature a unique pattern, no cabling is required to make this beautiful design. If you’re not familiar with the kitchener stitch, you’ll want to learn it before getting started.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Autumn and Indigo Fibers Classic Sport
Bromont Mitts
Best for intermediate to advanced knitters, this colorwork pattern is one that will be treasured and loved for many years to come! They’re available in two sizes. Don’t forget to check out the matching hat pattern, too!
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: West Wool Bicycle
Padded Mittens
Made with a slip-stitch pattern, these padded, squishy mittens are like wearing a hug on your hands! They’re knit in the round and turn out just beautifully whether you choose a solid or variegated yarn. To modify the size, simply adjust your needle size and yarn weight.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Knitting Yarn
Movie Night Mittens
Made using the checkerboard pattern, these mittens are a quick project that you can work on while relaxing with a movie. Bring color and joy to the winter season with these vibrant mittens!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220
Hely
Does this detailed design remind you of falling snow? Made with easy-stranded colorwork, an arched thumb gusset, and a round tip, these mittens will have you excited for the beauty of winter!
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Tukuwool Fingering
Classic Cabled Hat & Mittens
Made with bulky roving yarn, this hat and mitten combo is incredibly soft and cozy! If you want to brush up on the techniques used in these patterns, be sure to check out the helpful “tips and tricks” video that’s included! These beautiful patterns are designed in size women’s medium.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Roving Yarn
Seed Stitch Mittens
These comfortable mittens are not only squishy and unique, but they’re easy, too! They’re knit in the round using super bulky yarn, which helps them to knit up quickly. If you know the seed stitch, you’re ready to get started on this lovely mitten pattern.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Snow'ver It Mittens
Celebrate the snow with these snowflake mittens! Make them each a different color or create a matching pair. A chart is included for the colorwork snowflake design.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Quince & Co. Puffin
Teeny-tiny Knit Mitts
These thumbless mittens are a sweet baby gift, and they’re perfect for using up scrap yarn, too! Plus, their small size and simple pattern style make them a quick project. If you want, add a cord to keep babies from losing a mitten!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Woolen Boon Boon DK
Darling Children’s Mittens
These vintage children’s mittens are offered in three different children’s sizes. For the best fit, you’ll want to measure the child’s hand before choosing a size. This pattern is ideal for intermediate knitters.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Palette
Bella's Mittens
Inspired by the Twilight Movies, these mittens are bulky and cozy. They’re extra long for keeping wrists warm and the snow out. You’ll want to be familiar with cable knitting in order to make this pattern.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns 109 LE Bulky
Are these patterns beginner friendly?
Don’t worry if you’re new to knitting – you don’t need to be a pro to create a beautiful pair of mittens. As long as you’re familiar with basic stitches, increasing and decreasing, and knitting in the round, you’re ready to try a simple mitten pattern.
A few of the best beginner patterns in this list include The World’s Simplest Mittens (#1), Bernat Family Mittens (#6), and Teeny-Tiny Knit Mitts (#19).
For more experienced knitters seeking a challenge, try one of the patterns with intricate colorwork and cables. There’s truly something for everyone in this fantastic assortment of mitten knitting patterns.
Mitten Knitting Supplies
Here are some supplies that you’ll need to knit your mittens:
- Yarn
- Knitting needles (DPNs or circular needles are most often used for knitting mittens)
- Other notions (stitch markers, scissors, yarn needle, etc.)
What is the best yarn for knitting mittens?
Knitting with superwash wool is an excellent choice if you plan on using mittens in snow and winter weather. Wool is warm, wicks away moisture from the skin, and resists felting. On the contrary, acrylic and cotton yarns will get wet and stay wet, so avoid these choices if you think your mittens may be in the snow.
Plus, superwash yarns allow you to wash your mittens easily if they get dirty. In most cases, you can launder superwash yarns in a gentle washing machine cycle.
Tips for Successful Mitten Knitting
Choose the right pattern for your skill level.
Within the list below, you’ll find mitten patterns for a variety of skill levels. If you’re newer to knitting, you’ll want to look for a pattern that only requires basic stitches. Starting with a smaller, child-size pair of mittens may also be less intimidating than an adult size.
If you’re a knitting beginner, avoid cable-knit mittens and colorwork. Using a variegated yarn is a great way to add extra color to your mittens without having to worry about changing yarns.
Make sure you understand the necessary stitches and techniques.
It’s always a good idea to read through your pattern before getting started. Make sure that you’re familiar with all of the stitches and techniques that are necessary. If you need more clarification, take a few minutes to find a tutorial or choose a simpler pattern.
Measure for the proper fit.
Most of the mitten patterns below are available in a variety of sizes. Since you’re going to take the time to knit your mittens, it’s a good idea to measure the hand size rather than simply choosing the size that sounds best. It’s no fun to end up with a pair of mittens that doesn’t fit correctly! You’ll find that most of the patterns include measurements for each size.
Make a gauge swatch.
Lastly, it’s essential to make a gauge swatch for any type of knit wearables – mittens included! If your gauge is incorrect, the mittens will likely not turn out to be the correct size. Take the time to check your gauge and adjust your needle size or yarn weight to achieve the correct gauge.
More Knitting Patterns
If you love knitting, here are some more free patterns to take a look at.
- 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 25 Free Headband and Ear Warmer Knitting Patterns
- 25 Free Scarf Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free & Easy Knit Hat Patterns
- 25 Free & Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns (Great for Beginners!)
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