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21 Free Mitten Knitting Patterns

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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.

photo collage of four mitten knitting projects, including a green pair with white stripes, a pair of blue mittens, a matching set of mittens for adults and children, and gray mittens

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.

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:

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.

21 Free Mitten Knitting Patterns

Enjoy these free mitten knitting patterns for your next project!

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.

photo collage of four mitten knitting projects, including a green pair with white stripes, a pair of blue mittens, a matching set of mittens for adults and children, and gray mittens

What’s Next?

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We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Facebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.