How to Knit Mittens: Thumb Gusset, Decreases, Kitchener Stitch + Thumb
Hi, I’m Kim — the knitter and designer behind M1R KNIT. I teach the Norwegian knitting method through clear tutorials, modern patterns, and simple techniques designed to help you knit with more confidence and comfort.
Learn how to knit mittens here!
If you’re knitting a pair of mittens from the cuff up, the thumb gusset and mitten shaping are where the project really starts to come together.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to knit a mitten thumb gusset using Make One Right (M1R) and Make One Left (M1L) increases, place the thumb stitches on hold, shape the top of the mitten, and finish it seamlessly with Kitchener stitch. Then we’ll return to the held stitches and knit the thumb using the Magic Loop method.
I’ll also show you how I pick up extra stitches around the thumb opening to help prevent gaps, how to decrease those extra stitches, and a few simple finishing tricks that help give your mittens a clean, polished look.
The exact stitch counts will depend on the size you’re knitting, so follow the numbers given in your pattern while using this tutorial as a visual guide through each step.
If you’re new to mitten construction, don’t worry—each part is much easier once you can see how the pieces fit together. Let’s get started! Pattern and tutorial are below.
The MITTENS 01 Knitting Pattern is an intermediate pattern for knitting a pair of classic mittens worked seamlessly in the round using the magic-loop method.
Designed with a clean stockinette hand, twisted rib cuff, shaped thumb gusset, and tapered mitten top, MITTENS 01 is a timeless everyday mitten with a simple, polished finish.
The downloadable PDF includes clear written instructions, sizing and finished measurements, yarn requirements, gauge information, schematics, abbreviations, and technique guidance to help you complete your project.
Tutorial support: https://youtu.be/1Zr5gISF05M?si=fgACDpB6K5OB2q53
ABOUT THE PATTERN
MITTENS 01 is worked seamlessly from the cuff up in the round using the magic-loop method.
The mitten begins with a twisted rib cuff before transitioning to stockinette stitch. A shaped thumb gusset is created with increases, the thumb stitches are placed on hold while the hand is completed, and the mitten top is shaped with paired decreases before being grafted closed using Kitchener stitch. The held thumb stitches are then returned to the needles and worked in the round.
Pattern Type: Mittens
Skill Level: Intermediate
Construction: Cuff-up, seamless, worked in the round using magic loop
Yarn Weight: DK
Sizes: Women’s S (M, L, XL)
SKILL LEVEL
INTERMEDIATE
This pattern is suitable for knitters comfortable with:
Working small circumferences in the round using magic loop
Long-tail cast-on
Twisted ribbing
Working increases and decreases
Thumb gusset construction
Kitchener stitch
SIZES + FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Sizes Included:
Women’s S (M, L, XL)
Designed to Fit Hand Circumference:
S: 6.75" / 17 cm
M: 7.25" / 18.5 cm
L: 8" / 20.5 cm
XL: 8.75" / 22 cm
Finished Total Length:
S: 9" / 22.8 cm
M: 9.5" / 24 cm
L: 10.5" / 26.6 cm
XL: 10.75" / 27.3 cm
Cuff Length:
All sizes: 3" / 7.62 cm
Thumb Length:
S: 1.25" / 3.1 cm
M: 1.5" / 3.8 cm
L: 1.75" / 4.4 cm
XL: 2" / 5 cm
YARN + GAUGE
Suggested Yarn:
Sandnes Garn Double Sunday
Yarn Weight:
DK
50 g / 108 m (approx. 118 yd) per skein
Sample Colour:
3880 Dark Chocolate
Yarn Requirements:
S: 170–190 yd / 155–174 m
M: 170–190 yd / 155–174 m
L: 190–210 yd / 174–192 m
XL: 210–230 yd / 192–210 m
Gauge:
24 stitches × 36 rounds = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette stitch, worked in the round and unblocked.
Suggested Needles:
3.25 mm / US 3 circular needle with a 32" / 81 cm cable, or size needed to obtain gauge
2.75 mm / US 2 circular needle with a 32" / 81 cm cable for ribbing
Notions:
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Beginning-of-round marker
Scissors
Waste yarn for holding thumb stitches
Full yarn, needle, gauge, and notion information is included in the PDF pattern.
CONSTRUCTION + TECHNIQUES
This pattern includes the following techniques:
Long-tail cast-on
Magic-loop knitting
Twisted 1 × 1 ribbing
Stockinette stitch worked in the round
M1R and M1L increases
Thumb gusset construction
SSK and K2TOG decreases
Holding and returning live thumb stitches
Picking up stitches
Kitchener stitch
NORWEGIAN KNITTING TUTORIALS
M1R KNIT specializes in teaching the Norwegian knitting method, a continental-style knitting technique with the working yarn held in the left hand.
You do not need to use the Norwegian knitting method to make this pattern unless specifically stated.
Where helpful, the pattern includes links to M1R KNIT video tutorials demonstrating knitting techniques using the Norwegian knitting method.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✔ Complete downloadable PDF knitting pattern
✔ Step-by-step written instructions
✔ Women’s sizes S–XL
✔ Sizing and finished measurements
✔ Yarn requirements
✔ Needle and notion information
✔ Gauge information
✔ Pattern abbreviations and technique notes
✔ Mitten schematic and measurement chart
✔ Links to helpful M1R KNIT tutorials where applicable
✔ Original M1R KNIT design
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
This listing is for a DIGITAL PDF KNITTING PATTERN ONLY.
No physical product or finished knitted item will be shipped.
Your pattern will be available for digital download after purchase.
USAGE + COPYRIGHT
For personal, non-commercial use only.
Items made from this pattern may not be sold.
Pattern may not be shared, copied, or redistributed.
© M1R KNIT. All Rights Reserved.
PATTERN SUPPORT
Questions while knitting? I’m happy to help.
Find more knitting patterns, tutorials, and technique guides from M1R KNIT:
Website: M1RKNIT.com
YouTube: @m1rknit
Instagram: @m1rknit
Ravelry: M1R KNIT
SHARE YOUR PROJECT
I’d love to see what you make.
Tag @m1rknit when sharing your finished M1R KNIT project.
Happy Knitting,
XO Kim
Enjoying the tutorials? You can support the channel by buying me a coffee ☕Yarn used in this tutorial and pattern can be purchased here: https://lionbrand.sjv.io/c/7594184/2963518/35286
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