60 Mittens and Fingerless Mitts Free Crochet and Knit…

It’s chilly out, and you need to keep your hands warm! Whether you’re shoveling snow, in a snowball fight, or just need to cozy on a walk, mittens and fingerless mitts are here for you. Yarnspirations has dozens of patterns that are just what you need to keep your hands warm this winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between mittens and fingerless mitts?

Mittens cover all your fingers together in one enclosed space (the warmest hand covering you can make, since your fingers heat each other). Fingerless mitts leave the fingers free for dexterity while still warming the palm, wrist, and back of hand. Convertible mittens (flip-top mittens) give you the best of both worlds… they’re fingerless with a hinged mitten flap you can fold down for full coverage when needed. For everyday use, fingerless mitts are more practical. For maximum cold-weather warmth, traditional mittens win.

Are mittens or fingerless mitts easier to knit or crochet?

Fingerless mitts are generally quicker and simpler! They require a tube (the hand), a thumb gusset, and a thumb tube… but no mitten flap or tip shaping. Full mittens need all that plus the finger-enclosing section and decreases to close the top. Both are great projects for intermediate crafters who’ve done hats. Fingerless mitts are probably the most popular “second project” after hats for both knitters and crocheters… they’re quick enough for a weekend, small enough to be manageable, and incredibly useful and giftable.

How do I make the thumb fit correctly?

The thumb is where most people struggle! The thumb gusset (increases worked over several rows to accommodate thumb width) is critical to a comfortable fit. For an accurate fit, measure from the base of your thumb to the desired thumb length, and measure thumb circumference. Work the gusset slowly and try on as you go if possible. Place the thumb opening approximately where your thumb actually emerges from your hand… this varies between people, so measuring rather than just following a pattern’s row count gives the best personalized fit. A thumb that’s properly placed and sized makes all the difference in wearability.

What yarn is best for mittens and fingerless mitts?

Wool is the classic choice for mittens because it’s incredibly warm, and wool mittens can be lightly felted after knitting to close up the gaps in the fabric and make them wind-resistant. Superwash wool is machine washable and popular for everyday wear. For fingerless mitts that need to be practical (typing at a computer, for example), a softer wool blend or acrylic provides both warmth and comfort against the back of the hand. Avoid anything scratchy near the wrists and palms… those areas get a lot of skin contact.

Can I make matching mittens and hat?

Absolutely! A coordinating hat and mitten set is one of the most beloved winter gift combinations in all of yarn crafting. Many patterns are specifically designed as hat-and-mitten sets. Even when patterns aren’t explicitly paired, you can use the same yarn and same stitch pattern from a hat pattern to create matching mitts. A beautiful matching set is especially wonderful for children… parents love the coordinated look, and when one mitten inevitably gets lost, at least there’s still a matching hat. Make sets whenever you can… they’re wonderful gifts.