How to Knit Toddler-Sized Mittens

A Free Mitten Pattern for Toddlers

Updated on 01/03/20

Hand-knit mittens for your child — Ruth Jenkinson

Project Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate

Mittens are a necessity for kids' winter wardrobes, and this cute toddler-sized version is so easy you'll spend more time fighting your kids to wear them than you did knitting them! Mittens are not a knitting project for beginners, but they are a great way to expand your skills once you've mastered scarves and simple hats. This toddler mitten pattern is ideal for anyone who has never knitted mittens before.

Sizing / Finished Measurements

The mitten is designed for a toddler or small child. Measure the circumference of the intended recipient's hand just above the thumb to check sizing.

Hand circumference: 6 inches

Mitten length: 4-3/4 inches

Gauge

20 stitches and 32 rounds = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch in the round.

Abbreviations

k = knit
k2tog = knit two sts together as one
M1 = make 1
p = purl
rnd(s) = round(s)
RS = right side; the public side of the work
ssk = slip, slip, knit two slipped sts together through the back loop
st(s) = stitch(es)
WS = wrong side; the inside of the work
[ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as directed

1x1 Rib in the round (multiple of 2 sts)

All rnds: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.

Notes

The mitten is knit in the round on double-pointed needles.

Equipment / Tools

US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed knitting needles
Stitch holder or waste yarn
Yarn or tapestry needle
Scissors

Materials

65 yard worsted weight yarn

Cast On

Cast on 30 stitches. Distribute sts evenly to three double-pointed needles and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the sts.
Cuff

Work in 1x1 Rib until cuff measures 2 inches.
Gusset

The stitches of the thumb gusset are added using the make one (M1) increase.

Work two rounds in stockinette stitch (knit every round).

Increase Rnd 1: k15, M1, knit 15—31 sts.

Increase Rnd 2: k15, M1, k1, M1, k15—33 sts.

Increase Rnd 3: k16, M1, k1, M1, k16—35 sts.

Increase Rnd 4: k17, M1, k1, M1, K17—37 sts.

Work in stockinette without further increasing for 1-1/2 inches.

Next rnd: k15, slip seven thumb sts on holder or waste yarn, continuing across gap, k15—30 sts.

1:46

Watch Now: How to Make One Left and Right in Knitting
Upper Hand

Work even for 1-1/2 inches. Work ssk and k2tog decreases for top of mitten.

Decrease Rnd: k1, ssk, k9, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k9, ssk, k1—26 sts.

Next Rnd: knit.

Decrease Rnd: k1, ssk, k7, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k7, ssk, k1—4 sts decreased.

Next Rnd: knit.

Decrease as established every round until 10 stitches remain. Divide the stitches of the mitten front and back evenly to two double-pointed needles, WS together. Graft the sts together to close the mitten.
Thumb

Return the thumb sts to two double-pointed needles.

With RS facing, rejoin yarn at crook of thumb and with a new needle, pick up and knit 1 stitch in the gap, knit 7 thumb sts, pick up and knit 1 st in the gap—9 sts.

Work in Stockinette stitch for 1-1/2 inches.

Decrease Rnd: k4, k2tog, k3—7 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail onto yarn needle, take needle through the center of all 7 sts, slipping them off the knitting needles, and pull tight to close. Take end to WS.
Finishing

Weave in ends.

Knit the second mitten in the same manner.

To make your toddler's mittens special, customize them with embroidery, a duplicate stitch motif, sewn-on pompoms, or any other embellishment of your choice.