Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Handwarmers - A Very Simple Pattern

If I had two brain cells left, I'd have photographed these before I sent them away. I'm sure I'll be making more, so I'll insert a photo here at some point down the road. In any case, these are very stretchy, very cushy, and can either be worn by themselves or with a pair of gloves underneath. The 1 x 1 ribbing makes a nice compliment to the ribbing on your favorite hat pattern.

Requirements
1 skein worsted (with 2 strands held together as one) or bulky weight yarn (I used Red Heart Soft, which is highly washable and durned near bulletproof)
set of 4 double-pointed needles, size 8

Instructions
Cast on 24 stitches, divided evenly between 3 needles.
Being careful not to twist stitches (because I still do it regularly), join in round.
Work "knit 1, purl 1" ribbing for approximately 7", or the length desired to reach from the base of your thumb up to well under your coat sleeve.
Continuing in ribbing pattern, work 11 stitches. Bind off 2 stitches for thumb hole, then continue as before for remaining 11 stitches of round.
On next round, work 11 stitches, then cast on 2 stitches. Continue remainder of round as before.
Continue to work ribbing approximately 1 1/2 inches past thumb hole. (You want it long enough to cover the palm and perhaps the first joint of the fingers.) Bind off and weave in ends.

(Make 2, of course.)

NOTE: Sally at The Used Yarn Chronicles has posted a more refined pattern here for a similar item, using a single strand of worsted weight yarn. (Waves to Sally.) And she notes that this kind of thing is only "simple" if you're comfortable with double-pointed needles!

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