Fingerless mitts pattern excerpted from The Knitter’s Book of Yarn
This pattern was designed with gorgeous artisanal yarns in mind. You know, the kinds that cost a fortune and so you only buy one skein and then struggle to figure out what you can make with it?
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Among such yarns, La Lana Wools Forever Random reigns supreme. This stunning handspun single is composed of plant-dyed fibers that glow like jewels when held in the sunlight.
Because the yarn is handspun and naturally dyed, two processes that require oodles more time than simple machine manufacturing, this yarn tends to be pricey—which makes the notion of a one-skein La Lana project even more appealing.
[Note: I’m sad to say that La Lana and its charismatic founder Luisa Gelenter are no longer with us.]
In the book, you’ll actually see these mitts knit in both La Lana Wools Forever Random Worsted Obverse and the more widely distributed Noro Kureyon. (Here you see the Noro mitts modeled in Maine by yours truly while Casey the cat looks on.)
Both yarns are worsted-weight singles with dramatic coloring, but you could just as well experiment with all sorts of other similar-weight yarns, from two-ply to textured.
The Maine Morning Mitts are capital-s Simple, require very little yarn, work up in a flash, and are a great way to play with the glorious orphan skeins in your stash.
I hope you have fun with the pattern. If you do make a pair of these mitts, I’d love to know which yarn you chose and how it worked out!
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Terry | November 17, 2016
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Help!
I am lost on the thumb gusset.
Clara Parkes | Author | November 18, 2016
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Hello! Let me walk you through the steps of the thumb gusset:
Knit 2 stitches. Then, using the backwards-loop cast-on, cast on 5 stitches. You cast on those 5 stitches using the backwards loop cast-on so that they are added to the right needle, not the left.
THEN, place the next 9 stitches on a holder.
Now, simply resume working in the round as if nothing ever happened, ignoring those 9 stitches that you’ve placed on the holder. Those will become the outside of your thumb later.
The first row may feel a little stretched, but by the second round you’ll have tightened the fabric back up nicely.
I hope this helps. Thanks very much!
Lorelei F Morris | October 2, 2017
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Thanks for this pattern, Clara! The tip about the thumb is greatly appreciated, too!
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Jen | March 22, 2021
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Hi Clara! in the pattern where it says ‘patt to end’ particularly on the thumb gusset section, does it mean follow the patterns of stitches detailed just preceding or revert back to overall rib pattern?
Scarlett | January 22, 2026
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Hello, Clara,
Recently on a podcast of Needles at the REady, Keven made a pair of your Maine Morning Mitts. I immediately pulled up your pattern and started making them with Noro Silk Garden. I was loving every stitich until I reached Row 9 of the thumb gusset.. It was unclear, the Stitches were not working. and I ended up ribbing it back to the start of the Thumb gusset. Now I am in a holding pattern.
Do you have an update on the instructions – I am fairly new at making mitts and could use your help, please.
Thanks,
Scarlett
Clara | January 22, 2026
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Hi Scarlett! I’m happy to help with this – if you’re new to mitts, the thumb gusset can definitely be a source of worry. The pattern is correct, but here’s a row-by-row description of what you need to do. (And forgive me if you already tried this – without knowing exactly where it went off the rails, I’m just guessing, but I hope this helps.)
Row 9 of the thumb gusset: Knit 2 stitches. Then, using the backwards-loop cast-on, cast on 5 stitches. You cast on those 5 stitches using the backwards loop cast-on so that they are added to the right needle, not the left.
THEN, place the next 9 stitches on a holder.
Now, simply resume working in the round as if nothing ever happened, ignoring those 9 stitches that you’ve placed on the holder. Those will become the outside of your thumb later.
The first row may feel a little stretched, but by the second round you’ll have tightened the fabric back up nicely.
Scarlett | February 12, 2026
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Clara, thank you kindly for your response. AFter your description, the “fog cleared” and I have now successfully completed four pairs of your sweet mitts. I am using Noro Silk Garden and they are knitting up beautifully. and making such a lovely, warm fabric.
Once again, I am reminded that we need to simply trust the pattern! 🙂 I was awkwardly placing the five cast on stitches on the left needle but not any more!!!
Again, I thank you and so do my friends and family that have received the end product ~ YOUr amazing Maine Morning Mitts (that are keeping hands warm in Michigan).
Keep creating Clara so we can keep knitting your creations!
~Scarlett