Free Pattern - Man Paws

I've listed the pattern that I used to create the "Wooden Paws" (Ravelry link) for my husband. Feel free to share some pics of your projects, too.

Materials Needed:

• Approx. 150 yds. of dk to worsted weight yarn (works wonderfully with handspun, too!)
• US 3 dpns or circular needles (32" in length or longer)
• US 4 circular needle (dpns are doable, too, but note that instructions are written for circs and make adjustments for yourself as needed)
• Waste yarn or stitch holder
• Yarn needle to weave in ends

Glossary:

• co - cast on
• st(s) - stitch(es)
• k - knit
• bo - bind off
• 2x2 rib - knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat around
• M1L/M1R - please refer to this site for a great tutorial video on each (scroll down to the first third and they are on either side of the page)
• decrease bind-off - please refer to a great article here on some stretchy bind offs (it's halfway down the page)

Instructions:

Using US 3 needles, co 44 sts. Do a 2x2 rib for 2", then switch to the US 4 needles.

K for 2".

Start increases for the thumb gusset here. On the next round, k up to the last st, M1L, k1, switch to next needle, k1, M1R, k to the end of the round. K 1 round. Continue in this manner until you have 16 increases (8 on each side of the mitt), or a total of 60 stitches. K one round. K to last 8 sts on first side of mitt, place 8 sts on holder or waste yarn, switch needles, place 8 more sts on the same holder, k to end of the round. Continue knitting the 44 sts in stockinette for 1/2".
Switch to the US3 and do a 2x2 rib for 1 1/2". Bo using a decrease bind-off or another stretchy bind-off that you really like.

Pick up the 16 sts on your st holder using the US4 needles. K for 1/2", then switch to the US3 needles. Do a 2x2 rib for 1/2". Bo using the decrease bind-off.

Use yarn needle to weave in all the ends and to help close up any remaining holes in the thumb-area. You're probably better at those than I am and don't have any, but just in case... ;)

Repeat for the second mitt, only changing the thumb increases. When beginning the increase round, k1, M1R, k to end of needle, switch needles, k to last st, M1L, k1. K one round. Repeat these two rounds until you have 16 increases. Lather, rinse and repeat all other directions.

I know that for most of us who do the simple version, the pattern will look the same on either hand, but I wanted to include the different thumb increases so that you can add patterns or texture on the backs of the hands or make any other changes you want without having to think about how to switch things around. I encourage you to add more cuff or top length as wanted, and have so much fun with it!

It really is a quick and fun knit. And what more could you ask for than a happy guy with warm hands? Enjoy!
If you have any questions, please leave a comment here or send me a mesage on Ravelry - I'm cbdom. Pattern and images © ChelseaD/cbdom, 2010.

Wooden Paws

I'm very very slowly making progress on some mitts for the special person in my life. It's not because I'm a slow knitter. It's because I need to actually knit in order to make some progress. I think that I might be purposely sabotaging any efforts that I make to finish things. If I keep starting more, I can never be finished, right? Sigh.





These mitts (well, the beginning of one mitt) are being knit out of Julie Spins BFL in her "Wood" colorway. I've spun this into a 2-ply heavy dk to light worsted weight yarn. I'm making them up as I go along, so I'll be sure to post the pattern and any tips once I finish them. I'm really liking the fabric that this yarn is making so far. Maybe that's why I'm not working on them so much - I don't want to give them up. Nah, just laziness and over-commitment. :D

Here's how the mitts started:







Gorgeous colorway, amazingly yummy yarn to spin with. What more could a knitter want? Oh, more time. Sigh.