Free Mitten Tutorial

Winter is still here but maybe the mittens have disappeared.  If this has happened to you, just grab an old sweater and make some more!

These sweater mittens are easy and fun to make. 

Step 1.  Get an unused sweater.  If it is wool, felt it first.  Wash in warm water and dry.  This will shrink it up.  If it cashmere, you don't have to felt it.  I found this cashmere sweater at a thrift store. 

Step 2. Make a pattern.  Trace around your hand onto a piece of paper. Make sure you include the seam allowance.  Remember the seam allowance is turned to the inside, so make room in the thumb for it and your thumb.  Use cardstock if you want a durable pattern. 

Step 3.  Turn the sweater inside out.  Lay the pattern on the sweater so the cuff of the mitten is at the bottom of the body of the sweater.  That way the cuff is already finished.  Cut out around the pattern.  That makes the 2 pieces of one mitten.  Do this again, so you have 2 sets. 

Step 4.  Sew around the mitten.  Clip close to the seam between the thumb and the main part of the mitten.  Turn to the right side and you are done!

Try making some out of fleece.  I had some scraps of fleece so I made some mittens for my sons.  Be sure to add some to the wrist if you use fleece.  It doesn't stretch like a sweater and you need room to get your hand in it. 

Let me know if you make some mittens.  I'd love to see your creations!

Happy sewing,