How to Hold Yarn When Knitting

How to hold yarn knitting tutorial from Liz @PurlsAndPixels
How to hold yarn knitting tutorial from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Before you start learning the knit stitch, you’ll need to know how to hold your yarn. Getting a good grip on the working yarn creates tension in the string that will allow you to knit more evenly.

There are a number of ways to hold your yarn when you knit. In this post, I’ll shown you my favorite yarn hold, plus two alternate ways to hold your yarn when knitting. These are three ways you can work with the yarn held in your left hand (this is known as “Continental Style Knitting“).

Video Guide: How to Hold Yarn When Knitting

Written Guide: How to Hold Yarn When Knitting

Option 1:

Wrap a loop around your pointer finger using the working yarn that is coming from the needles.

Option 2:

Wrap the yarn coming from the needles around your last three fingers and then up and over your pointer finger.

Option 3:

Wrap the yarn coming from the needles around your last three fingers and then up and over your pointer finger.

Practice With My Free Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

If you want to follow along with me while I show you how to knit, use my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

How to hold yarn knitting tutorial from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Up Next

After you’ve chosen a comfortable way to hold your yarn, you will be ready to make the knit stitch.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Turn Your Work When Knitting

How to turn your work, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.
How to turn your work, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

After you have cast on all your stitches (or finished a row) in a flat knitting project, your pattern will ask you to “turn your work.” This instruction is asking you to flip your needle over so that you can prepare to work the next row.

Whether you are working on circular needles or straight needles, turning your work is the same; the tip of the needle that is full of stitches will need to be turned 180 degrees and moved from your right hand into your left hand.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how turn your knitting and prepare to start the next row.

Video Guide: How to Turn Your Work When Knitting

Written Guide: How to Turn Your Work When Knitting

Turn Your Work, Step 1:

After you have cast on (or finished working a row), your stitches will be on the needle held in your right hand. The tip of the needle will be pointing toward the left.

Turn Your Work, Step 2:

To turn your work, flip your knitting needle over, so the tip points  toward the right, then place it in your left hand.

Practice With My Free Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

If you want to follow along with me while I show you how to knit, use my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

How to turn your work when knitting, a lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Up Next

How to hold your yarn when knitting, a lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

After you’ve learned to turn your work when knitting, you will be ready to learn how to hold your yarn to make the knit stitch.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Beginner Face Scrubby Free Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

by Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels

To learn the knit stitch, start with this simple Beginner Face Scrubby pattern. Practice your long-tail cast on, then use just knit stitches to make the entire scrubby. Take your work off your needles with a standard bind off, and you have made a practical and useful item. Because these 3-inch squares are small, they are a satisfying way to learn to knit; you will get a finished object much more quickly than larger projects.

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Aside from being a wonderful way to practice the knit stitch, these scrubbies are especially functional. Face scrubbies are perfect for use as reusable makeup removing pads.

Prefer to knit offline?

This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.

  • Three towel sizes to knit
  • Includes complete, row-by-row instructions
  • Easy to print or use on your tablet
  • Supports my small business 💖
Get Liz Chandler's Garter Stitch Washcloths Knitting Pattern PDF download at PurlsAndPixels.

About this Free Beginner Face Scrubby Knitting Pattern

This face scrubby is one of the easiest knit pieces you can make, so the pattern is perfect for beginners. You will need to know how to make a long-tail cast on, knit, and bind off.

If you’re learning to knit with the free knitting lessons in my Learn to Knit Guide, you’ll start with this face scrubby.

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Materials

Yarn

One 95-yard (2 ounce) skein of cotton worsted weight yarn* (shown in), in your choice of color

  • one face scrubby uses about 19 yards (.4 oz)

*Shown in Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn in “Robins Egg” and “White” (#AffiliateLinks). Weights estimated with Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn; other yarn weights may vary. Weight does not include gauge swatch. A 4×4 inch gauge swatch with a 2 row by 3 stitch border uses an additional 19 yards (0.4 oz.).

Knitting Needles

Long Circular Needles
36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Or Straight Needles
9-inch (23 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Notions

Gauge

19 stitches x 26 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 7 (4.5 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)

Abbreviations

k = knit

Instructions: Beginner Face Scrubby in Garter Stitch

(measures 3 inches x 3 inches after washing in cold water; 3.5 inches x 3.25 inches before washing)

Use the long-tail cast on method. Knit flat, turning after each row.

Row 1: Cast on 14 stitches. Turn.

Rows 2 – 27: k 14. (14 stitches) Turn.

Row 28: Bind off loosely in knit stitch pattern. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through. Weave in ends.

In cold water, hand wash or machine wash on delicate. Block while still wet, ensuring cloths are roughly 3 inches square, then allow to air dry.

Printable version of this free knitting pattern

Printable Beginner Face Scrubby pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Care

If you use the materials called for in the Beginner Garter Stitch Washcloth Free Knitting Pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your washcloth looking its best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. You may tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.

🛁 Read more Knitwear Care Tips

Size & Use Notes

Each piece is designed for real-life utility:

  • Face scrubby for your nighttime skincare or baby bath time

They also make a cozy bundled set for gifting, especially when bundled with a bar of handmade soap or tucked into a basket of homestead goods.

Get Three Washcloth Pattern Sizes

The Premium PDF knitting pattern comes with face scrubby, washcloth, and hand towel sizes. Get all the sizes with the Garter Stitch Washcloth Knitting Pattern PDF Download.

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

©2021, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels, LLC. Revised 2025.

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.

Find all my dishcloth patterns here

More Patterns You’ll Love

🧶 Beginner Knit Scarf Easy Knitting Pattern: A light-weight garter stitch scarf

🧣 Easy Chunky Knit Scarf Pattern: A thick and quick garter stitch scarf

🙏 Gratitude Blanket Pattern: An extra-cozy garter stitch blanket

🛁 Knitted Dishcloth Patterns: More fun towel designs you can knit

🧺 All Knitting Patterns from Liz @PurlsAndPixels: Learn to Knit All the Things

Read More

Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶

Love cozy knitting projects? Join me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌

How to Make a Slipknot

Learn to make a slipknot for knitting with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

The slipknot is frequently used in many types of fiber art, including knitting, crochet, and weaving. This knot loosens or tightens based on which side of the string you pull. Slipknots are useful because you can adjust the size of the knot to fit around the tool you are working with.

In knitting, a slipknot is used as the first step of a long tail cast on; it will create the first loop on your knitting needles. You will be able to adjust the size of your first loop by pulling on either tail of the slipknot. This helps your yarn loop fit onto your knitting needle with the correct “tension” or tightness. Your slipknot will always count as the first stitch in your knitting cast on.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to make a slipknot and place it onto your knitting needles.

Video Guide: How to Make a Slipknot

Written Guide: How to Make a Slipknot

Learn to make a slip knot step one.

Slipknot, Step 1:

Hold the yarn with the tail end in your right hand. Drape the working yarn over the palm of your left hand, from your pinkie up toward your pointer finger. Wrap the yarn up and over your left pointer finger, then bring the yarn down behind your left hand.

Slipknot, Step 2:

Loop the yarn around all four fingers by bringing it around your pinkie and up to your pointer finger.

Learn to make a slip knot step three.

Slipknot, Step 3:

Bring the tail of the yarn behind the loop you created on your left hand. Pinch the part of the yarn that is laying across your knuckles and lift it just slightly.

Learn to make a slip knot step four

Slipknot, Step 4:

Begin to push the tail side of the yarn through the loop on the back of your left hand, but do not pull the tail completely through.

Learn to make a slip knot step five

Slipknot, Step 5:

Form a loop around your right pointer finger with the part of the yarn you have just pushed through the loop on the back of your hand.

Learn to make a slip knot step six.

Slipknot, Step 6:

Gently remove your left hand from the loop.

Learn to make a slip knot step seven

Slipknot, Step 7:

Pinch both the working yarn and the yarn tail with your left hand and pull to begin tightening the slipknot around your right pointer finger.

Learn to make a slip knot step eight.

Slipknot, Step 8:

Once the slipknot has formed, remove it from your finger and hold it in your left hand.

Learn to make a slip knot step nine

Slipknot, Step 9:

Pick up a knitting needle with your right hand. Move the slipknot onto your knitting needle, positioning it in the same way it came off your finger.

Learn to make a slip knot step ten

Slipknot, Step 10:

Pull the tail-side of the slipknot to gently tighten it onto your knitting needle.

Knitting a slipknot at sunset. Learn to make a slipknot for knitting with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Up Next

Learn how to cast on knit stitches using the long tail cast on with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

After you’ve mastered making a slipknot, you will be ready to learn the long tail cast on and start your first knitting project.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Heart Face Scrubby Free Knitting Pattern

Heart face scrubby printable PDF knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

A Free Knitting Pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels

Heart face scrubby free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

I’d like to give you all a little gift this Valentines day, so I have written up a quick heart face scrubby free knitting pattern. Enjoy! (P.S. I’m supposed to tell you that the links to Amazon on this site are affiliate links; if you use them to make a purchase, Amazon sends me a commission, at no cost to you.)

I love to use little handmade cotton squares to use with makeup remover and micellar water. Rather repeatedly throwing away disposable cotton pads, I make my own little face scrubbies with cotton yarn. After I use one, I put it in a Mason Jar, then when my collection is dirty I wash them up. A little OxyClean in the wash really helps to get them clean of makeup residue and then they’re ready to use again.

Prefer to knit offline?

This pattern is free to read below, but if you’d rather print it or save it for later, I’ve created a clean, ad-free PDF version for you.

  • Includes row-by-row instructions and a knitting chart.
  • Easy to print or use on your tablet.
  • Supports my small business. 💖
Get Liz Chandler's Heart Face Scrubby Knitting Pattern PDF download at PurlsAndPixels.
Heart face scrubby handmade gift basket free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

These little heart scrubbies are super quick to make. The simple pattern also makes them easy to knit. They don’t use much yarn either, so they’re great for using up leftover scrap yarn.

Make a bunch for your own facial care routine. Or create a little gift basket for Valentines Day or other holidays. Add several scrubbies, a wide-mouth mason jar (for storing used scrubbies that need to be washed), and makeup remover or micellar water to a cute basket and you’ve got a beautiful handmade spa basket. You could even throw in some nice soap and a few full-sized washcloths to make it extra-special (find my seed stitch washcloth pattern here).

About this Knitting Pattern

Heart face scrubby free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

This heart face scrubby pattern is a beginner to easy level knitting pattern and is great for knitters who have an understanding of knits and purls.

Materials

One 95-yard (2 ounce) skein of cotton worsted weight yarn (shown in Lily Sugar ‘n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn), in your choice of color

  • one heart face scrubby uses about 9.5 yards (0.2 oz.)*

*Weight estimated with Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn; other yarn weights may vary.

36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle or 9-inch (23 cm) long US No. 7 (4.55 mm) straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Measuring tape

Tapestry needle

Gauge

19 stitches x 26 rows = 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 7 (4.5 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

Instructions: Heart Face Scrubby

(3 inches x 3.5 inches (unwashed) & shrinks to 3 inches x 3 inches after machine washing in cold water )

Knit flat, turning after each row.

Row 1: Cast on 17 stitches. Turn.

Rows 2 – 5: k 17. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 6: k 3, p 11, k 3. (17stitches) Turn.

Row 7: k 17. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 8: k 3, p 5, k 1, p 5, k 3. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 9: k 7, p 3, k 7. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 10: k 3, p 3, k 5, p 3, k 3. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 11: k 5, p 7, k 5. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 12: k 3, p 1, k 9, p 1, k 3. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 13: k 4, p 9, k 4. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 14: k 3, p 1, k 4, p 1, k 4, p1, k 3. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 15: k 4, p 4, k 1, p 4, k 4. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 16: k 3, p 2, k 2, p 3, k 2, p 2, k 3. (17 stitches) Turn.

 Row 17: k 17. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 18: k 3, p 11, k 3. (17 stitches) Turn.

Rows 19 – 22: k 17. (17 stitches) Turn.

Row 23: Bind off in knit stitches. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail, and pull through.

Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Knitting Chart

For this simple pattern you may or may not find a chart helpful. It’s included in case you’d like it.

Heart face scrubby free knitting pattern chart from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Print the Heart Face Scrubby Free Knitting Pattern

Printable version of this free knitting pattern

Printable Heart Face Scrubby Free Knitting Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Care

If you use the materials called for in the pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your heart face scrubbies looking their best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. A scoop of OxiClean can be added to the wash to help remove makeup residue. You may tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.

Note: these scrubbies will shrink from 3 x 3.5 inches to 3 x 3 inches after washing as directed above.

Heart face scrubby free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

©2019, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels. Revised 2025.

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.

More Patterns You’ll Love

❤️ Purl Hearts Hat Knitting Pattern

💞 Colorful Hearts Hats Knitting Pattern

🧣 Beginner Knit Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

🙏 Gratitude Blanket Free Knitting Pattern

🧶 All PurlsAndPixels Knitting Patterns

Find all my dishcloth patterns here

Darn Cute Ear Warmer Headband

Darn Cute Ear Warmer headband/messy bun hat knitting pattern

A knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels,
Written for Darn Good Yarn

Darn Cute Ear Warmer headband/messy bun hat knitting pattern

I am so excited to announce that my Darn Cute Ear Warmer headband knitting pattern has been published by Darn Good Yarn! Find it here.

About the Yarn

What to make with Darn Good Yarn Punky Chunky super bulky yarn

I used Darn Good Yarn’s chunky up-cycled yarn to knit this quick and easy headband. The yarn is called “Punky Chunky” and is made with hand-spun recycled silk. As soon as I saw it, I knew this happy, sparkly rainbow yarn would make a perfect messy bun hat. It is warm, cozy, and colorful: the perfect combination to keep the winter blues at bay. I knit one in white, purple, and turquoise; all three colors are bright, cheerful, and vibrant. The super-bulky weight yarn lets you create a finished project really quickly. Check out all the available colors of Darn Good Yarn’s Punky Chunky here at my affiliate link and enter “Punky Chunky” in the Darn Good Yarn search bar.

About the Pattern

Darn Cute Ear Warmer headband/messy bun hat knitting pattern

Because Punky Chunky is super-bulky, it makes this Darn Cute Ear Warmer knitting pattern work up in a flash. If you’re an experienced knitter, it can be crafted in just a few hours. And if you are new to knitting, you can make this Darn Cute Ear Warmer too; you’ll only need to know the basic knit and purl stitches to create this headband. This pattern is knit seamlessly in the round. Need help? Learn all the techniques necessary for this pattern here on PurlsAndPixels.com:

Darn Good Yarn has published the pattern here, where you can download and print it for your collection. You can also order the kit, which comes with the pattern and one ball of yarn. You can make this headband with just one full ball of yarn, but do keep in mind the headband uses the entire ball of yarn. Depending on your preferences, you might want to order an extra ball of yarn; if you don’t like to unravel and reuse your gauge swatches, you’ll need the extra ball of yarn to make up the difference.  

Darn Cute Ear Warmer headband/messy bun hat knitting pattern

I had a lot of fun crafting this hat and pattern, and I hope you love it, too. Don’t forget share pics of your finished work. Make sure to tag @darngoodyarn and @purlsandpixels in your Instagram photos so we can see how it comes out!

Happy knitting!

Read More

Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat Free Knitting Pattern

Learn to knit toilet contour bath mats with this knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat

A Free Knitting Pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Learn to knit toilet contour bath mats with this knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

This free knitting pattern shows you how to make a toilet contour rug and matching bath mat. I designed the toilet rug to help with my little son’s potty training. The contour rug is shorter on the front and wider on the sides than traditional toilet rugs; this helps catch rouge accidents from potty training boys. Instructions are also included in this pattern set for a matching rectangular bath mat.

These bath mats are made by holding two strands of worsted weight cotton yarn together and knitting them as one. You’ll work in a seed stitch pattern, which creates a nice, absorbent texture.

About this Knitting Pattern

Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat, free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixelsThis Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat pattern set is an easy to intermediate level knitting pattern and is best for knitters who have an understanding of knits, purls, and binding off.

Materials

Two 706-yard Skeins of Lily Sugar ‘N Cream worsted weight yarn, White (or your preferred color)

  • Toilet Contour Rug uses about 959 yards (19 oz.)
  • Bath Mat uses about 1009 yards (20 oz.)

36 inch (91cm) long US No. 10 / 6 MM circular needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Measuring tape

Tapestry needle

Gauge

13 stitches and 19 rows in stockinette (with two strands held together) = 4 inches

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks

Instructions: Toilet Contour Rug

(32 x 28 inches)

Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat, free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Knit flat, turning after each row. Hold two strands of yarn together and knit as if they are one strand.

Row 1: Cast on 104 stitches. (104 stitches) Turn.
Row 2: *k, p* x 52. (104 stitches) Turn.
Row 3: *p, k* x 52. (104 stitches) Turn.
Rows 4 – 61: Repeat Rows 2 and 3.
[Bind off center and separate flaps] Row 62: *k, p* x 38. Bind off next 29, leaving last bind off stitch as an active loop. *p, k* x 37. (76 live stitches) Turn.Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat, free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

[Begin first flap; work only the first set of live stitches that remain on the needles.] Row 63: *p, k* x 19. (38 stitches) Turn.
Row 64: *k, p* x 19. (38 stitches) Turn.
Rows 65 – 169: Repeat Rows 63 and 64.
Row 170: Bind off 38. Cut yarn and pull through.

Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat, free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

[Begin second flap; move to the remaining live stitches. Join yarn and begin knitting second flap to match the first flap.] Row 63, part 2: *p, k* x 19. (38 stitches) Turn.
Row 64, part 2: *k, p* x 19. (38 stitches) Turn.
Rows 65 – 169, part 2: Repeat Rows 63 and 64.
Row 170: Bind off 38. Cut yarn and pull through.
Weave in all loose ends. Block if desired.

Instructions: Bath Mat

(32 x 24 inches)

Knit flat, turning after each row. Hold two strands of yarn together and knit as if they are one strand.

Row 1: Cast on 104 stitches. (104 stitches) Turn.

Row 2: *k, p* x 52. (104 stitches) Turn.

Row 3: *p, k* x 52. (104 stitches) Turn.

Rows 4 – 155: Repeat Rows 2 and 3.

Row 156: Bind off. Cut yarn and pull through.

Weave in all loose ends. Block if desired.

Print the Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat Free Knitting Pattern Set

Printable version of this free knitting pattern

Printable Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat Free Knitting Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Care

If you use the materials called for in the pattern, your final product will be machine washable. To keep your bath mats looking their best, hand wash or machine wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water. You may tumble dry on low heat or lay flat to dry.

Make matching washcloths

If you like these bath mats, you can make matching washcloths. Find my free Seed Stitch Washcloth Knitting Pattern here.

Toilet Contour Rug & Bath Mat, free knitting pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

©2018, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.

Mitten Holiday Ornament Free Knitting Pattern

Learn to knit holiday ornament mini mittens with this free knitting pattern sample from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

A Free Knitting Pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

A great project for using up leftover yarn, you’ll need just about 0.3 ounces of worsted weight yarn for this mitten holiday ornament free knitting pattern. Whether you’re knitting up a stash of yarn scraps or just need a festive touch, this mitten is a cozy win. Try making the ribbed cuff in one color and the mitten body in another, or go wild with some variegated yarn. You can also get creative and embroider little patterns on the mitten to give it even more holiday charm!

Mitten Holiday Ornament Free Knitting Pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

About this Quick Knitting Pattern

This little mitten ornament pattern is best for intermediate level knitters who have an understanding of knitting in the round with double point needles. You’ll also need to know how to increase by making one, decrease with slip, slip, knit, use stitch holders, and knit two together. You will craft it by knitting from the bottom up in a simple rib and stockinette pattern.

Learn to knit holiday ornament mini mittens with this free knitting pattern sample from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Making this Mitten Holiday Ornament Free Knitting Pattern

Materials

One 315-Yard Skein of Caron Simply Soft worsted weight yarn, Autumn Red (or your preferred color)

  • uses approximately 15.75 yards (0.3 ounces) per mitten – double yardage if making two ornaments

No. 3/3.125 MM double point needles (DPNs) (or two sizes smaller than needles used to obtain gauge)

No. 5/3.75 MM double point needles (DPNs) (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Three stitch markers

Small stitch holder

Measuring tape

Tapestry needle

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on No. 5/3.75 MM needles.

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks

m1 = make 1 [Pick up the strand between the stitch just worked and the next stitch from front to back with the left needle and knit into the back of it.]

sl = slip stitch as if to purl with yarn held in back

k2tog = knit two together

ssk = slip, slip, knit [Slip two stitches as if to knit. Insert left needle from left to right into the fronts of the two slipped stitches. Pull working yarn thru both stitches with right needle to knit together.]

Instructions: Mitten Holiday Ornament

(Measures 4 inches top to bottom; 2 inches wide, without thumb)

Knit in the Round. Use stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows by placing it in the first stitch of each row/round. Make one or two, as desired.

[Using no. 3 DPNs] Row 1: Cast on 24 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs (8 stitches on each DPN). Join (taking care not to twist stitches) and *k, p* x 12. (24 stitches)

Rows 2 – 9: *k, p* x 12. (24 stitches)

[Switch to no. 5 DPNs] Rows 10 – 12: k 24. (24 stitches)

Row 13:  k 11. Place stitch marker on the 11th knit stitch. m1. k 2. m1. k 1 and place marker on this stitch. k 10. (26 stitches)

Row 14: k 26. (26 stitches)

Row 15: k to marker. sl marker. m1. k to second marker. m1. sl second marker. k 10. (28 stitches)

Row 16: k 28. (28 stitches)

Row 17: k to marker. sl marker. m1. k to second marker. m1. sl second marker. k 10. (30 stitches)

Row 18: k 11. sl next 8 stitches onto stitch holder. k 11. {This will separate thumb stitches from hand stitches} (22 stitches on needles)

Rows 19 – 24: k 22. (22 stitches)

[Begin finger decreases] Row 25: k 1, ssk, k 5, k2tog, k 2, ssk, k 5, k2tog, k 1. (18 stitches)

Row 26: k 18. (18 stitches)

Row 27: k 1, ssk, k 3, k2tog, k 2, ssk, k 3, k2tog, k 1. (14 stitches)

Cut yarn leaving a 12-inch tail. With tapestry needle, draw yarn tightly through remaining 14 stitches. Weave in ends.

Mitten Holiday Ornament Thumbs

[Using no. 5 DPNs] Thumb Row 1: Put 8 stitches from stitch holder onto three needles. k 8 in the round. (8 stitches)

Thumb Rows 2 – 4: k 8. (8 stitches)

Thumb Row 5: k2tog x 4. (4 stitches)

Cut yarn leaving a 12-inch tail. With tapestry needle, draw yarn tightly through remaining 4 stitches. Weave in ends.

Weave in remaining loose ends. [Tip for the thumb base] With the loose end remaining at the base of the thumb, use duplicate stitch to close the gap that remains where the thumb attaches to the hand.

For more help weaving in your ends, see this guide to Finishing Mittens.

Block if desired.

Optional Mitten Holiday Ornament Hanger

Choose a pretty ribbon and tie it in a loop with a bow to the cuff of the mitten. Alternatively, using the same yarn or a contrasting color, you can use a size F/3.75 MM crochet hook to chain a 6-inch cord by following these instructions:

Ensuring you leave a 4-inch tail before your slip knot, chain 35. Cut yarn and pull through, leaving a 4-inch tail. Pull one end of the chain through an open knitted loop on your Ornament Sized Mitten. Tie a bow using the two loose yarn tails of the chain.

Learn how to make an easy DIY peppermint twist crochet garland with this beginner-friendly tutorial by Liz Chandler at PurlsAndPixels. Add handmade charm to your Christmas decor in under an hour!

Print the Mitten Holiday Ornament Free Knitting Pattern

Printable version of this free knitting pattern

Printable Mitten Holiday Ornament pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Make Full Size Mittens

If you like these tiny mittens, you can make them for your whole family! My knit mitten pattern in all sizes is available for download here on my PurlsAndPixels.

This pattern is also available as part of my collection of patterns in Liz Chandler’s Knitting the Simple Things, a hardcover book.

More Holiday Craft Ideas

Love DIY Christmas and holiday projects? Find more handmade holiday craft ideas at my Holiday Pattern Roundup Post.

Mitten Holiday Ornament Free Knitting Pattern from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

©2017, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

See purlsandpixels.com for more great patterns or to order this item handmade by me. I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.

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