Aurora Ridge Cabled Mittens: A Cozy Knitting Pattern for Beginners and Beyond

Wrap your hands in the cozy embrace of the Aurora Ridge Cabled Mittens—a modern take on classic Nordic warmth. These mittens feature a stunning textured cable that winds up the back, adding both style and insulation. The combination of deep teal and cream creates a striking contrast that feels both rustic and contemporary. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner ready for your first cable project, this pattern is designed to guide you every step of the way. Let's dive in and create something beautiful for the cold months ahead!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Deep Teal – approximately 200 yards
  • Contrast Color (CC): Cream – approximately 50 yards (for cuff and optional details)
• Needles:
  • US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (or circular for magic loop) – for the main body
  • US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles – for the ribbed cuff
• Notions:
  • Cable needle
  • Stitch markers (at least 4)
  • Waste yarn or stitch holders
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  • Scissors
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles. Always check your gauge to ensure proper fit!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Finished Size

Women's medium (7.5 inches hand circumference, 10 inches length). Adjust needle size to achieve gauge for different sizes.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• M1L: Make one left (increase – pick up bar between stitches from front, knit through back loop)
• M1R: Make one right (increase – pick up bar between stitches from back, knit through front loop)
• C4F: Cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle)
• C4B: Cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd: Round

Cuff (Make Both Mittens the Same)

With smaller needles (US 5) and Contrast Color (Cream), CO 40 sts. Distribute evenly on 4 DPNs (10 sts per needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-12: *K2, P2* repeat around. (40 sts)

Tip: The ribbed cuff in cream creates a beautiful contrast against the deep teal body. If you prefer a longer cuff, simply add more rounds.

Hand (Right Mitten)

Switch to larger needles (US 6) and Main Color (Deep Teal). Work in stockinette (knit every round) for 2 rounds.

Set Up Cable Pattern on Back of Hand

Place a marker after 20 sts to separate the palm (first 20 sts) from the back of hand (last 20 sts). Work the cable pattern over the back 20 sts as follows:

• Rnd 1: K20 (palm), P2, K4, C4F, C4B, K4, P2 (back of hand). (40 sts)
• Rnd 2: K20, P2, K16, P2.
• Rnd 3: K20, P2, K4, C4B, C4F, K4, P2.
• Rnd 4: K20, P2, K16, P2.
• Rnd 5: K20, P2, K16, P2.
• Rnd 6: K20, P2, K16, P2.
• Rnd 7: K20, P2, K4, C4F, C4B, K4, P2.
• Rnd 8: K20, P2, K16, P2.

Repeat Rnds 1-8 for the cable pattern. Work until the piece measures 3 inches from the cuff, ending with Rnd 8. Note: The purl stitches on either side of the cable create a beautiful "ridge" that frames the twisted stitches.

Thumb Gusset (Right Mitten)

Now we'll create the thumb opening using increases. This is where the magic happens!

Next Rnd: K20 (palm), place marker, M1R, K1, M1L, place marker, work cable pattern across back (20 sts). (42 sts)

Continue in pattern, increasing 2 sts inside the thumb markers every 3rd round as follows:

• Rnd A (Increase Round): K20, slip marker, M1R, K to marker, M1L, slip marker, work cable pattern.
• Rnd B: Work even in pattern (no increases).
• Rnd C: Work even in pattern.

Repeat Rnds A-C until you have 15 sts between the thumb markers (total 55 sts). Work one more round even.

Pro Tip: The increases create a wedge shape that will accommodate your thumb. The M1R and M1L ensure the increases lean correctly for a neat finish.

Separate Thumb

Next Rnd: K20 (palm), slip marker, place next 15 thumb sts on waste yarn, remove marker, CO 1 st (bridge stitch), work cable pattern across back (20 sts). (41 sts)

Continue in pattern (cable on back, stockinette on palm) until the mitten measures 8 inches from the cuff, ending with Rnd 8 of the cable pattern.

Shape Top (Decreases)

Now we'll shape the rounded top of the mitten. Work decreases evenly around, maintaining the cable pattern as long as possible:

• Rnd 1: K2tog, K16, SSK (palm), P2, K4, C4F, C4B, K4, P2 (back). (38 sts)
• Rnd 2: K18 (palm), P2, K16, P2 (back). (38 sts)
• Rnd 3: K2tog, K14, SSK (palm), P2, K4, C4F, C4B, K4, P2 (back). (36 sts)
• Rnd 4: K16, P2, K16, P2. (36 sts)
• Rnd 5: K2tog, K12, SSK (palm), P2, K4, C4B, C4F, K4, P2. (34 sts)
• Rnd 6: K14, P2, K16, P2. (34 sts)
• Rnd 7: K2tog, K10, SSK (palm), P2, K2tog, K12, SSK, P2. (28 sts)
• Rnd 8: K12, P2, K14, P2. (28 sts)
• Rnd 9: K2tog, K8, SSK (palm), P2, K2tog, K10, SSK, P2. (22 sts)
• Rnd 10: K2tog, K6, SSK (palm), P2, K2tog, K8, SSK, P2. (18 sts)
• Rnd 11: K2tog, K4, SSK (palm), P2, K2tog, K6, SSK, P2. (14 sts)
• Rnd 12: K2tog, K2, SSK (palm), P2, K2tog, K4, SSK, P2. (10 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread through remaining 10 sts, pull tight, and weave in end securely.

Thumb

Transfer the 15 thumb sts from waste yarn to larger needles. Pick up 1 st from the bridge, and 1 st from each side to avoid holes – total 17 sts. Join in the round.

• Rnds 1-10: Knit all sts.
• Rnd 11: K2tog, K13, SSK. (15 sts)
• Rnd 12: K2tog, K11, SSK. (13 sts)
• Rnd 13: K2tog, K9, SSK. (11 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in end.

Left Mitten (Mirror Image)

Work the cuff and hand the same as the right mitten, but place the thumb gusset on the opposite side (mirror). When working the cable pattern, start with Rnd 3 (C4B first) to mirror the twist direction. Follow the same shaping, but place thumb increases on the left side of the palm (after the first 20 sts, before the cable pattern).

Finishing Touches

Weave in all ends carefully using a tapestry needle. Block gently to shape – this helps the cables relax and look their best. Optionally, add a crochet chain loop at the top for hanging.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've just created a beautiful pair of Aurora Ridge Cabled Mittens. The combination of the rich teal and cream, paired with the elegant cable pattern, makes these mittens a standout accessory for any winter wardrobe. They also make thoughtful handmade gifts for loved ones. Remember, practice makes perfect – each pair you knit will be even better than the last. Happy knitting!