Cloudspun Cream Cabled Mittens Free Pattern – Heirloom Texture
Wrap Your Hands in Heirloom Luxury: The Cloudspun Cream Cabled Mittens
There are some knitting projects that feel like a warm hug from the past—and these Cloudspun Cream Cabled Mittens are exactly that. With their intricate braided lattice and plush, cream-colored worsted weight yarn, they bring a modern twist to a timeless heirloom classic. Whether you're curling up by the fire or braving a winter walk, these mittens will keep your hands cozy while turning heads with their stunning texture.
This free pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters ready to tackle cables in the round, but don't worry—we'll walk you through every step. The result is a pair of mittens that look store-bought but feel handmade with love. Let's dive in!
Materials Needed
Before you cast on, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in cream (approx 200g / 350m). We recommend Cascade 220 Heathers in "Cream" for that soft, fluffy finish.
- Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) double-pointed needles (or a circular needle for the magic loop method), plus a cable needle.
- Notions: Stitch markers (at least 4), waste yarn or stitch holders, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
Gauge: 22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always swatch first—your hands will thank you!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sizes & Abbreviations
Sizes: Women's M (7.5" hand circumference, 10" length).
Abbreviations:
- CO: cast on
- K: knit
- P: purl
- K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
- SSK: slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
- C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
- C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
- PM: place marker
- RM: remove marker
- M1L: make one left (increase)
- M1R: make one right (increase)
Cuff (Make 2)
CO 40 stitches. Distribute evenly on 4 DPNs (10 stitches per needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist your cast-on edge.
Rounds 1-12: *K2, P2* repeat to end of round. This ribbed cuff will give your mittens a snug, stretchy fit.
Hand (Worked over 40 Stitches)
Now we begin the beautiful cable pattern. Follow these rounds carefully—the cables will twist and braid to create that heirloom lattice effect.
Round 13: *K4, P2, C4F, P2, K4, P2, C4B, P2* repeat once more (total 2 repeats).
Round 14: *K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2* repeat once more.
Round 15: *K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, C4F, P2* repeat once more (note: this shifts the cable placement).
Round 16: *K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2* repeat once more.
Round 17: *K4, P2, C4B, P2, K4, P2, C4F, P2* repeat once more.
Round 18: *K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2* repeat once more.
Round 19: *K4, P2, K4, P2, C4F, P2, K4, P2* repeat once more.
Round 20: *K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2* repeat once more.
Repeat Rounds 13-20 until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with Round 20.
Thumb Gusset (Right Mitten)
This is where we shape the thumb. The gusset increases will create a comfortable, anatomical fit.
Round 21: K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, PM, M1R, K1, M1L, PM, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2 (now 42 stitches).
Round 22: Work in pattern as established (knit knits, purl purls), knitting the thumb stitches between markers.
Round 23: K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, PM, M1R, K3, M1L, PM, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2 (44 stitches).
Round 24: Work even in pattern.
Round 25: K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, PM, M1R, K5, M1L, PM, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2 (46 stitches).
Continue increasing every other round in this manner until there are 13 stitches between markers (after 6 increase rounds). Work even in pattern until the thumb gusset measures 2.5 inches from the first increase.
Separate Thumb
Next round: Work in pattern to the first marker, RM, place the next 13 stitches on waste yarn, RM, CO 1 stitch (over the gap), continue in pattern to end of round (now 40 stitches total).
Hand Body
Continue in the established cable pattern (Rounds 13-20) until the hand measures 8 inches from the cuff (or your desired length to the top of your pinky).
Decrease for Top
Time to shape the crown of the mitten. These decreases will taper the top neatly.
Round 1: *K2tog, K2, P2, K2tog, K2, P2, K2tog, K2, P2, K2tog, K2, P2* repeat once more (32 stitches).
Round 2: *K2tog, K1, P2, K2tog, K1, P2, K2tog, K1, P2, K2tog, K1, P2* repeat once more (24 stitches).
Round 3: *K2tog, P2, K2tog, P2, K2tog, P2* repeat once more (18 stitches).
Round 4: *K2tog, P1, K2tog, P1, K2tog, P1* repeat once more (12 stitches).
Round 5: *K2tog* repeat to end (6 stitches). Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in end.
Thumb
Place the 13 thumb stitches back on DPNs. Pick up 1 stitch from the CO gap, and 1 stitch from each side of the gap (total 15 stitches). Knit all stitches in the round for 2 inches (or to the base of your thumb).
Decrease: *K2tog, K1* repeat to end (10 stitches). Next round: *K2tog* repeat to end (5 stitches). Cut yarn, thread through, pull tight, weave in end.
Left Mitten
Work the same as the right mitten, but place the thumb gusset after the second cable repeat (i.e., after K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, then start the gusset before the P2). Mirror the increases for a symmetrical pair.
Finishing
Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle. Block gently to shape—this will relax the cables and give your mittens a professional finish. Lay them flat to dry, and admire your handiwork!
These Cloudspun Cream Cabled Mittens are more than just accessories—they're heirlooms in the making. The plush cream yarn and intricate braided cables make them a joy to knit and an even greater joy to wear. So grab your needles, pour a cup of tea, and let the soothing rhythm of cables transport you to a cozier time. Happy knitting!
