Fablewood Fox Mittens Free Pattern – Knitted Woodland Mitts for Kids

Knitted Woodland Mitts: The Fablewood Fox Mittens Free Pattern

Wrap little hands in the warmth of the forest with these charming fox-faced mittens, knitted in a cozy, textured rib. This whimsical yet practical project brings storybook charm to frosty mornings, transforming a simple pair of mittens into a woodland adventure. Perfect for kids aged 6-8, these mittens are not only adorable but also a fantastic way to practice your knitting skills in the round. Let's dive into creating this handmade treasure that will be loved for seasons to come.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Burnt Orange (Main Color - MC): Approximately 150g
  • Cream (Contrast Color 1 - CC1): Approximately 50g
  • Black (Contrast Color 2 - CC2): Approximately 20g
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for the magic loop method. You'll also need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and embroidery.
• Notions: Stitch markers, a waste yarn holder or scrap yarn, and a tape measure.

Gauge & Size

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) after blocking. Adjust needle size as needed to achieve this gauge.

Size: Child (6-8 years) – Finished palm circumference: 6.5 inches, Length: 8 inches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the cuff up. Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your Fablewood Fox Mittens. The pattern is designed for a beginner to follow with confidence.

Cuff

1. With your Main Color (MC) yarn, cast on 32 stitches.
2. Distribute the stitches evenly over 3 double-pointed needles (10, 11, 11 stitches). Join in the round, being extremely careful not to twist your stitches.
3. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a snug, stretchy cuff that will keep the cold out.

Hand

1. Switch to stockinette stitch (knit every round).
2. In the next round, increase 4 stitches evenly across the round. You should now have 36 stitches total. A simple way to increase is to knit into the front and back of a stitch (KFB).
3. Knit 10 rounds even in stockinette stitch. This forms the base of the hand.

Thumb Gusset

Now we'll create the thumb opening. Pay close attention to the increases, as they shape the gusset.

1. Round 1: K17, place marker (PM), M1L (Make 1 Left), K1, M1R (Make 1 Right), PM, K18. (38 stitches total)
2. Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all stitches. (No increases)
3. Round 3: K17, M1L, K3, M1R, K18. (40 stitches)
4. Round 5: K17, M1L, K5, M1R, K18. (42 stitches)
5. Round 7: K17, M1L, K7, M1R, K18. (44 stitches)
6. Round 9: K17, M1L, K9, M1R, K18. (46 stitches)
7. Round 11: K17, M1L, K11, M1R, K18. (48 stitches)
8. Round 12: Knit all stitches.
9. Next round: K17, place the 13 thumb stitches (between the markers) onto a waste yarn holder. Cast on 1 stitch (over the gap), then K18. You now have 36 stitches total for the hand body.

Hand Body

1. Knit even in stockinette stitch for 12 rounds, or until the mitten reaches the base of the little finger. Try it on the child if possible to ensure a good fit.

Decreases for Top

We'll now shape the top of the mitten with a series of decreases.

1. Round 1: *K2, K2tog, K1, K2tog*; repeat from * to * 4 times. (24 stitches)
2. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 3: *K1, K2tog*; repeat from * to * 8 times. (16 stitches)
4. Round 4: K2tog around. (8 stitches)
5. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining 8 stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and weave in the end securely.

Thumb

1. Transfer the 13 thumb stitches from the waste yarn holder back onto your DPNs.
2. Pick up and knit 1 stitch from the cast-on gap at the base of the thumb.
3. Knit across the 13 stitches. You now have 14 stitches for the thumb.
4. Knit even in stockinette stitch for 8 rounds.
5. Next round: K2tog around. (7 stitches)
6. Cut the yarn, thread it through the remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure the end.

Fox Face Embroidery

This is where your mitten comes to life! Work on the back of the hand (the side opposite the thumb).

1. Muzzle: Using CC1 (cream), embroider a small triangle at the top center of the mitten back. Use a satin stitch or simple backstitch to fill in the triangle.
2. Nose: Using CC2 (black), embroider a small nose at the tip of the cream triangle.
3. Eyes: Using CC2 (black), embroider two small eyes above the muzzle, one on each side.
4. Ears: For the ears, pick up stitches along the top edge of the mitten (in the decrease area). Knit a small triangle in MC, then fold and sew it to form a pointed ear. Repeat for the other ear. This creates the adorable fox silhouette.

Finishing

1. Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle.
2. Block the mittens lightly to even out the stitches.
3. Repeat the entire process for the second mitten, making sure the thumb gusset is on the opposite side to create a mirror image pair.

Your Fablewood Fox Mittens are complete! These cozy, handcrafted mittens are sure to become a winter favorite, adding a touch of woodland magic to any frosty adventure. Happy knitting!