Houndstooth Convertible Mittens: Free Crochet Pattern

When the weather takes a turn, and those fingers start to get cold, convertible gloves and mittens are my favorite accessories. I love having full use of my fingers for touch screens, but the option to tuck them away for warmth. The Houndstooth Convertible do just that! These easy fingerless mittens use a simple crochet stitch combination to create fun and functional winter wear.

Before you Begin…

You can find the ad-free PDF version of this pattern in my Ravelry shop or my Etsy shop. For the free version, keep scrolling!

Shop the recommended yarn, Lion Brand Basic Stitch (you’ll need two colors)!

You’re also going to need 5.0mm and 5.5mm crochet hooks. Check out my favorite set of crochet hooks!

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What is the Houndstooth Stitch?

The Houndstooth Stitch is actually just another popular crochet stitch, often called lemon peel stitch or griddle stitch, done with alternating colors. This stitch combination uses alternating single crochet and double crochet stitches and changes color each row. In subsequent rows, single crochets are worked into the top of double crochet stitches while double crochet stitches are worked into the top of single crochets. The differing height of the stitches combined with the color changes creates the illusion of a houndstooth print.

About the Pattern

I have made a few houndstooth pieces up to this point, and I really wanted to have matching accessories to make sets. For this pattern, I used worsted weight yarn (just like my Houndstooth Slouch Hat!) and two colors. These mittens are written in four sizes (Toddler, Child Small, Child Large, Teen/Adult) and come with plenty of options to modify.

My goal with these mittens was to come up with several modifications so you can make them fit your preferences. You can make these with or without the flap that closes the mittens, giving yourself the option of either completely fingerless mittens or convertible mittens. There’s also an option to make a classic full mitten with no flap at all. You can also make them an open thumb or closed thumb.

And of course, you can always make these with a solid color as well for a lightly textured effect instead of houndstooth print. Another fun way to customize these is to have a little bit of fun with your button flap options.

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About the Yarn

For this pattern, I used Lion Brand Basic Stitch in the color ways Hazelnut and Black. This is one of my favorite worsted weight yarns to work with. I love that it comes in a wide variety of colors, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s resistant to piling. This yarn is easy to substitute with any other worsted weight yarn (cyc 4).

In addition to yarn, I also used a large wooden button on my mittens to hold the top mitten flap in place when it is not being used. This is a great space to be creative. For my daughter’s mittens, I let her pick out her own fun buttons. But when you’re supply shopping make sure you keep in mind which style and features you’ll be adding to yours.

About the Stitch Combo

The Houndstooth Stitch might look tricky, but it’s actually really simple to pick up. This stitch is commonly referred to as griddle stitch or lemon peel stitch and uses alternating single and double crochet stitches. For the convertible mittens, we’re going to be working this stitch in the round which is even easier, because you won’t have to carry your yarn. I’ve recorded a video to help you navigate the stitch.

Optional Links to Purchase

Don’t forget, you can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this pattern in my Ravelry shop or my Etsy shop. I love being able to offer my patterns for free, supported by ads. But if you’d rather avoid the ads, I also sell the PDF version of each pattern. You can click the buttons to purchase the PDF in either of my shops or enjoy the free pattern just below!

Let’s Get Started…

Materials Needed

65-100 yds of Lion Brand Basic Stitch in Color A  (or similar Worsted Weight yarn)
35-60 yds of Lion Brand Basic Stitch in Color B (or similar Worsted Weight yarn)
Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook
Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook
Tapestry needle 
Scissors 
Buttons

Abbreviations Used

Ch – Chain 
Sc – Single Crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Sl St – Slip Stitch
CA – Color A
CB – Color B

Skill Level

Experienced Beginner

Gauge

12 stitches x 13 rows (5.5mm hook) worked in Griddle Stitch (see Special Stitches)

Finished Measurements

Toddler: 3”w x 3.75”h (fingerless), 5.75”h (mitten)
Child Small (4-6yrs): 3.25”x 4.75”h (fingerless), 7”h (mitten)
Child Large (8-12yrs): 3.5”w x 5.75”h (fingerless), 8.5” h (mitten)
Teen/Adult: 3.75”w x 6.5”h (fingerless), 9.75” h (mitten)

Yardage

	Color A Yardage	Color B Yardage
Toddler	65	35
Child Small	75	45
Child Large	90	55
Adult	100	60

Notes

• This pattern is worked in rounds, but it turns after each round. Rounds are noted with Right Side (RS) and Wrong Side (WS).
• Theses mittens are written in four sizes. They are written as (Toddler, Child Sm, Child Lg, Teen/Adult) in the pattern.
• This stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 2. If adjusting the size, you will need to add or subtract cuffs rows and stitch count by 2. Please note, that changing the stitch count will affect the placement of thumbholes. 
• These fingerless mitts are designed with a flap that attaches to the back to convert them to regular mittens. If you prefer to make just traditional mittens, continuing working row repeats after your thumb split until mitt reaches tip of pointer finger. This is approximately (2,4,6,8) additional rows. Then finish the mitten with the last three rounds of the Fold-over Flap directions.

Pattern

CUFF

With Size H (5.0mm) hook and CA, Ch (7,7,9,9).

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (6,6,8,8)
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Working in back loops only (BLO), sc in first stitch and each stitch across. (6,6,8,8)
Repeat Row 2 for a total of (18, 20, 22, 24) rows. 

Fold piece in half lengthwise. Holding ends together, sl st together in each stitch across both pieces to close band. Do not break yarn.Turn band so slip stitches are facing inward and working yarn is on top.

MITT

Switch to  Size I (5.5mm) hook

Round 1 (RS): With CA, ch 1. (Note: We will now crochet one stitch in the edge of each row of the cuff.) *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in the edge of each row around. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (18, 20, 22, 24) 
Round 2 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, Dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around. Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join.(18, 20, 22, 24)
Round 3 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (18, 20, 22, 24)
Repeat Rows 2-3 for (5, 7, 9, 11) rounds. You should have just completed a row with Color A.

SPLIT RIGHT

Toddler

Round 6 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. Sc, dc, sc. Ch 2, sk 4 sts, dc. [Sc, dc] 5x.  Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (16)
Round 7 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around including in each of the ch spaces from Round 7. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (16)
Round 8 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (16)
Round 9 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (16)
Finish off and weave ends.

Child Small (4-6)

Round 8 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. Sc, dc, sc. Ch 4, sk 4 sts, dc. [Sc, dc] 7x.  Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (20)
Round 9 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around including in each of the ch spaces from Round 7. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (20)
Round 10 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (20)
Round 11 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (20)
Finish off and weave ends.

Child Large (8-12yr)

Round 10 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. [Sc, dc] 6x. Sc, ch 4, sk 4 stitches, dc. [Sc, dc]  Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (22)
Round 11 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around including in each of the ch spaces from Round 11. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (22)
Round 12 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (22)
Round 13 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (22)
Round 14 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (22)
Round 15 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (22)
Finish off and weave ends.

Adult

Round 12 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. [Sc, dc] 7x. Sc, ch 4, sk 6 stitches, dc. [Sc, dc]  Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (22)
Round 13 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around including in each of the ch spaces from Round 11. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (22)
Round 14 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (22)
Round 15 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (22)
Round 16 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (22)
Round 17 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (22)
Finish off and weave ends.

SPLIT LEFT

Toddler

Round 6 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. [Sc, dc] 5x. Sc, ch 2, sk 4 sts. Dc, sc dc. Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (16)
Round 7 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around including in each of the ch spaces from Round 7. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (16)
Round 8 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (16)
Round 9 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (16)
Finish off and weave ends.

Child Small (4-6)

Round 8 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. Sc, dc. Ch 4, sk 4 stitches. [Sc, dc] 7x.  Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (20)
Round 9 (WS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around including in each of the ch spaces from Round 7. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (20)
Round 10 (RS): Repeat Round 2 (20)
Round 11 (WS): Repeat Round 3 (20)
Finish off and weave ends.

Child Large (8-12)

Round 10 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. [Sc, dc] 6x. Sc, ch 4, sk 4 stitches, dc. [Sc, dc]  Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (22)
Round 11 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around including in each of the ch spaces from Round 11. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (22)
Round 12 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (22)
Round 13 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (22)
Round 14 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (22)
Round 15 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (22)
Finish off and weave ends.

Adult

Round 12 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. [Sc, dc] 7x. Sc, ch 4, sk 6 stitches, dc. [Sc, dc]  Sl st with CA  to top of first sc to join. (22)
Round 13 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around including in each of the ch spaces from Round 11. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (22)
Round 14 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (22)
Round 15 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (22)
Round 16 (WS): Repeat Round 2 (22)
Round 17 (RS): Repeat Round 3 (22)
Finish off and weave ends.

THUMB

With Color B, attach yarn to space before the skipped stitches. (Note: Leave a slightly longer tail for weaving closed any gapping you might have from the thumb attachment.)

Round 1 (WS): Ch 1. Sc 1 in the side of the last stitch before the skipped stitches. [Dc, sc] (1x, 2x, -, 3x) in each of the bottom loops of the chain spaces from the first split row. Dc in the side of the first stitch after the skipped stitches. [Sc, dc] to last stitch. Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (8,10,10,12)
Round 2 (RS): With CA, Ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (8,10,10,12)

Note: If leaving thumb open for fingerless style, stop after Round (2,2,4,4). If enclosing thumb for traditional mitten, Complete a total of  (4, 6, 8,10) rounds.

Round 3 (WS): With CB, Ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around. Sl st to top of first sc to join. (8,10,10,12)
Round 4 (RS): Repeat Round 2
Round 5 (WS): Repeat Round 3
Round 6 -10: Repeat Rounds 2-3

Closing Thumb

After completing the designated number of rounds, leave Color A attached. Sc2tog around. Cut long tail for closing. Weave the tail through the top edge of the sc2tog stitches and pull to cinch the thumbhole closed. Tie off and weave end. 

FOLD-OVER FLAP

With Color A, ch (16, 20, 22, 22) and slip stitch to first ch to form a loop.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 1. Working in the back bump of the ch, *sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (16, 20, 22, 22)
Round 2 (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around. Sl st with CA to top of first sc to join. (16, 20, 22, 22)
Round 3 (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around. Sl st with CB to top of first sc to join. (16, 20, 22, 22)
Repeat Rows 2-3 for (5, 7, 9, 11) rounds. You should have just completed a row with Color A.

Round (6,8,10,12) (WS): With CB, ch 1 and turn. Sc2tog, dc2tog, sc, dc. Repeat from * to * around. Sc, dc in any remaining stitches. Sl st to top of first sc2tog to join.
Round (7,9,11,13) (RS): With CA, ch 1 and turn. *Sc, dc.* Repeat from * to * in each st around. Sl st to top of first sc to join.  Leave CA attached. 
Round (8,10,12,14) (WS): Ch 1. Sc2tog around. Cut long tail for closing. 

Closing the Flap

Weave the tail in and out around the top edge of the sc2tog stitches and pull to cinch the thumbhole closed. Tie off and weave end. 

FINISHING

1. Attach the fold-over flaps to the back of the mitts. You will attach the edge of the flap to the third row from the top. This allows the whole hand to be covered when the flap is folded over. Whip stitch it in place with CA yarn. 
2. Sew a button of choice to the center-back side of each mitt where the cuff meets the mitts. 
3. With smaller hook, chain 8-10 stitches with CA yarn and cut yarn with enough tail to tie. (Note: this chain needs to be large enough to fit around the button you chose. You may need to adjust the number of chains.) Loop yarn the tail ends through the top of the fold-over flap on each side of the cinched closing. Tie ends securely on the inside of the flap, making sure that the chain loop stays large enough to go around your button. 
4. Loop chain at the top of the fold-over flap around the button when you wear them fingerless. Pull the loop inside of the flap when you wear them as mittens.

Final Thoughts

These mittens were a lot of fun to make and I think you’re going to love them too! I can’t wait to see what color combos you all come up with (or if my minimalist friends make some stunning solids!).

Be sure to tag me in your finished makes! I love to see what you all create from my patterns. You can tag me @craftingforweeks on Facebook or on Instagram. And use the hashtag #patternhashtag for a chance to be featured!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!