How to Crochet Fingerless Mittens

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays coming to an end, I’ve been indulging in a couple selfish makes. I have a couple garment designs floating around in my head, but don’t quite have the energy for grading sizes yet. And among other things, I’m working on a mini-rebrand. So in the meantime, I thought I’d put a few little pattern modifications on the blog. A “Month of Mods”, if you will. First in the lineup is actually from an email request that I received not long ago: the XOXO Mitts.

The following is a free pattern available for use on my website. If you’d like to purchase the ad-free PDF of this pattern, check out my Ravelry or Etsy shops. All rights reserved.

**This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. This is a great way to support my small business AND get the supplies you need for your project!**

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About the XOXO Collection

The XOXO Slouch Hat was one of the first patterns that I ever released. It’s one of my older patterns, but it’s still one of my most popular ones. I never intended to turn it into a collection, I just wanted to design a textured hat. But not long after finishing it, I designed the XOXO Cowl so I could gift the set to my mom for Christmas last year. The cowl is still one of my most popular patterns on Pinterest.

With the XOXO Mitts and XOXO Ear Warmer done now, I think it’s officially a collection. I won’t say it’s a finished collection, but a collection nonetheless.

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About the Design

The idea behind the XOXO patterns was that the stitches would resemble X’s and O’s. The Crossed double crochets represent my X’s, while the bobbles (or beads) represent my O’s.

Another fun thing about this set is that the pattern is written with the option for beading. In this pattern, you don’t pre-string your beads, but add them as you work. I have a little tutorial and video on how to do this here. I typically use Design Co beads from Hobby Lobby or wooden beads from any craft store.

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Mitt Sizing

I designed these fingerless mittens in 4 different sizes: Toddler, Child, Teen/Adult Small, Adult. The pattern is written in increments of 4 stitches, so in theory you could go up or down an extra size or two with a little finagling of the stitch counts.

The sizing on these is pretty forgiving. The toddler mitts easily fit my 2 year old as well as my 5 year old. My 5 year old preferred the child size, but really was able to the toddler, child or teen size. I have fairly small hands, and I could comfortably wear the teen or the adult size. I could get my hand in the child size, but it was a tad short for me. Overall, they’re a pretty quick make, so whatever size you choose, you’ll probably fly right through them.

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Special Stitches

This pattern uses a few special stitches. I’ll just give you a quick list of a few of the fancy stitches. If you already know them, you can just keep going straight to the pattern! You’ll be using: Crossed DC, Camel Stitch/Crochet in third loop, and Bobble stitch. Plus if you want to add beads, I have a tutorial for that as well.

Crossed Double Crochet

The crossed double crochet is super simple. To do this stitch, you will skip a stitch then work a double crochet in the next one. Then double crochet in the stitch that you skipped. That’s it! The criss-cross technique will give you some great texture.

Bobble Stitch

Next up is the bobble stitch. For this one, yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook. Then repeat those steps two more times (or more for larger bobbles). You should have four loops left on your hook. Then yarn over and pull through all four loops on your hook. You can chain one to close your bobble or just keep working.

Camel Stitch

The camel stitch is also known as working in the 3rd loop. For this one, you will need a foundation of half double crochet stitches. When you’re looking at your stitch, you should see the front loop and the back loop. Then directly behind the back loop is the 3rd loop. When you work your stitches into this 3rd loop, it will push the front and back loop forward creating a line of texture in your work.

Adding Beads

Adding beads to crochet is a really fun option for this pattern. I have a whole tutorial with video included on how to do this. Click the button below to check it out.

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Materials Needed

60 – 110 yds Worsted weight (4) yarn
5.0mm (H) Crochet hook
5.50mm (I) Crochet hook
1.5mm (size 8) Crochet hook (optional)
Beads (6mm, 8mm, 10mm) (optional)
Scissors
Tapestry needle

Stitches Used

Single Crochet (sc)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Double Crochet (dc)
Bobble Stitch (bs)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Skip stitch (sk st)

Gauge

Ribbing: 4 rows = 1”
Body: 16 stitches = 4”, 6 rows = 2”

Pattern for Body Gauge

With I Hook: Ch 17, turn. SC 16 stitches across. Ch 2 and turn, Crossed DC across. Ch 1 and turn, HDC across. Ch 1 and turn, Sc in third loops across. Ch 1 and turn, Sc across. Ch 1 and turn, SC 1, Bobble, sc 3, bobble, sc 3, Bobble, Sc 3, Bobble, sc 2. Ch 1 and turn, sc across.

Notes

• Chain spaces do not count as stitches in stitch count.
• Sizes in parentheses are (Toddler, Child, Teen/Adult Small, Adult)
• Rows 6 and 7 will be worked differently based whether you are adding bobble stitches or beads
• After Row 9, the pattern will split based on sizing. Be sure that you move to corresponding set of instructions for the size you are working on.
• These mitts are done with small bobbles: Yarn over, insert into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Repeat 2 more times. Yarn over, pull through 4 loops.
• Beads are a choking hazard for young children and not recommended for items made for children under the age of 4

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Pattern

(Toddler, Child, Teen/Adult Small, Adult)

Ribbing

With Size H (5.0mm) hook, Ch (7,9,11,11).
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (6,8,10,10)
Row 2: Ch 1 and turn. Working in back loops only (BLO), sc in first stitch and each stitch across. (6,8,10,10)

Repeat Row 2 for a total of (20, 24, 24, 28) rows.
Fold piece in half lengthwise. Holding ends together, sl st 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.

Body

Switch to Size I (5.5mm) hook
Row 1: With working loop from ribbing, Ch 1, then sc 1 in each of the rows from the ribbing. Sl st in top of first sc to join. (20,24,24,28)
Row 2: Ch 3 (does not count as stitch). *Sk next stitch. Work 1 dc in following stitch. Work 1 dc in previous skipped stitch working over previous dc.* (Crossed DC). Repeat from * around. Sl st in top of Ch 3 to join. (20,24,24,28)
Row 3: Ch 1. Hdc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (20,24,24,28)
Row 4: Ch 1. Sc in third loop of first hdc in previous row (Camel Stitch). Working in third loops, sc in each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (20,24,24,28)
Row 5: Ch 1. Sc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (20,24,24,28)

For Bobbles

Row 6: Ch 1 and TURN. Working on wrong side (WS), 1 sc in the last stitch of previous row. Bobble stitch (BS) in next stitch. *Sc in next 3 stitches. BS in next stitch.* Repeat from * until 3 stitches remain. BS in next stitch. Sc in next 2 stitches. Sl st first stitch to join. (20,24,24,28)
Row 7: Ch 1 and TURN. Resume working on right side (RS), Sc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (20,24,24,28)

For Beads

Row 6: Ch 1. Sc in each of the first two stitches. *Add a bead. Sc in in each of the next 4 stitches.* Repeat from * until two stitches remain. Add a bead. Sc in each of the last two stitches. Sl st in first sc to join. (20,24,24,28)
Row 7: Ch 1 and TURN. Working on wrong side (WS), sc in first stitch and in each stitch around. (20,24,24,28) (Note: Turn to right side (RS) before working Row 8)

Row 8: Ch 1. Hdc in first st and in each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (20,24,24,28)
Row 9: Ch 1. Sc in third loop of first hdc in previous row (Camel Stitch). Working in third loops, sc in each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (20,24,24,28)

For Toddler/Child Sizes

Right Hand Thumbhole:
Row 10: Ch 1. Sc 1 in each of the first (14,15,-,-) stitches. Ch 2. Sk the next 6 stitches. Sc 1 in each of the last (2,3,-,-) stitches.
Left Hand Thumbhole:
Row 10: Ch 1. Sc 1 in each of the first (2,3,-,-) stitches. Ch 2. Sk the next 6 stitches. Sc 1 in each of the last (14,15,-,-) stitches.

Row 11: Ch 3. *Sk next stitch. Work 1 dc in following stitch. Work 1 dc in previous skipped stitch working over previous dc.* (Crossed DC). Repeat from * around, treating the ch 2 spaces each as a stitch. Sl st in top of Ch 3 to join. (16,20,-,-)
Row 12: Ch 1. Hdc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (16,20,-,-)
Row 13: Ch 1. Sc in third loop of first hdc in previous row (Camel Stitch). Working in third loops, sc in each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (16,20,-,-) Tie off and weave in ends.

For Teen/Adult Sizes

Row 10: Ch 3. *Sk next stitch. Work 1 dc in following stitch. Work 1 dc in previous skipped stitch working over previous dc.* (Crossed DC). Repeat from * around. Sl st in top of Ch 3 to join. (-,-,24,28)

Right Hand Thumbhole:
Row 11: Ch 1. Hdc 1 in each of the first (-,-,15,19) stitches. Ch 2. Sk the next 6 stitches. Hdc 1 in each of the last (-,-,3,3) stitches.
Left Hand Thumbhole:
Row 11: Ch 1. Hdc 1 in each of the first (-,-,3,3) stitches. Ch 2. Sk the next 6 stitches. Hdc 1 in each of the last (-,-,15,19) stitches.

Row 12: Ch 1. Sc in third loop of first hdc in previous row (Camel Stitch). Working in third loops, sc in each stitch around. Sc in back loop of each of ch stitches of previous row. Sl st in first stitch to join. (-,-,20,24)
Row 13: Ch 1. Sc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (-,-,20,24)
Row 14-15: Repeat 6-7 for Bobbles or Beads (-,-,20,24)
Row 16: Ch 1. Hdc in first stitch and each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (-,-,20,24)
Row 17: Ch 1. Sc in third loop of first hdc in previous row (Camel Stitch). Working in third loops, sc in each stitch around. Sl st in first stitch to join. (-,-,20,24) Tie off and weave in ends.

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Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this quick little make. If all goes well, I’ll be adding little things to the blog all month, so be on the lookout! If you happen to make these mitts, be sure to share them on social media with the hashtag #xoxomitts. You can tag me @craftingforweeks on Instagram or Facebook. I love to see your makes out in the wild.

Until next time, happy crafting!