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Ultimate Mittens
Soft as a cloud and warm as a fireside, our Ultimate Mittens, knit in our sumptuous new cashmere Nigh Aran yarn, are designed with universal appeal. Knit these perfect mittens as a truly special gift for anyone on your list… Or keep them for yourself to face the season’s frosty air and falling snow.
Knit entirely in stockinette stitch, this streamlined design allows Nigh Aran’s extraordinary softness and generous halo to take center stage. Lifted increases create the thumb gusset; coordinating decreases shape the top (the ideal balance between rounded and tapered); and you finish with a simple thumb. Knit the second mitten just the same and done!
Toasty warm and utterly irresistible, Nigh Aran is the cashmere yarn every knitter dreams of, spun from the finest 100% Mongolian cashmere. Its buoyant multi-ply structure and generous aran weight strike the perfect balance: thick enough for the coziest mittens, yet still light enough to float across your needles. Pre-washed multiple times at the mill for exceptional softness, each stitch is a moment of pure delight, and once blocked, the yarn blooms into a lush fog of cashmere halo.
Nigh Aran offers a timeless palette for timeless mittens, from the deep, intriguing richness of Yew Green to the delicate shimmer of Pink Pearl. So inspiring for gifts, each color invites you to knit something special, sure to be cherished for years to come.
Choose from 5 sizes, 13 gorgeous colors, and either a classic mitten or fingerless hand warmer style. However you knit your Ultimate Mittens, you’ll savor every stitch of sumptuous Nigh Aran cashmere!
Pattern based on the Essential Mittens designed by Purl Soho designer, Jake Canton, and updated and written for Nigh Aran by Purl Soho designer, Gaby Bush.
Story written by Andrea Lotz for Purl Soho.
Want to print this pattern? On desktop, find the “print” icon in the right margin, and on mobile, scroll to the end of the pattern for it. Use the on-screen instructions to remove anything you don’t want to print!
Materials
- 1 (2, 2, 2, 2) skein(s) of Purl Soho’s Nigh Aran, 100% cashmere. Each skein of this worsted/aran weight yarn is 100 yards/ 55 grams; approximately 80 (110, 130, 145, 165) total yards required. We used the colors Pink Pearl and Yew Green.
- A set of US 6 (4 mm) double pointed needles OR US 6, 32-inch circular needles for Magic Loop
- Stitch markers, including one unique
- Scrap yarn
NOTE: If you prefer hand warmers to mittens, the pattern includes instructions for them, too. The Hand Warmer version requires 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) skein(s) or approximately 75 (100, 120, 135, 155) total yards.
GAUGE
18 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
SIZES
Kid (Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult X-Large)
- Finished Circumference At Wrist: 5¼ (5¾, 6¼, 7, 7½) inches
- Finished Circumference At Palm: 6¼ (7, 7½, 8, 8½) inches
- Finished Length From Cuff To Tip: 8½ (10, 10¾, 11½, 12¼) inches with rolled edge, instructions to modify
Samples: The Pink Pearl mittens are the Kid size and the Yew Green mittens are the Adult Medium size.
NOTES
DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES OR MAGIC LOOP
This pattern includes instructions for working on either double pointed needles or long circular needles, using the Magic Loop method. We have tutorials for both techniques, so just pick the approach you prefer!
To help decide, visit our How To Knit With Double Pointed Needles Tutorial and our Magic Loop Tutorial.
RLI + LLI (RIGHT + LEFT LIFTED INCREASES)
RLI (Right Lifted Increase): Lift right leg of stitch below next stitch on left needle onto left needle and knit it. [1 stitch increased]
LLI (Left Lifted Increase): Lift left leg of stitch 2 rows below stitch on right needle onto left needle and knit it through the back loop. [1 stitch increased]
For extra help, please visit our Lifted Increase Tutorial.
PATTERN
WRIST
Cast on 24 (26, 28, 32, 34) stitches, dividing the stitches among 4 double pointed needles or arranging them on circular needles for Magic Loop (see Notes). We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a unique stitch marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Knit every round until piece measures 1½ (1¾, 2¼, 2¾, 3) inches from cast-on edge, with edge unrolled (edge will roll approximately ½ inch), or to desired Wrist length.
GUSSET
Round 1: K1, RLI (see Notes), knit to end of round, LLI (see Notes). [2 stitches increased]
Rounds 2-4: Knit to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 four (5, 5, 5, 5) more times. [34 (38, 40, 44, 46) stitches]
THUMB HOLE
Set-Up Round 1: K4 (4, 4, 5, 5) stitches, place just-knit stitches onto stitch holder or scrap yarn, knit to last 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) stitches and place remaining stitches onto same stitch holder or scrap yarn, use backwards loop to cast 1 stitch onto right needle. [28 (32, 34, 36, 38) stitches remain]
PALM
Resume working in the round and continue in stockinette stitch, knitting each round, until Palm measures 3 (3½, 3¾, 3¾, 4) inches from Thumb Hole, or until piece measures 1 (1¼, 1¼, 1½, 1¾) inch(es) from desired total length.
NOTE: To make a Hand Warmer instead of a Mitten, knit every round until Palm measures 2¼ (2½, 3, 3¼, 3¾) inches from Thumb Hole, or to desired Palm length, then bind off all stitches loosely knitwise and continue on to the Thumb!
TOP
Set-Up Round: [Knit 2 together (k2tog), k9 (11, 12, 13, 14), slip slip knit (ssk), k1, place marker] 2 times, omitting final marker. [2 stitch markers, including end-of-round one; 24 (28, 30, 32, 34) stitches remain]
Round 1: Knit to end of round.
Round 2: [K2tog, knit to 3 stitches before next marker, ssk, k1, slip marker (sm)] 2 times. [4 stitches decreased]
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 one (2, 2, 3, 3) more time(s), then repeat Round 2 two times. [8 (8, 10, 8, 10) stitches remain]
ADULT MEDIUM + ADULT X-LARGE SIZES ONLY
Next Round: [K2, slip 2, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over, removing marker] 2 times. [6 stitches remain]
ALL SIZES
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread tail onto a tapestry needle and draw through remaining stitches twice. Pull tight and bring needle to inside of Mitten. Weave in end to secure.
THUMB
Place 7 (7, 7, 9, 9) Thumb stitches onto 2 double pointed needles or long circulars.
With right side facing you and beginning with right-most Thumb stitch, join new strand of yarn.
Set-Up Round: K7 (7, 7, 9, 9), pick up and knit 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) stitch(es) stitch left of cast-on stitch, pick up and knit 2 (1, 2, 1, 2) stitch(es) from the cast-on (either into the cast-on stitch or on either side of it), then pick up and knit 0 (1, 1, 1, 1) stitch(es) into stitch right of cast-on stitch. [9 (10, 11, 12, 13) stitches]
Place unique marker and join for working in the round.
Continue in stockinette stitch until Thumb measures 1¾ (1¾, 2, 2¼, 2½) inches, or to desired Thumb length.
NOTE: For a Hand Warmer version, knit every round until Thumb measures 1¼ (1¼, 1½, 1¾, 2) inches or desired length, then bind off all stitches loosely knitwise and continue on to Finishing!
Next Round: [K2tog, k1 (1, 2, 2, 2)] 2 times, k2tog, k1 (2, 1, 2, 3). [6 (7, 8, 9, 10) stitches remain]
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Thread tail onto a tapestry needle and draw through remaining stitches twice. Pull tight and bring needle to inside of Thumb. Weave in end to secure.
FINISHING
Weave in the ends, being sure to close up the small gaps between the Palm and Thumb.
Make a second Mitten or Hand Warmer and block both as desired.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Learn About Nigh Aran + All Our Beautiful Yarns
Cast on for this project with Nigh Aran, made with the most exquisite, amazingly soft 100% Mongolian cashmere you can imagine! This generous aran-weight yarn has a buoyant multi-ply structure and knits into a beautiful, even fabric with a lush halo that floats above the fabric’s surface, a distinctive characteristic of fine cashmere yarns. Knitting with Nigh Aran is a very special pleasure… Try it!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of free Nigh Aran knitting patterns and cast on!
More Worsted/Aran-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of worsted/aran-weight yarn (What does worsted-weight yarn mean, really? Our guide to worsted-weight yarn will answer your questions and more.)
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial, our Yarn Substitution article, and our Complete Guide To Yarn for lots of helpful information.
More Yarns With Similar Fiber
- Shop Nigh DK + Nigh Fine, this yarn’s DK-weight and lace- to fingering-weight siblings
- Shop cashmere yarn (What makes cashmere so special? Learn all about this amazing fiber in our guide to cashmere yarn!)
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our knitting patterns (including tons of free knitting patterns) and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Hi Purl Soho! Excited to knit these mittens. I have a clarifying question about the Thumb Hole instructions.
In the set-up round, it instructs to knit 4 or 5 stitches, then place those just-knit stitches on hold. However, there’s no mention of what to do regarding the working yarn (and I’d imagine I wouldn’t want the stitch my working yarn is coming from on hold).
With that in mind, if I’m knitting the Adult Small size, should I knit 5 stitches, put the previous 4 on hold, and then continue on, with the 5th stitch counting as my progress towards the third stitch before the end of the round?
Thanks so much!
Hi Molly,
Thank you for writing in and a great question! Once you place those stitches onto your holder, you will leave your working yarn on the last stitch(now on the holder) and then continue knitting down the line of unworked stitches. Your working yarn should be close enough to the next unworked stitch to allow you to continue knitting with the same strand you used for the on hold stitches.
So to confirm, you will knit 4 stitches for the adult small, and then move those 4 just knit stitches to a holder and then continue knitting to the last 3 stitches. I hope this helps answer your question but please let us know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Gavriella
I am starting the Thumb section and have knitted 7 stitches with my new joined yarn. I am having trouble understanding the rest of the Set up round instructions where it says to pick up and knit 1 stitches left of cast on stitch. What is the “cast-on” stitch it is referring to, and where exactly am I supposed to pick up and knit the stitch?
Hi Caroline,
Thank you for reaching out. The cast on stitch referenced here is the additional stitch you backwards loop casted on in the THUMB HOLE section of the pattern. So you will want to identify that 1 stitch, pick it up with your needle and knit it to add to your stitch count. I hope this helps but please let us know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Gavriella
I have a question about the LL1 in the gusset. The instructions say to knit to the end of the round and then LL1. But, we should actually do the LL1 just before the last stitch of that round, no? Or do we do it on the first stitch of the next round? Hope that question makes sense.
Hi Cat,
Thanks for reaching out! You will want to lift the leg of the last stitch worked in the round as your increase. That will help make sure the additional stitch is made prior to the next round. I hope this helps clarify!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hello! I am an experienced knitter but am having trouble locating the cast on stitch for the thumb. I am knitting the size medium and have 7 thumb sts on 2 dpns. Love the pattern so far and would like to avoid any holes in the mitten as they will be a gift. Any help you can offer would be much appreciated!
Hi Jenna,
Thanks so much for reaching out! When I have trouble identifying my stitches, I find it helpful to follow each column of “V”s up toward the needles. This makes it easier to see which columns connect to your live stitches and helps you spot your cast-on edge more clearly. I hope this helps, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else we can assist you with!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hi, I am a reasonably experienced knitter but I haven’t done mittens before. I am really struggling with the thumb instructions. I am making a size large and I have finished the mitten except for the thumb. I have 9 stitches on a strand of yarn. I understand how to start with a new strand and knit a round the 9 stitches but I do not understand what comes next and exactly where I am picking up the stitches. Is it essentially telling me to just pick up 3 stitches in a row and then keep going? Thanks for your help!
Hi Diane!
Thank you for your question! Yes, you’re understanding it correctly. After knitting around the 9 thumb stitches that were on hold, you’ll pick up three additional stitches along the cast-on edge: one just to the left of the cast-on stitch, the cast-on stitch itself, and one just to the right. That brings you to a total of 12 stitches for the thumb.
Once those stitches are picked up, place your unique beginning-of-round marker and continue working in the round as written.
And if you’d like a visual walkthrough, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help!
Warmly,
Megan
Hello! I’m closer to a beginner knitter and have just gotten to the beginning row of the thumb. I’m having a hard time knowing what to do or where to start, as I’m not sure what the directions mean, do you have a video for this section as well?
Hi Oliver!
Thank you for writing in! While we don’t have a video specifically for this thumb section, I’m happy to help you get oriented. First you’re moving the thumb stitches onto needles, and then knitting a tiny tube for the thumb.
To get started, take the thumb stitches that were put on hold earlier and place them onto needles. With the right side facing you, join a new strand of yarn at the right-most thumb stitch (you don’t need to tie a knot—just start knitting, leaving a short tail). Knit across those thumb stitches, then pick up a few stitches around the gap where the thumb meets the hand. This closes the hole and gives the thumb enough stitches to work in the round. Once those stitches are picked up and you place the marker, you’ll just knit in the round until the thumb is the right length, then decrease and cinch it closed.
If it would help, you’re very welcome to email us a photo at [email protected] and we can walk you through exactly where to start and where to pick up stitches. We’re always happy to take a look and help you feel confident before moving on!
Warmly,
Megan
Hello! I’m a relatively beginner knitter (my first time using DNPs). I’m having trouble understanding the beginning of the thumb part.
It says facing the right side, but since this is a round project, I’m not really sure what the ride side would be (thumb to left or to the right?).
Also, when picking up the stitches on the cast on edge, which of the two needles should I use?
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Sara!
Thank you so much for your question, and congrats on tackling DPNs for the first time! When the pattern says “right side,” it means the outside of the fabric, not the direction the thumb points (left or right). So just look at your work and identify which side is the outside and that’s the right side.
When you’re picking up stitches along the cast-on edge, use your right-hand needle to pick them up and knit them. If a visual would help, feel free to email us a photo at [email protected] and we’ll happily take a look.
Warmly,
Megan
Hi! Would it be possible to substitute with Season Alpaca held double (based on some other patterns that would seem to correspond to using US 6 needles)? If so, is there a rule of thumb for figuring out the necessary yardage?
Hi Faye!
Thanks for writing in! Yes, Season Alpaca held double could work, but we recommend starting with a gauge swatch to be sure you like the fabric and are meeting gauge. For mittens, many knitters also prefer a slightly smaller needle for extra warmth.
For yardage, the pattern uses about 80 (110, 130, 145, 165) yards total, depending on size. Since you’d be holding the yarn double, you’ll want to double that amount for your size. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Megan
Hello, I’m about to start that project and wonder why the circular needles have to be 32 inches long?
Thank you!
Hi Sylvie!
Thank you for writing in! The 32-inch circular needles are recommended so you can use the Magic Loop method, which lets you comfortably knit smaller circumferences in the round on a longer cable. If you prefer, you can absolutely use double pointed needles instead if that method feels most comfortable to you!
Happy knitting!
Megan
Thank you Megan.