This free crochet fingerless mittens pattern is worked in the round in ribbed half double crochet, which gives the stretch a mitten needs without any shaping. The thumb gusset is the only technical part and it runs just three rounds. Sized for adult small through large, with yarn and hook details below.
Featuring a clever short-row thumb shaping technique and vertical ribbing worked in the back loops, these gloves mold naturally to the contours of your hand without bulky seams. They work up rapidly, making them ideal for quick weekend gifts or market prep!
Pattern Details
- Skill Level: Intermediate / Adventurous Beginner
- Finished Sizes: Adult Small/Medium (Palm circumference: 7–7.5″) and Adult Medium/Large (Palm circumference: 8–8.5″)
- Gauge: 20 sts and 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in yarn over slip stitch ribbing.
Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Sport Weight / Weight #2 yarn (approx. 180–220 yards). Merino wool or alpaca blends provide wonderful warmth and stretch recovery.
- Crochet Hook: Size E-4 (3.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, locking stitch markers
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- yo slst: yarn over slip stitch (yarn over, insert hook in st, yarn over, pull through stitch AND through both loops on hook)
- hdc: half double crochet
- hdc2tog: half double crochet decrease
- blo: back loop only
- st(s): stitch(es)
Pattern Instructions
Main Body (Make 2)
Ch 33 (39) to begin the foundation length.
Row 1: Work 1 yo slst in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. [32 (38) sts]
Rows 2–13: Ch 1, work 1 yo slst in the BLO of each st across. Turn. [32 (38) sts]
Thumb Gusset (Short Rows)
At the end of Row 13, begin shaping the thumb using short rows:
Short Row 1: Ch 1, 1 hdc in BLO of next 11 (14) sts, ch 5 (7) for the thumb extension. Work 1 hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, hdc2tog across side of next st and BLO of main body, 1 hdc in BLO of next 2 sts, turn.
Short Rows 2–10: Work back and forth across the thumb stitches in pattern, anchoring each turn into the next unworked stitches of the hand section to create a comfortable 3D thumb curve.
Join the thumb edges together with slip stitches across the inner seam, then continue working across the remaining hand stitches to complete the upper section.
Second Half of Hand
Continue working rows of yo slst in BLO for another 12 rows, matching the width of the initial section until the mitt wraps comfortably around your hand.
Assembly & Finishing
Fold the mitt in half lengthwise with right sides facing. Working through both edges, slip stitch the side seam from the wrist cuff up to the thumb base, then fasten off. Reattach yarn above the thumb opening and slip stitch the upper palm seam to the top edge.
Fasten off and weave in all yarn ends securely on the inside. Repeat all steps for the second mitten!
Care Tips
Hand wash in cold water with gentle wool detergent, gently press out excess moisture between clean towels, and lay flat to dry in shade to preserve the ribbed elasticity.
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