As a new parent, you want to ensure your little bundle of joy is safe and comfortable. One way to do this is by making sure your newborn has the proper clothing items, no matter the weather. With chilly temperatures and winter fast approaching, it’s time to get started on knitting something special for your baby—newborn mittens!
Newborn mittens keep your little one’s hands warm and help prevent them from scratching their face with sharp nails. This blog post will discuss how easy it can be for both experienced knitters and beginners alike to create irresistibly cute mittens that are perfect for tiny hands.
Get ready as we guide you step-by-step through how to make newborn mittens so that you can have custom-made cozy mittens keeping your infant’s tiny digits nice and warm all season long!
What Will You Need?
Before you get started with making your newborn mittens, be sure to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of everything you will need:
- Yarn in the color and type of your choice
- Knitting needles (sizes may vary depending on the pattern)
- Stitch markers
- Darning needle
- Scissors
Once you have all these items ready, it’s time to begin the fun part—knitting!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Newborn Mittens
Step 1: Cast on stitches
Cast on enough stitches (around 24-30) depending on your knitting gauge and the type of yarn used. This will be the foundation for the base of your mitten. Using circular needles, join the ends to form a circle. Try to avoid leaving any gaps between the stitches.
Step 2: Knit in the round
Using circular or double-pointed needles, knit each row without turning your work. This will create a seamless tube and is essential for keeping your newborn’s hands warm. Be careful not to twist your stitches.
Step 3: Knit the cuff
For the cuff of the mitten, switch to a rib stitch (knit one, purl one). This will create a stretchy edge that fits snugly around your newborn’s wrist. Continue this pattern for around 1-1.5 inches. Remember, the length of the cuff can be adjusted according to your preference. Once the cuff is of the desired length, you can use a simple knit stitch for the rest of the mitten.
Step 4: Increase Stitches for the Thumb Gusset
Now, you need to increase the number of stitches to make room for the thumb gusset. To do this, knit until you reach the last stitch in the round, place a stitch marker, and then make one stitch (M1). Knit the last stitch, make one more stitch (M1), and place a second stitch marker. This will create an extra stitch on either side of your last stitch.
In the next round, simply knit all the stitches, including the new ones. In the round after that, you’ll increase the stitches within the markers again. Continue this pattern—increasing stitches every other round—until you have the required number of stitches for the thumb gusset as per the pattern you’re following.
Step 5: Separate Thumb Stitches
Once you have the required number of stitches for the thumb gusset, it’s time to separate these stitches from the rest. Knit to the first stitch marker, then transfer all the stitches between the markers onto scrap yarn.
This keeps them safe and out of the way, allowing you to continue knitting the central part of the mitten. You will return to these stitches later to knit the thumb. After transferring the stitches, remove the stitch markers and continue knitting in the round. You’re now halfway through the process of creating your newborn mittens!
Step 6: Continue Knitting the Mitten
With the thumb stitches safely out of the way, continue knitting in the round. This will form the main part of the mitten that covers your newborn’s fingers. Continue until the mitten is the desired length, usually until it covers the baby’s fingers with a bit of extra space for growth and movement. Remember to maintain an even tension in your stitches for the best fit and comfort.
Step 7: Decrease Stitches for the Mitten Tip
You’ll need to start decreasing the number of stitches to shape the top of the mitten. To do this, knit two stitches together (k2tog) at the start and end of each needle (if using double-pointed needles) or every quarter of the round (if using circular). Repeat this decrease in every round until only a few stitches remain. This will give the mitten a rounded top that fits comfortably over your newborn’s hand.
Step 8: Close the Mitten Tip
Once you’re down to about eight stitches (or less if using a finer yarn), cut your yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread this tail onto your darning needle and pass it through the remaining stitches, slipping them off your knitting needle as you go. Pull tight to close the top of the mitten. Then, secure the tail inside the mitten with a few stitches before cutting the excess yarn.
Step 9: Knit the Thumb
Now, it’s time to return to those stitches you saved for the thumb. Slip them back onto your needles, then pick up and knit a few extra stitches from the base of the thumb to avoid any holes. Knit in the round until the thumb is the desired length, usually just past the tip of your newborn’s thumb.
Step 10: Close the Thumb
Just like with the mitten tip, when you’re down to a few stitches, cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread this tail onto your darning needle, pass it through the remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure the yarn inside the thumb. Congratulations, you’ve just finished your first newborn mitten! Repeat all the steps to make the second one.
By following these simple steps, you can easily create a pair of cozy mittens for your precious little one. Feel free to experiment with different yarns and colors to make them unique and personal.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Choosing the Right Yarn
When making mittens for a newborn, choosing a suitable yarn is crucial. Use soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic materials to protect the baby’s sensitive skin. Cotton, bamboo, or ultra-fine merino wool are excellent choices.
Tip 2: Practice Your Stitches
If you’re new to knitting, practice your stitches before starting the mittens. This will help you maintain an even tension and get comfortable with the pattern.
Tip 3: Use Double-Pointed Needles
Although you can use circular needles, double-pointed needles make it easier to knit in the round for smaller projects like newborn mittens. Plus, it gives your hands a break from constantly switching needles.
Tip 4: Make a Matching Set
You can use the same pattern to make matching hats or booties for your newborn! Just adjust the number of stitches and rows accordingly.
Tip 5: Personalize with Embellishments
Once you’ve got the basic mitten down, add buttons, bows, or embroidery to make them even more special. Just secure any embellishments tightly so they don’t become a choking hazard.
So go ahead and get started on your pair of newborn mittens using these tips and tricks. Your little one will thank you for keeping their tiny hands warm and toasty!
5 Things You Should Avoid
Avoid 1: Selecting Rough or Unwashable Yarns
Although wool can make warm mittens, it might irritate a newborn’s skin. Similarly, avoid non-machine washable yarns. Babies are prone to messes; you will want to clean the mittens regularly.
Avoid 2: Knitting Too Tight
Be careful not to knit too tightly as it can cause the mittens to lose elasticity, making them uncomfortable for your newborn and challenging to put on and off.
Avoid 3: Leaving Loose Ends
Ensure all ends are securely weaved in, and knots are tied off properly. Babies love to explore, and they could pull on loose threads, leading to unraveling or even being a choking hazard.
Avoid 4: Using Plastic Needles
Avoid the use of plastic needles, particularly for new knitters. They tend to be more slippery and can make managing your tension harder.
Avoid 5: Ignoring Gauge
Don’t ignore the gauge mentioned in the pattern. If you don’t check your gauge, the mittens could be too big or too small for the newborn’s hands. Always knit a gauge swatch before starting the project to ensure you’re on the right track.
By following these tips and avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a pair of cozy mittens for your newborn.
Conclusion
You can create your handmade newborn mittens with a few simple steps and readily available supplies. Not only will these mittens keep their hands warm and cozy, but your little one will indeed look extra cute wearing them, too! Take this challenge and make something special for your baby today; you won’t regret it.
Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of the adorable decorations you come up with! You can also turn any leftover scraps of fabric or yarn into creative accessories or toys for future fun. This project is a perfect chance for you to get creative with DIY and show off your skills to everyone.
Hopefully, these tips and tricks on how to make newborn mittens have made the process of making newborn mittens seem less daunting, and by following them, you’ll be knitting up a storm in no time. Happy knitting!
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