Use a gauge of 9 sts and 12 rows (4 inch) to knit these mittens for either a 6 to 8 year old or a 9 to 12 year old. Save time, check your gauge. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 inch square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if it takes you more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles. Download template for abbreviations not explained elsewhere. Stitch Explanations: M1: (make 1) An increase worked by lifting the horizontal thread lying between needles and placing it onto left needle. Knit this new stitch through the back loop. Ssk: (slip, slip, knit) Slip next 2 sts as if to knit, one at a time, to right needle; insert left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and knit them together. Pattern Stitch: K1, p1 Rib (worked in the rnd) Rnd 1: *K1, p1; rep from * around. Rep Rnd 1 for K1, p1 Rib. Note: Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow a pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

Mitten: (make 2) With smaller needles and Fisherman, cast on 12 (16) sts. Divide sts onto 3 needles and join, being careful not to twist sts. Place marker for beg of rnd. Work 6 rnds in K1, p1 Rib.

Thumb Gusset: Change to larger needles and Cranberry. Next (Inc) Rnd: K5 (7), M1, k to end of rnd - 13 (17) sts at end of rnd. Next Rnd: K5 (7), place marker (pm), k3, pm, k to end of rnd. Next (Inc) Rnd: K to first marker, slip marker (sm), (k1, M1) twice, k1, sm, k to end of rnd - 5 sts between markers. Next Rnd: Knit. Next (Inc) Rnd: K to first marker, sm, k1, M1, k3, M1, k1, sm, k to end of rnd - 7 sts between markers. Next Rnd: Knit. Next (Inc) Rnd: K to first marker, sm, k1, M1, k5, M1, k1, sm, k to end of rnd - 9 sts between markers. Next Rnd: Knit. Next (Inc) Rnd: K to first marker, remove marker, k1, slip next 7 sts to holder for thumb, k1, remove marker, k to end of rnd – 12 (16) sts rem at end of rnd.

Hand: Continuing on these 12 (16) sts only, work in St st worked in the rnd (k every rnd) until piece measures 5 (5-1/2) inch from beg. Next Rnd: K6 (8), pm, k to end. Shape Top Next (Dec) Rnd: *Ssk, k to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm, ssk, k to 2 sts before end of rnd, k2tog - 8 (12) sts at end of this rnd. Next Rnd: Knit. Rep last 2 rnds until 4 sts rem. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through rem sts, pull tightly tog, and fasten off.

Thumb: Divide sts from holder onto 3 needles. K7 thumb sts from holder, pick up and k 2 sts along edge of hand - 9 sts. Join, place marker for beg of rnd. Knit 1 (2) rnd(s). Next (Dec) Rnd: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around - 6 sts at end of rnd. Next (Dec) Rnd: (K2tog) 3 times - 3 sts rem. Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread tail through rem sts, pull tightly tog, and fasten off.

Finishing: Weave in ends.