How to Make “Cat’s Paws” Fingerless Mittens

Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly, and detailed tutorial you can use as a blog post, school project, or crafting guide.

How to Make “Cat’s Paws” Fingerless Mittens

A Beginner-Friendly Crochet Tutorial

If you love cute accessories and easy crochet projects, you’ll wish you had started these Cat’s Paws fingerless mittens sooner! 🐾 These mittens are cozy, practical, and adorable, with soft “paw pad” details that make them extra special. Best of all, this tutorial is perfect for beginners—no complicated shaping or advanced stitches required.

Why You’ll Love These Mittens

Beginner-friendly pattern
No complicated thumb shaping
Works up quickly
Customizable colors
Adorable cat paw design

Fingerless mittens are great for keeping your hands warm while still allowing you to text, write, or crochet!

Materials You’ll Need

Yarn: Medium-weight (Category 4) yarn
- Main color (for the mitten)
- Contrasting color (for paw pads)
Crochet hook: 4.5–5.5 mm (use the size recommended on your yarn label)
Scissors
Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
Stitch marker (optional but helpful)

Basic Crochet Stitches Used

This project uses only simple stitches:

Chain (ch)
Slip stitch (sl st)
Single crochet (sc)
Double crochet (dc)

If you know these basics—or are learning them—you’re ready!

Step 1: Make the Wrist Cuff

Chain enough stitches to comfortably wrap around your wrist (usually 18–22 chains).
Join the chain into a loop with a slip stitch, making sure it’s not twisted.
Single crochet around the loop for several rows (about 6–8 rows).
This creates a stretchy cuff that keeps the mitten snug.

💡 Tip: Try it on as you go to make sure it fits comfortably.

Step 2: Crochet the Hand Section

Continue crocheting in rounds from the cuff.
Use single crochet or double crochet for a soft, flexible fabric.
Crochet until the mitten reaches just below your knuckles.

Step 3: Create the Thumb Opening

Crochet a few stitches.
Chain 3–5 stitches (depending on thumb size).
Skip the same number of stitches below and continue crocheting.
In the next round, crochet into the chain space to form the thumb hole.

No complicated shaping—just a simple opening!

Step 4: Finish the Mitten Top

Crochet 1–2 more rounds.
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Repeat all steps to make the second mitten.

Step 5: Make the Cat Paw Pads

Now for the cutest part!

Paw Pad Pieces:

One large pad:
- Make a small magic circle.
- Crochet 6–8 double crochets into the circle.
Four small toe pads:
- Crochet tiny circles using the same method.