How to Make the Simplest Fingerless Mittens on 2 Knitting Needles

Absolutely! Let’s make this super clear, beginner-friendly, and detailed so you can knit the simplest fingerless mittens on just 2 knitting needles. These mittens are cozy, quick, and don’t require fancy shaping.

How to Make the Simplest Fingerless Mittens on 2 Knitting Needles

These mittens are knit flat on two needles and then seamed, making them perfect for beginners. They cover your hand but leave fingers free.

Materials You’ll Need

1. Yarn: Medium weight (worsted) yarn works best. Wool or acrylic blends are cozy.

2. Knitting needles: Size 4–5 mm (US 6–8), depending on your yarn.

3. Tapestry needle for sewing seams.

4. Scissors

Optional:

• Stitch markers to mark the thumb hole

• Non-slip yarn or grips if you plan to use them for work gloves

Basic Stitches You Should Know

• Cast on (CO)

• Knit stitch (K) – garter stitch will be used

• Bind off (BO)

For simplicity, this mitten will use garter stitch (knit every row).

Step 1: Measure Your Hand

1. Hand circumference: Measure around the widest part of your hand (knuckles, without thumb).

2. Hand length: From wrist to where you want the mitten to end (usually just below fingers).

This will determine how many stitches to cast on and how many rows to knit.

Step 2: Cast On

1. Cast on enough stitches to match your hand circumference comfortably.

   • Example: For adult medium, 30–35 stitches with worsted yarn.

2. Knit a few rows for a wrist cuff (optional) – about 5–10 rows in garter stitch.

Step 3: Knit the Hand Section

1. Continue knitting in garter stitch until the mitten reaches just below the base of your fingers.

2. This will be the main body of the mitten.

Step 4: Create the Thumb Hole

Simplest Method for Beginners:

1. When you reach the row where the thumb should go:

   • Knit to where the thumb starts.

   • Cast off 4–6 stitches (depending on hand size) for the thumb hole.

   • Continue knitting to the end of the row.

2. On the next row, cast on the same number of stitches you cast off to continue knitting the hand.

This creates a simple thumb opening without complicated shaping.

Step 5: Knit the Fingerless End

• Continue knitting in garter stitch until you reach the desired length for your mitten (usually ending just below the fingers).

• Bind off all stitches loosely.

Step 6: Seam the Mitten

1. Fold the mitten flat with the wrong side inside.

2. Use a tapestry needle and yarn to seam the side and wrist using mattress stitch or whip stitch.

3. Make sure to leave the thumb hole open.

Step 7: Optional Thumb

• You can leave the thumb hole open as is for classic fingerless style.

• Or, for a small thumb tube:

  1. Pick up stitches around the thumb hole.

  2. Knit a few rows in garter stitch.

  3. Bind off and seam the thumb tip.

Tips for Beginners

• Keep your stitches loose so the mitten stretches easily over your hand.

• Use stitch markers to mark the thumb hole row for accuracy.

• Garter stitch is forgiving and hides small mistakes, making it perfect for simple mittens.

• Use contrasting yarn for the cuff if you want a fun style.

✅ And that’s it! You now have a pair of simple, cozy fingerless mittens that you can knit quickly on just 2 needles.

If you want, I can also create a step-by-step visual diagram for these mittens, showing the thumb hole and seams, so it’s even easier for beginners to follow.

Watch tutorial: