One thing I wanted to do this winter was to make a pair of Selbu/Norwegian-style mittens. I’ve always loved the style of them and have been drawn to knit colorwork for years. Over the winter break, I decided it was a good time to learn. When I started knitting last winter, I thought I might try making a pair of mittens, but I was initially discouraged by the “experienced” label on the mitten patterns in my book. I am definitely not an experienced knitter. I’ve made a few hats, a pair of ill-fitting socks, some potholders, and dishcloths. Certainly not enough to consider myself experienced. But, I have also learned as I try new things that you just need to learn the principles and then your options expand greatly.
My mom taught everyone in our family and hundreds of other people how to play the guitar. She always starts her students with two chords – G and D7. With those two cords, you can play dozens if not hundreds of songs. I just applied that method to learning to knit. If I learn a couple of different casting-on methods, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and how to use double-pointed needles, I can make Selbu mittens without being an experienced knitter. In fact, I can make dozens if not hundreds of different things. I might not make them well, but I can produce something that resembles a mitten.
I learned all of those skills through the things I made last winter and spring. Making the socks, ill-fitting as they are, was the best experience because I learned how to work on double-pointed needles. (You can read about what I learned from knitting my first pair of socks HERE.) DPNs honestly look more difficult to use than they actually are. They are a bit fiddly the first row or two, but then they are just as simple two-needle knitting. You only focus on two needles at a time and I’ve never had one slip out on me.
I knew that making my first pair of Selbu mittens would involve making at least one “practice mitten.” This was a mitten that nobody would wear and it wouldn’t have a match. I could make mistakes and not worry about having to go back to fix them. It would just be a project to learn on without any expectations or pressure.
This was my practice mitten and I was pretty proud of it! I made mistakes in the pattern, but it was indeed a passable mitten. THIS is the free traditional pattern I followed for Selbu Mittens that had a video tutorial to watch on the tricky bits.
The mitten was too small, though. It fit me, but it was much snugger than Selbu mittens are supposed to fit. Now that I knew I could produce a mitten, I needed to figure out the winning combination of yarn, needle size, and pattern that would fit my hand. I actually ended up working on, but not finishing two other mittens that were too small! I finally had to ask Jeff a question that was nagging at me.
“Do I have man hands?” (If you’re not familiar with the man hands reference, watch THIS CLIP and you’ll be filled in.)
Jeff wisely replied, “Of course, you don’t have man hands.”
“Would you tell me if I did?”
So, even though I made almost three mittens that made me feel like a giant, we established that I have normal hands and I just needed to figure out the magic trio that would make mittens that fit me properly.
I think this is the most frustrating part of knitting. I want the pattern to tell me to use this exact yarn with this exact needle and then I’ll produce something that fits. But, knitting isn’t like that. The knitter and her (or his) style are a factor as well. So, I played around a bit to find my winning combination. It involved quite a lot of knitting and unraveling, but I knew it would be worth it. I decided to stick with the needle size and yarn I was using, so my best option was to find a larger pattern. It didn’t need to be much larger, but maybe 10-12 stitches would do it.
After testing, unraveling and taking notes, this was what ended up fitting my hands…
Rauma Strikkegard yarn (I buy it at THIS Minneapolis knitting shop)
US size 2 (2.75mm) needles (THESE are my favorite)
A pattern that is 60 stitches wide (All of the adult mitten patterns in THIS BOOK were that size)
With this combination, I was able to make my first pair of Selbu Mittens! The pattern is from and I used Rauma Strikkegard yarn in Off White and Olive. I did make a simpler cuff but otherwise followed the pattern. (I cast on 56 stitches and increased to 60 for the first knit row.) I misread the top part of the pattern when making the first mitten, so that is a little clumsy, but I figured out my error and fixed it on the second. The difference isn’t too noticeable and they’ll still keep my fingers toasty.
One thing that made the colorwork pattern easier was making a copy of the pattern and enlarging it so it was easier to see. I could also make notes and marks on the paper. The other key was using a piece of low-tack artist’s tape to mark the current row I was making. It would be easier to see where I was. When I completed each row, I would make a small mark on both sides of the row and move the tape up. This system worked perfectly and allowed me to multitask instead of giving the knitting my full attention.
To make a matching mitten, you simply work the pattern in reverse, from right to left instead of left to right. Trust me…I kept checking and double-checking to make sure I was making matching mittens, not two identical mittens!
Flush with success with my Dala Horse Selbu Mittens, I made a second pattern from the same book…
Again, I didn’t follow the pattern on the cuff and opted to stay with what I knew fit well. I did try making vertical stripes to more closely resemble the cuff pattern in the book. Yeah, that was a mistake! It turned out fine, but it took an eternity to make those cuffs! I couldn’t wait to get to the pattern. They do look nice, though. I love these mittens.
At the end of that pair, I felt like I had accomplished what I set out to do. I made a pair of Selbu Mittens that I liked and would wear. I really enjoyed making them, so I decided to continue making mittens. If you’re on my Christmas list, I’ll give you one guess of what you’ll be getting this year.
The pattern I’m making now is from the book Mittens from Around Norway. It has an extension between the cuff and hand of the mitten, so they seem crazy long, but they are wonderful to tuck under coat sleeves. I can see how practical that design is for very cold weather. Speaking of, these mittens are surprisingly warm. The colorwork looks nice, but it’s also practical. Since there is always a piece of thread running behind the visible thread, the pattern is woven on the inside and knitted on the outside. That means there is an extra layer of insulation and they are snugly warm. I also used traditional 100% wool because it naturally repels moisture, dirt, and odors.
When I get off my mitten kick, I want to make a few different hat styles, including a beret. I’d also love to knit some pillow covers. Wouldn’t that be a fun project?
People have already asked if I plan to sell any mittens. At this point, I am too slow and I don’t think I’m quite good enough to sell them. Each mitten takes me about 6-8 hours, but I’m sure I’ll get quicker. I knitted a lot over the break…I mean, sometimes I binged a show and knitted for hours. I developed calluses on a few spots on my fingers, and my hands and forearms were legitimately sore. I told Jeff it’s like a micro-upper-body workout. As I was writing this post, I wondered how many calories you burn while knitting. Apparently, the average person burns about 100-150 calories per hour knitting! I laughed and told Jeff I killed it on working out during my break!
All of this is to say that I can’t even imagine how selling mittens could be a viable business plan for me. Maybe I’ll give away a pair as a thank you to my lovely readers. If you would like a pair from someone who is a more experienced and efficient knitter than myself, you can find some lovely Selbu mittens on Etsy, though, ranging from $25-80.
If you’re interested in getting into knitting, here are a few posts I’ve written about it from the perspective of a beginner…
Helpful Resources for Beginner Knitting
What I Learned From Knitting my First Pair of Socks
34 Responses
LOL…..”man hands”…..
I am an experienced knitter in that I have done complicated patterns and knitted for adults and children, BUT, I was very stubborn/lazy when I was younger and did not knit swatches to check my guage. I just bought yarn and patterns and dove in. So consequently I produced garments that didn’t fit. My OWN fault entirely. I stopped knitting but now that I am older, I have mended my impatient ways and am preparing to knit again because I love it……it is so relaxing and nothing is more soul satisfying than producing something from your own hands……provided it fits! ?
They all turned out so beautiful – but the horses my goodness, those are fabulous!
I have been wanting to learn to knit for a long time and just stick to crocheting. Do you recommend any books for beginners ?
Oh, how fantastic! It was just today that I saw you were back on here. I missed your posts and thought of you often this month, wondering how your break was coming along. I was thrilled to see that you have been making my favorite type of mitten! I call them Norwegian mittens, because my grandpa was Norwegian and immigrated to the USA when he was 15. He kept a lot of his traditions and my mom and her sister grew up wearing these kinds of mittens. I have a pair of them, that are at least 70 years old now, that I wore too when I was a teen, sitting on a display shelf. I taught myself how to knit them about 20 years ago. They are fun to make, don’t take too long, and produce a visually amazing end result. I have never been fond of the point at the top of them though, so I like to make them more rounded instead. If you look on Pinterest, you can find some STUNNING color combinations that people have made and it will be very inspirational! Like I said, the mittens are much quicker to produce than a whole sweater. And you can easily make up your own designs! They are definitely the mittens for the artistic minded.
Did you mean to say you needed to find a pattern that was 60 STITCHES wide rather than “60 inches wide”?
Ha! Yes! Those would be some record-breaking mittens, probably. I fixed it to say what I meant – 60 stitches.
I also want to add how beautiful your mittens turned out! They are absolutely gorgeous, as are all of your creations! Thanks to your tutorials, I learned to crochet during Covid. My entire family loves the cotton dishcloths I have made! Although I have been knitting for years, I have never done such intricate colorwork. You have inspired me again! I plan to make a pillow cover from a Norwegian design.
Oh, to be on your Christmas list!
Mittens are very pretty – ads on the site, not so much. When viewed on desktop, it is VERY annoying. I get the making money but sorry, I can’t take the constant distractions. I am sure missing one reader won’t touch the income so with that, “it’s been fun”…..
I know my ad management group made a few changes recently, so I’ll check in on that. Unfortunately, it’s the nature of ads these days. They no longer want to sit quietly on the sidebar like they did 10 years ago.
Using the Immersive Reader (F9) option when viewing a blog post on a desktop will simplify the page layout, keeping the contents of the blog post (including photos) and removing distractions such as ads.
Yes, I’ve noticed this too on my laptop last couple of days. 🙁
It is sooo annoying! and have no interest in the products. I’ve been deleting and reporting them…
yes! You were right about the ads. There was a glitch that was placing them way too frequently. My ad management company made an adjustment and they should be back to normal. Sorry about that. Ads are necessary, but they were totally hijacking the post.
These mitts are wonderful and as always you inspire me to try! I can do basic knit and purl stitches but am not sure i can stay focused enough to count stitches and switch colours properly. But since, as you said, a mitt with mistakes will still keep my hands warm, i think i will give this a try. After i do some practice knitting!
Marian, your knitting progress is amazing! How far you have come within a year…! Kudos! I love that you are trying out different garments and styles and your Selbu mittens are to die for. I have always loved this style of mitten but have never tried them. Don’t you dare ever sell a pair; people simply don’t appreciate how much work, time, and materials go into knitted/handsewn things. Your time is precious.
Have you tried textural work, like fisherman’s knits or knitted lace? I find texture much easier than pattern, especially when reading directions. For Minnesota winters, I can also recommend thrummed mittens, which are incredibly warm and funky. Your sons would appreciate them for anything outdoors. You will be doing this in no time, I’m sure.
I knitted years ago but prefer getting behind my sewing machine better. My 95 yr old friend has knitted me three pairs of beautiful Alpaca socks which I cherish especially now that we lost her this month. You amaze me how you pick up on things so quickly.Your mittens are lovely and if I had done them I would want to mount them under glass instead of wearing them ! !
absolutely fabulous, Beautiful, complicated designs. So much your style.
Love the mittens! Good for you! That said, I agree w/Joan above – starting yesterday I felt as though I was being bombarded by ads! They block 50% of your page. Sorry, but I can’t concentrate on your writing due to all the pop ups, etc. As I type this, I’m seeing 5 ads. I know it’s income but at what cost? I will try the corrective measure above. Just thought you should know.
Yeah, I think some changes have been made to my ad settings, so I’m looking into it. They shouldn’t be breaking up the post as much as they are. Unfortunately, ads keep getting more and more intrusive as people become more “ad blind.”
wow I am so excited to try my hand at this. Last year I took up bag/purse making, I have crochet blankets and dish cloths and I have made quilts, I even took your painting course. I never thought I could make any of that and I have encouraged many people to just try, one step at a time. To produce something you have made with your own hands is so rewarding. Thanks for all your encouragement. Your mittens are beautiful.
They are beautiful! And impossible to believe this is your first attempt. I can’t believe that pattern!! So beautiful! I’ve knitted a couple of wonky blankets and tons of easy scarves, but would not attempt this, at least until I’m retired and can focus on nothing else.
Will you be selling the embroidery sampler book kit, eventually? I sure hope so??
So beautiful!
I’ve been an occasional knitter since I knit my cat a sweater at age 9 – it turns out cats don’t need sweaters. But these mittens! I won’t be able to resist giving it a try.
Your mittens are beautiful! Just signed up to learn correctly how to knit. My goal is a sweater. Someday. You are so talented and I enjoy seeing all your endeavors. The Bavarian pretzels are on my list too. Glad your back. Missed you.
Happy to say I have a pair like your blue and white mittens that belonged to my father. Never knew they had a name! I too was a late comer to knitting. I agree that swatching is the most tedious effort ever. A knitting shop owner told me that you learn the most about knitting from the person next to you. A New Zealand friend said when you are doing a pattern or directions only do what it says between the comas and then move on. Look up a Russian Join as it will change your knitting world.
These are adorable!!! I’ve been knitting for a long time & have wanted to make a pair of these mittens!! Thanks for the beautiful inspiration!!!
Remember to stop and stretch every so often! I gave myself frozen shoulder from knitting too much. Your mittens are gorgeous!
Marian, you are so inspiring! I’ve been knitting for years (I’m one of those people who throw their yarn, English style), and I’ve knit MANY socks. But mittens! I have to try that now because yours are so charming. But first I think I need to conquer continental knitting so it goes a little faster. And I think that might help with trapping the throws more naturally. Anyway, thank you for the inspiration to move into new skill sets. I’ve had both of those books since they were published so Scandi mittens are not a new desire.
Yes, I throw my yarn, too, so I would like to learn Continental knitting to speed things up!
Beautiful mittens! Had to laugh about the “man hands”, my kids often “lovingly” tease me about my “Norwegian” hands (just like mom and grandpa!). Sounds so much sweeter❤️
I want to make these!!! But, I have “man hands” too! What size needles did you use and did you write down the gauge perhaps, lol! The olive is my color so I’ll be ordering yarn next.
Hugs!!
P. S. Continental style is easy. You already know how to hold the yarn if you crochet.
I actually started playing with the continental style yesterday and yes, it is easy. I am going to need to try it on something other than my mitten, though, because the tension is a little different! I am looking forward to mastering it, though.
As far as the needles, I was using US size 2 (2.75mm.) I tried a 2.5 (3mm), but that was way too big. I didn’t make rectangular swatches, but just started making a mitten and would try it on to see if it was working.
Thank you! I’ll start some as soon as I find the perfect yarn! Thank you for the inspiration…I need a challenge with my knitting.❤️
The mittens are so lovely, and you are super talented!