Newfoundland Mitts Revisited

Warm Adult sized mittens. A Traditional Design rewritten by CreativeWhimsy mitts

Worsted weight yarn. set of 4 double pointed needles 3mm.

Please note: The needle size is a general guideline for these mitts. The Briggs and Little Heritage was a tight knit with the 3mm needles (almost too tight for knitting but I used the 3mm needles because that is what the original pattern said! 4 or 4.5mm would probably been better!). No matter what yarn you use, use what ever needle is suggested. Just do a swatch and see how many repeats of the 6 stitch pattern is needed to go around the intended wearers’ hand. By the way, the tightly knit mitts relaxed and were a perfect fit and the wind does not blow through them!

Gauge for the sample: 6 stitch repeat came out at 1 inch after relaxing and just, oh so slightly, smaller before.

A – Main Colour – (Briggs and Little Heritage – Black)
B – Second Colour – (Noro Kureyon #154)

With A cast on 42 sts.
Wrist: K1, P1 for 7-10 cms (2 1/2 – 3 1/2 inches)Next Row: Purl
Following Row: Purl, increasing 2 sts on each needle for a total of 48 sts.

Pattern:
Section 1: *K4 with B, Sl 2 purlwise with A*, rep. to end of row.
Rep. this row 4 times, 5 in total.
Purl 2 rows with A.
Section 2: K1 with B, * Sl 2 purlwise with A, K4 with B* rep. to end of row.
Important: Ensure that yarn A is left hanging in the back for this row.
Rep. this row 4 times, 5 in total.
Purl 2 rows with A.

Alternate these two sections to achieve pattern.
Knit the pattern 2 times.**

Thumb: On the last of these sections where you Purl 2 rows: P2, put 7 sts on a stitch holder for thumb. Cast on 7 sts, purl to end. Purl one row.

Knit the pattern 5 or 6 times (or until long enough).

Decrease: With A
Row 1: Knit 1 row.
Row 2: *K4, K2tog.*, rep to end.
Knit 2 rows.
Row 3: *K3, K2tog.*, rep to end.
Knit 2 rows.
Row 4: *K2, K2tog*, rep to end.
Knit 2 rows.
Row 5: *K2tog*, rep to end.

Thread yarn through remaining loops and pull tight. Weave in end inside.

Thumb: With A pick up the 7 sts from holder. Pick up sts to make a total of 12-14 **sts. Knit to fit length of thumb. Decrease: K2tog all around and finish as the hand of mitt.

Sl – Slip stitch, in this pattern slip them as if to purl.
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together.

** For my largish womans’ hands I actually repeated 2.5 of the pattern (5 sections) before the thumb, and had to pick up to a total of 16 sts for the thumb.

Rewritten by CreativeWhimsy https://creativewhimsy.wordpress.com/

© All Rights Reserved 2006 – 2007

161 thoughts on “Newfoundland Mitts Revisited

  1. nanna

    Thank so much for posting this pattern I have been looking for this for a year now I found it on your flickr doing a tag search BTW you have a nice site I like it very much:)

    Like

    Reply
    1. Evelyn

      Hi My name is Evelyn and a friend asked me to make her a pair of mittens and she won’t take them unless I charge her.I have no idea as to how much .Do you have any ideas?

      Like

      Reply
      1. creativewhimsy Post author

        Well Evelyn, You have to consider the materials used as well as the time involved. Since she is a friend, you might tell her you will charge for the materials as the actual knitting was done with love. I think you will find that hand knit items are sold for far less than what should be as people do it in their spare time, do it for fun and then sell it; not to make money so much as to raise money for new supplies.

        Like

      2. thegatorproject

        My mother, of 87 has made 58 of these mittens for her church. She tells me the church sells them for $8.00. She gets most of the yarn donated by members of the church. I agree with the other comment, that really, hand knitters should get more for their goods. I hope this helps.

        Like

    2. Nancy

      Love this pattern. Have made at least 5 pair for friends.
      Am going to make myself a fingerless pair for keyboarding when my fingers get cold.
      Thank you for the pattern.
      Nancy

      Like

      Reply
      1. Brenda

        I have did did about 300 pairs in several years and I sell them for 12.00 a pair I als do them for men . I carry the pattern right too the end. I love this pattern
        Brenda

        Like

  2. melanie moffitt

    these are just beautiful ! i knit and crochet a lot of mittens for the grandkids ans for what we call operation santa clause.i think i will addd this pair to the list this year. thank a bunch.
    melanie

    Like

    Reply
  3. Joan Wright

    from a “displaced” Maritimer, I give you a great big thanks the pattern. I hae a couple pair of these so warm mittens but have been wanting to make my own and for the grand kids. Now I can. Many thanks, againj

    Like

    Reply
  4. Anne Maurer

    I have a question. These are done in the round with Colors A and B. Part of the pattern reads:
    Section2: K1B, *Sl2 purlwise with A, K4B* rep to end of row

    The following direction reads: Ensure that yarn A is carried in back for this row.

    How does one do this? Does this mean the Sl2 purlwise is done with yarn in front? If you keep the yarn in back, as it says, then how
    do you carry it in back and still slip the slip stitches purlwise?

    Can you please help?
    Thanks,

    Anne Maurer

    Like

    Reply
  5. creativewhimsy Post author

    Hi Anne,

    In the row you have indicated we are not really using A at all. We are leaving the working end in behind the work as we knit with B and slip the A stitches already on the needles. If we left the yarn A in the front it would end up being a loop in front of one of the colourful squares, which wouldn’t look very good.

    Thanks for the question. I’m sure it will answer for those too shy to ask!

    CreativeWhimsy

    Like

    Reply
  6. Ms. Knitter

    Greetings from someone else in the Maritimes!

    I saw people at a craft sale recently selling mitts like this, and I thought the pattern was nifty. I’d forgotten about them until stumbling across this pattern on a random search for other stuff. I get the feeling I’ll be knitting a few of these in the new year!

    Like

    Reply
  7. Kelly

    Thanks so much for the pattern. I’ve owned many mittens like this over the years (I’m a Newfoundlander too) and now that I’m a knitter myself, I wanted to make some for my girls.

    Like

    Reply
  8. Marjorie

    Hi: The pattern looks great but as I knit with one colour is the other colour left behind and the 2 slipped stiches not knit or purled. Thanks.

    Like

    Reply
      1. Ann Kyrzyk

        After 5 rounds those two slip stitches you will work them in. That is what makes the honeycomb pattern. Thumb works the same for right & left.

        Like

  9. Ilea

    As a Nova Scotianer, I saw many of these mittens on my friends hands as a child. I always wanted a pair, even as I started going to university and some of my friends were still wearing the warm mitts. I’ve made a pair before, but your pattern seems the clearest, and I love the idea of using Noro Kureyon! I’m making a new pair right now with Patons Classic Wool in Too Teal and Katia Mexico in a springy self striping colourway. Thanks again for the pattern!

    Like

    Reply
  10. creativewhimsy Post author

    Hi Marjorie,

    I tried to email you but couldn’t! I’ve been away on business and didn’t get your question until now! I do try to respond when I get question directly to the person with the question but sometimes it is worth while for everyone to see the answers!
    I does seem strange that you drop the colour A and just leave it hanging. You use the colour B and then just slip some of the previously knit colour A. It is not until after the honey comb like structure is created that you will pick up the colour A and purl two rounds while not touching the colour B.
    I hope this answers your question Marjorie. If not please feel free to contact me at my email address. I’m always happy to answer questions.

    Like

    Reply
  11. Pingback: Deadline « k2sc1: A Knitting/Crochet Blog

  12. Pingback: Needle Exchange » Saturday, Pattern Day #18

  13. Pingback: SPUNKY CLUB » Blog Archive » Goblin eats newbie

  14. betty davidson

    hi thanks for the pattern i’ll be making a pair as soon as the printer stops lol. i’m from nfld and do thruming. i live in ontario now and i am teaching a knit shop class how to thrum. thanks again
    betty

    Like

    Reply
  15. Pingback: RLS Home » Blog Archive » Gifts Revealed

  16. Pingback: RLS Home » Blog Archive » WIP Wednesday

  17. Pingback: RLS Home » Blog Archive » Work (Not) In Progress Wednesday

  18. Traci Folkins

    Hi, I am sooo glad to have found your website! My mother-in-law lives in New Brunswick and every year she sends up 3 pairs of these mittens for the kids. I have repeatedly asked her for the pattern but she never seems to get it to me!!!! Could you please tell me the numbers for kids sizes (s,m,l). I would really appreciate it!!!!

    Traci

    Like

    Reply
  19. Angela

    Hi, I made one pair of these and almost immediately cast on for a second pair. I wanted a matching hat so using the instructions from your pattern I just made the circumference larger and worked out the decreases. I will be publishing it as a free pattern on my blog.

    Like

    Reply
  20. Pingback: hippodrome » tea and mitts

  21. Susan

    Hi! I just love these mittens – but really really dislike knitting on dpns. Do you think it would be possible to knit this pattern flat on two needles?

    Many thanks.

    –Susan

    Like

    Reply
    1. brenda

      is there a pattern for newfie mitts using 2 needles if u have one can u please email it to me at brendacloutier@hoymail,com thank you so much in advance

      Like

      Reply
  22. Krista Smith-Moroziuk

    I started these as soon as I saw your pattern. I have an old pair (not sure where I got them) that I wear all winter. I am so excited to find the pattern. Doing my first pair with Lamb’s Pride Worsted (to use up some leftover from making a bag), but then I am going to make some in Briggs & Little Regal. Thank you very much for the pattern.

    Like

    Reply
  23. Tiff's knits

    Thanks so much for the great pattern, a crazy kniiter in my knitting group showed up with these mittens a few Wednesday’s ago and since I have made 3 pairs and a few other Ladies have made a few pair, I am currently working on the matching hat.

    Like

    Reply
  24. Natalie

    My honeycombs are coming out square and not round like in the picture…what am I doing wrong? When I slip the 2 stiches am I supposed to knit them again with the other needle? Help!

    Thanks

    Like

    Reply
  25. Natalie

    Do you know anywhere they would have a video on how to make the thumb? This is my first pair of mittens and I don’t quite understand.

    Thanks again!

    Like

    Reply
  26. Nele

    I have been looking this pattern for years. I’ve even tried to knit pair for myself just by seeing a pair (that was not a succes). Never even thought that this would be Canadian pattern, since the pair I saw was knitted by a elderly Finnish woman (and with my experience they knit only with patterns they’ve learnt years ago).
    So, casting theese mittens on next week. Thanks once more.

    Like

    Reply
  27. Agnes Holloway

    I volunteer with the Red Cross and each year we have a sale to raise funds. Newfoundland or double balls mitts sell really well and I was planning on doing some for our next sale . If possible could I please have the pattern. Thank you

    Like

    Reply
      1. lyndavanl

        I have made 12 dozen of these mittens, so far. Last year 6 dozen sold well at our church Craft Sale. I was unsure about the price to charge, so I suggested $1.00 per pattern row, i.e. 10 rows=$10,
        6 rows=$6.00. Therefore, kids sizes sold for less than adult sizes.
        It seemed to work well; no one suggested they were overpriced.

        Like

  28. Susan

    i’m just wondering about the thumb… where do i cast the 7 stitches and with what yarn? i’m good right until there. maybe thats a stupid question but i’m a newbie knitter and anything help would be great :)

    Like

    Reply
  29. creativewhimsy Post author

    Hi Susan,
    When you reach the point that you are about to knit where the thumb is, slip those 7 stitches onto a piece of yarn and since your working yarn is on the wrong side in order to continue knitting you cast on 7 stitches which span the thumb hole and then continue in pattern on the other side of the cast off stitches.
    I hope this helps.

    Like

    Reply
  30. Pingback: Kimberly’s Chirstmas Mittens « Alaska Knits

  31. Dani

    Hi! Thanks for the wonderful mitten pattern!! I just spent the last 3 years living in NS and saw everyone with these mittens and didn’t have the pattern!! Now that I’m back stateside, I want to make a pair. They will be one of a kind here I’m sure:) I’m wondering if you have or know where I can find a hat pattern to match these mittens? Thanks:)

    Like

    Reply
  32. ruth

    love these mittens-i use up yarn ends, makecuffs tops & thumbs different colours , picking up shades from the varigated wool-makes unique cool mitts

    Like

    Reply
  33. Pingback: Knit One, Purl Too: A Knitlog » Blog Archive » The most wonderful time of the year.

  34. Tammy

    Thanks so much for posting this…a friend of mine (very experienced knitter – thanks again Cheryl) made me a pair of these for Christmas this year, they’re wonderful!!!

    Like

    Reply
  35. Pingback: Knit One, Purl Too: A Knitlog » Blog Archive » I’m back, baby!

  36. Pingback: Harmless Drudge

  37. Marion McKenzie

    I love this pattern. I have a question. At the end of pattern two, when you purl the two rows in color A. Its seems that the first stitch on the top of the shell, has dropped down too far. The four knits in color B, are not even. Is this normal.

    Like

    Reply
  38. Katherine

    I almost cried when I saw this on Ravelry. I’ve been searching for this pattern for years as my aunt made these for me as a child. I’d all but given up on ever finding it! Thanks…I can’t wait to try them!

    Like

    Reply
  39. Pingback: I have a problem. « Designs by Dianna

  40. mary

    I love your ‘newfie’ mitts and have made a pair or two with red/white, Christmas mitts. I knit ‘thrumb’ mitts that I call ‘newfie ‘mitts, they are REALLY warm and become quite waterfroof with wear.

    Like

    Reply
  41. rebecca mclaughlin

    i have made your mittens, they are great, do you have a pattern for the newfoundland pattern you used for the mittens for a hat?

    Like

    Reply
  42. Pingback: Christmas knitting…Envy Checked mittens « Hot Cheese

  43. katmad

    I am wondering about the Section 2; if you start with 1 stitch B you actually end the row with only 3 stitches of B instead of 4. Anyone else have a problem with this.

    Like

    Reply
    1. Crystal

      The three stitches of B at the end of the row match up with the single stitch of B you did at the beginning though, right? Which would make the four you need. The pattern came out okay for me. Starting section 2 with the single B stitch simply serves to offset the honey combs rather than stacking them right on top of each other. I hope I didn’t misunderstand your comment and was helpful!

      Like

      Reply
  44. Crystal

    Thank you so much for posting this pattern! I grew up in Newfoundland but wasn’t a knitter until after I moved to Ontario, and then I couldn’t find the pattern anywhere! Then I came across this pattern on Ravelry. This is going to be my go-to mitten pattern from now on!

    Like

    Reply
  45. Pingback: The Hot Cheese Dip Hall of Fame, part 1 « Hot Cheese

  46. Kathy

    I stumbled across this pattern when I was looking for the trigger finger mitts. I’m so glad I found them. I am on my 5th pair and have requests for several more pairs. My Mom was a huge knitter and I am so lucky to have her pass her passion for knitting on to me. She called the trigger finger mitts “Newfie Mitts” if you happen to have both a men’s and ladies pattern for them I would certainly love to make them for my family. Thanks again for sharing this wonderful pattern.

    Like

    Reply
  47. Henri

    Hey!

    Thank you very much for the great pattern! I found it on ravelry.com and started it doubting whether I would actually be able to finish – but even though I am almost a complete beginner I managed within 3 weeks, thanks to your clear instructions!
    Cheers to warm fingers :)

    Like

    Reply
  48. Pingback: Holli Yeoh Knits » Newfoundland Bubble Mittens

  49. Beverley Wentzell

    Hello I do a lot of knitting and crocheting, and have been doing Prayer Shawls, as we have many dealing with this terrible things at present. But want to make a pair of the Newfoundland Mitts, So I will follow carefully and
    see how I do
    BevWentzell

    Like

    Reply
  50. Pingback: Bundle Up « My DarlingKnits

  51. Marina

    Hello to everyone!!!
    This past September me and my Big family visit Victoria,B.C.
    On Saturdays there usually farmer’s market with different kinds of stuff people sale:like homemade soap,jam, beautiful aprons, jewelry and more… Among those wonderful things I saw few pair of “just like your” mittens! They were GORGEOUS! Of course, I asked the owner to share pattern with me,but NO,No,No! It is a SECRET!
    THAN’KS GOD that we all have Real Friends who can share that pattern!
    In this moment my copy machine is not work. Using my hand I “copied” by hand lovely pattern,read it carefully,and decide that I need some help to understand.Hope I could find someone who will make clear “problems”.
    sincere, Marina

    P.S.Please,do not laugh over my mistakes,I’m from Russia.

    Like

    Reply
  52. Lee

    Hi ! Great pattern, I saw them at a craft show in Norland , Ont and had to have the pattern, Can any one give me the tension for these , I have bought two types of wool and even with smaller needles they are to big. Or can you recomend the wool that you used. Thanks for your help -Happy Knitting

    Like

    Reply
    1. CreativeWhimsy

      Hi Marit, no I don’t have an official translation into any other language but google has a fabulous free translation service. There are other ones out there that will translate web pages to almost any language. Try it out!!

      Like

      Reply
  53. Sarah Campbell

    A friend of mine had a pair of these trigger mitts which he bought in Newfoundland 20+ years ago and unfortunately lost them last week in a rush to catch the train home. They were oatmeal coloured flecked with cream designed wool and although hugely sentimental – that bit cannot be replaced – would it be possible to try and request another pair to be knitted? It would mean so much to him and a big surprise if he knew – but would confess all when I hand them over if at all possible. I am in England, UK but happy to send bank transfer for whatever it costs and the wool and shipping….would love sooner rather than later (of course!) as I can’t tell you how upset he is over losing these gloves! If you could help, I would be very very grateful or if you know a website that has them – I prefer to buy from Newfoundland – it’s as close to the originals as we can get xxxxx Thank you in advance.

    Like

    Reply
    1. Hazel

      Just reading this now June 6 2015. Did you get someone to make the trigger mitts for you? I do them with moose or puffin motif or the block design.

      Like

      Reply
  54. Shirley Stephens

    Starting to knit stuff for craft table, I know it will take a good year to put this together, I had lost my pattern so glad you had it, thanks and now after reading your notes I know what to charge also.

    Like

    Reply
  55. Annette

    Love the bubble mitts been knitting them for years. Do you have a pattern for hats the same? Would appreciate it if you do. Thanks!

    Like

    Reply
    1. Louise

      I got a pattern off the internet!! It is free too!! Google Newfie Hat and Cowl and then click on the one that is ramswool.com/pdf/newfiehatand cowl!! it should come up !! I used Knitting worsted yarn for the mittens and the hat with a size 4mm needle!! Happy knitting!!

      Like

      Reply
  56. Pingback: Julegavestrikk – votter | Tibialia garnbutikk

  57. Melody

    Hi I’m having the craziest time with the thumb part of this pattern. I noticed someone else asked the question but I didn’t see your response, forgive me if I overlooked it. After placing those 7 stitches on holder you instruct to cast on 7 stitches — what type of cast on do you recommend and using which colour? It seems to me that I should include both colours and keeping in pattern but I’d like some clarification. I have spent more time “un”-knitting this part more than I have spend knitting and am completely frustrated at this point. Please help! I’m determined to finish these superb mittens!!

    Like

    Reply
  58. Louise

    when you put the 7 sts on a holder you should be doing the purl row! I knit my 7 sts on then purl the rest of the way! I use my contrasting color to do these rows! hope this helps!

    Like

    Reply
  59. Louise

    Hi i googled Baby/Toddler Newfie Mittens and A pattern should come up!! I use a 3.75mm needle for the cuff and a 4mm for the rest of the mittens! I use Knitting Worsted Yarn for mine!! good luck and happy knitting!!

    Like

    Reply
    1. Louise

      it will fit the left hand too !! I have made many of these and they are for either hand!! Good Luck and Happy Knitting!!

      Like

      Reply
  60. Pingback: Hands & Feet — Two fun little projects | Strictly Knits

  61. Rhonda

    “Newfoundland Mitts Revisited | CreativeWhimsy” seriously makes me personally contemplate
    a small bit extra. I actually loved every single element of this blog post.

    Thanks for your effort -Dorothy

    Like

    Reply
  62. Catherine

    I love the mittens too, and it is just now I finally read that the pattern is for both hands. thanks so much

    Catherine from Newfoundland

    Like

    Reply
  63. K Ripley

    Hi,
    I’m trying to use yarn already in my stash…could you tell me approximately how much yarn you use (both A and B colors) to knit these gorgeous mittens?
    Thank you!
    Kristen from Boston

    Like

    Reply
    1. Louise

      Hi Kristen I never really measure out how much yarn I use It depends on the size you are knitting!! I use 1 ball of the main color and less for the second color of knitting worsted yarn which has about 5 ounces for a Child’s mitten !! Hope this helps you !! Good Luck and Happy Knitting!!

      Like

      Reply
  64. nancy

    In this newfie pattern there is a multiple of 6 sts, but in the next section there is a mulpitple of 6 sts plus K1 at the beg. Where did the K1 come from?

    Like

    Reply
    1. CreativeWhimsy Post author

      This is allowing the pattern to be offset, so the squares don’t line up but alternate each section. The K1 comes off the end.

      Of course now that you mention it, I bet that is supposed to be K2!
      I’m going to have to reknit these mitts soon!!

      Like

      Reply
      1. Louise

        Hi the pattern is as it is written the second pattern starts out with K1 then slip 2 sts as if to purl then continues on at the end of the third needle you will end up with k 3 then goes onto the pattern! good luck hope this explains it to you! Happy knitting!

        Like

  65. Barbara

    Just had to write and tell you we were visiting Nova Scotia many years ago and stopped at a yard sale and the woman had several baby size pairs of these for sale. I had never seen them before and asked if she had a pattern for them. She was so nice and said as soon as she was finished waiting on a customer, she would go in and make me a copy. She did this and at the time I wasn’t knittin a lot and have looked at them over the years. Now that I’m retired and do charity knitting, it’s time. I just wanted you to know how kind and polite we found the people in Nova Scotia.

    Like

    Reply
  66. Ann Kyrzyk

    Newfie Hat : 4 dp 3 3/4 mm needles c ast on 80 sts. j Divide evenly on three needles. Join together for 5 rows make ribbing K1 P1. Knit 1 row increasing to 120 sts by increasing in ever other stitch, change to 5mm needles and work 5 patterns. Shape top knit 10 knit 2 tog every other rowis knit. Decrease knit 9 knit 2tog last 2 sts knit 2 tog. draw thread thru remaining sts Have fun Ann . Jan 30 at 3:15

    Like

    Reply
  67. CreativeWhimsy Post author

    Sounds like you either knit tighter or have slightly larger hands. Try using a larger needle or add another repeat of the pattern (use 6 more stitches).
    When picking up stitches to knit around thumb pick up more stitches than noted. 2 or 4 more or whatever you need for your mitts to be comfortable for you!!!

    Like

    Reply
  68. Ann Kyrzyk

    Just love making these mitts, I must have made over 30 pairs, even our 3 grandsons love them, they
    are on their third pair, cause they have outgrown them.

    Like

    Reply
  69. lyndavanl

    I have made so many colour combinations in my 12 dozen projects so far! I really hunt to find good colour combos, because I want them to appeal to buyers at the Craft Sale at church. So far so good! 6 dozen sold at church last year, 2 dozen became Christmas gifts I gave away, another 4 dozen ready for the November sale this year!

    Like

    Reply
  70. Joan

    long time ago I saw the pattern for the mitts in Canadian Living but never knitted, back in 2001 we visited Nfld and I was so happy to find them and bought a pair and they are so warm. Well this winter I lost one of the mitts I:m heartbroken,but a friend of mine is visiting Nfld and she will bring a pair home for me.The mitts I bought had what seemed to be lambswool as one of the second colours. Do they still make the mitts with the lambswool in them?

    Like

    Reply
  71. Notta

    So excited to find this! Aiti (means mother in Finnish, but she was my mother’s mother) made a pair for my mom decades ago – 1930s or 40s? Though I’ve crocheted since college (back when bricks were first invented!), I’m now in a weekly group of women who are encouraging my knitting skills. Looking forward to upping my game so I can make these!

    Like

    Reply
  72. Pingback: Newfoundland Bubble Mittens | Holli Yeoh

  73. Beverley Wentzell

    Happy. New Year 2021. prayers, hope, love and kindness for all as 2020 was a terrible year for everyone every wheres. 58 yrs married and believe me with a son in Dubai with his wife and us with our downs son 52 at home. I have knitted at least 20 prs. proud when given. BUT is there a hat pattern. I am a great grand mother of two little girls 2 and 4. Pattern for a smaller hand also would be so great. MY friend wants some with the trigger finger. ohhhhhh
    Thank you for this and love doing this pattern. Beverley would appreciate answer. IF possible. God Bless all who have knitted this wonderful pattern.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment