Last December was not a good month for me and for the first time in over a decade, I didn’t publish a mitten post. Well, it’s time to get back on the wagon. There are so many new mitten patterns being published now, and I hate to say it, but many of them look samey-samey to me. To help cut through the mitten haze, here are some that stood out from the crowd for me.

Rosie Mittens by LE KNIT by Lene Holme Samsøe:

The Rosie sweater was a huge hit for Lene Holme Samsøe this year. While I think it is gorgeous, I am unlikely to knit it. The oversized, drop shoulder look isn’t so good on me. But these Rosie Mitts are charming! Here is a good way to knit the exceedingly pretty Rosie pattern in a smaller canvas. I can imagine these in so many different colour combos, some soft, some bold.

Skating Ring Mitts by Ainur Berkimbayeva:

One of the things that Purl Soho do so well is to make classic patterns with well-thought out design. This is a fairly simple concept, beautifully articulated. I am not exactly sure why I find these so appealing; nevertheless, appeal they do. Perhaps it is the matching set of hat and cowl, which while being matchy-matchy, is definitely not samey-samey.

On Two Wheels by Claudia Fiocchetti:

What can I say? These are fun! I am often critical of self-striping yarns, but I love how Claudia Fiocchetti has used them to great effect here. If you know anyone who cycles, this is a wonderful gift. If you cycle yourself, be indulgent and knit a pair for you!

Spot Mittens by Anne Ventzel:

I love these mittens, just like I love the sweater they are based on. I have really been enjoying Anne Ventzel patterns; I knitted both her Robinia sweater and Robinia mittens last year (blogged here and here). I like the crispness of the geometric pattern, particularly in this blue and white combo. Such a great photo, too. It not only makes you want to knit the mittens, but also to sit and have a coffee and chat with Anne.

Stanford – mittens by Sara Ottosson:

Oh my, look at the fantastic interplay between the garter and mosaic stitches! See how the garter on the thumbs continues up the side of the mittens, making a boxy structure? I love these so much! I would love them even if they weren’t in this eye-popping colour combo. But of course, they are, which makes them irresistible.

Grønmo by Lanja Khon-Engheim:

Sometimes, all it takes is a beautiful cable pattern. Knitted in this lovely natural shade, the cables pop, and look very intricate and organic. Non-knitters will be agog and won’t believe that you knitted these yourself. Just don’t knit them in front of the telly.

Juicy fruit short by knittinglotta:

These are Leah’s favourites. She sent me a link with some barely disguised hinting. It is such a pretty pattern, and extremely cheerful. It makes me think summery thoughts even in the midst of winter. I have a feeling these will end up on my needles sooner rather than later.

Underglow Mitts by Melanie Berg:

These are so dainty and elegant. It’s a very beautiful stitch pattern and Melanie Berg lets it do all the work. No need for any extra flourishes here. Just a soft yarn and a great stitch. The hemmed cuffs are a nice touch.

TractorBaby by Tonje Haugli:

In all of the time that I have been writing these mitten posts, I have never featured a baby mitten. But look at these! Aren’t they adorable? I love them! I could eat them up! They are so, so sweet. I dare you to look at them and not smile!

I hope you’ve found something you like. If you have another favourite, drop me a line in the comments. And, in case you are interested in the previous mitten posts, you can find them at the below links:

Merry Mittenmas! (2014)

A dozen great patterns for fingerless mitts (2015)

Mittens! (2015)

To gusset or not to gusset (2016)

It’s mitten time again (2017)

A show of hands (2018)

Warm hands, warm heart (2019)

Mittens redux (2020)

My mitten post for 2021 (2021)

Mittens galore! (2022)

You had me at mittens (2023)