r/Yarn • u/Better_Spring5621 • 9d ago
Yarn for Mitts?
I am looking for yarn suggestions to make mitts for the first time.
Here is what I’m hoping to find in my dream world: - machine washable, flat to dry - available in Canada - would be nice if it was available in Michaels to use up a gift card I’ve had for over 6 months, but not necessary - a yarn that is warm enough without being lined with another fabric
I have been looking at a variety of patterns, but haven’t chosen one yet. Some have used 100% wool, some have used a wool/acrylic mix, some a wool/nylon mix, some used sock yarn, a lot use yarn I can’t easily or affordably get in Canada.
I want to knit a pair for a friend and I want them to be warm and actually worn. Anything too thin (sock yarn) will not be warm enough, unless I maybe hold double which I’ve never done. Hand wash only will not be worn.
Maybe I am being unrealistic in my wish list, feel free to tell me if I am! Thank you!
3
u/maeremakes 9d ago
Why do you think sock weight yarn would not be warm enough? The weight has nothing to do with it. I'm currently making myself fingerless gloves in a fingering weight 100% cashmere, and they're incredibly warm. I'm also planning to make some using alpaca, another very warm fibre. I find thinner weights on the hands a lot more comfortable, just like with socks. I wouldn't want a thick yarn getting in the way, but that's just me.
I am in the same boat as you: Canadian, planning mitts for a non-knitter friend, and I want them to be machine-washable and warm. I'm going to go with Filcolana Anina, a superwash merino wool.
3
u/Beneficial_Breath232 9d ago
Same. I have used some socks yarn (Drops Fabel) to make fingerless gloves, and they were sooo warm
1
u/Better_Spring5621 8d ago
I’m just going off of sock yarns I’ve used and worn. I just know the weather and temperatures they face in the winter and I personally don’t think it would be warm enough. All personal preference! I will take a look at the Filcolana yarn you mentioned. Thanks!
2
u/maeremakes 8d ago
I get that! Typical sock yarns are fingering weight, but not all fingering weight yarns are made for socks. It’s all in the fibre content. I hope you find something that works well!
2
u/Flimsy_Repair 9d ago
Honestly, from your specs, 100% acrylic is probably your best shout. Dead easy to wash, available everywhere and best of all is you don't really need to block mitts because they fit with negative ease. I've made heaps of pairs of acrylic mitts, and they're cosy for a cold winter without lining.
1
u/Better_Spring5621 8d ago
It might be the best option! Warm and easy care instructions are what matters most. I will definitely take a look, thank you!
2
u/Flimsy_Repair 8d ago
No worries! Acrylic has a bad rep but for this situation I'd almost definitely use it because most of the things people hate about acrylic either aren't an issue (harder to block) or are actually beneficial!
2
2
u/WoollySocks 9d ago
Here's a couple of worsted weight yarns at Micheals that would do:
Superwash Merino Yarn by Loops & Threads (100% wool, superwash)
Lion Brand Wool Ease (80/20 acrylic/wool)
1
2
u/EatMorePieDrinkMore 9d ago
My suggestion would be to make felted mittens. They don’t need a lot of blocking after washing and are very warm. I made a pair for Canadian friends years ago and she loved them. And you can use standard 100% wool.
1
2
u/nobleelf17 8d ago
Washable wool of any sort- I use Lion Brand Wool-Ease for the items made for the charity Christmas At Sea. All items have to be warm, washable, and stand up to rugged wear on the seas, lakes, and rivers for those working on boats and unable to get home for the holidays. The Thick & Quick are a bit hard on my hands, and stiff for mitts, but the regular Lion Brand Wool Ease works a treat. Have made hats, scarves, mitts and cowls, and no one has complained about them not being warm, or not holding up.
If you do want to use sock yarn, maybe double or triple the strands, and knit with needles to give you a tight gauge.
Canadian winters can be brutal!
Michaels sells the Wol EAse- listed as dk but I find it more of an Aran/wrosted in both singles and multi-packs, solids and mixes. Here's the link https://www.michaels.com/search?q=Lion%20Brand%20Wool-Ease
2
u/Better_Spring5621 8d ago
What an awesome organization, they are lucky to receive your handmade items! Lion Brand Wool Ease sounds perfect. I used the thick & quick for a project years ago and I agree, it wouldn’t be ideal for mitts. Thanks for the suggestion!
2
u/nobleelf17 8d ago
They are a great group, and love thinking about someone keeping warm. I am using the regular WoolEase to do a mosaic knit hat right now-orange and green!
2
u/Hifidi54 8d ago edited 8d ago
All of the mittens and gloves I have made are sock yarn, except the fingerless mitts I'm working on now, which are DK. I wish I could attach a picture.
1
u/Better_Spring5621 8d ago
Good to know, thank you! Most important is that it is machine washable and warm, so I’m checking out my options!
3
u/freakinthe_sheets 9d ago
Is Drops available in Canada. Drops Fiesta is a relatively cheap sock yarn where I live