1918 wristlets

MittsBeginnerFingeringPublic domain · 1918

Long fingerless mitts in 2x2 rib, with a simple slit for the thumb. Knitted by the thousand for soldiers.

The 1918 booklet says they are "very comfortable on a cold day": they fill the sleeve and keep out the wind. Everything is 2x2 rib; the thumb slit is made by working a few centimeters back and forth.

Without the slit, the same 21 cm tube makes simple pulse-warmers.

Not yet checked by a knitter: if you find a mistake, please report it. contact@nico7an.fr

Good to know

Short version: work 10 cm of ribbing instead of 20 cm before the thumb slit.

Source

Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet, Needlecraft Publishing Company (anonyme), 1918. Project Gutenberg.

What we modernised

Measurements converted to centimeters, current yarn and needles given.
The original text edges the thumb slit with buttonhole stitch: this is optional, ribbing does not fray.

The pattern

Wrist

Cast on 52 sts and divide them over 3 needles: 16, 16 and 20. Join in the round without twisting and place a marker.
Work in 2x2 rib (*k2, p2) for 20 cm (or 10 cm for the short version).

Thumb slit

Work the round in rib to the end of the 3rd needle, then turn the work.
Work back and forth, slipping the first stitch of every row and working the other stitches as they appear, for 5 cm. End with a WS row.

Hand and finishing

Resume working in the round, in 2x2 rib, for 10 cm.
Bind off loosely in rib.
Optional: edge the thumb slit with blanket (buttonhole) stitch using the tapestry needle.
Weave in the ends and make the second wristlet the same way.