Knitted Mittens

Marigold Mittens Free Knit Pattern

CargoFits: Chunky Sweaters, Warm Fits & Knitted Apparel • November 04, 2026

Introduction

These whimsical Marigold Mittens are a lovely first colorwork-free project for anyone who has just learned to knit and purl. Worked flat in warm spice tones — turmeric, cardamom, and clove — they build simple stockinette blocks that look far more impressive than the skills they require. The rounded, tapered top and short separate thumb give a snug, cozy fit, while a tiny crocheted marigold flower sewn to the back of each hand adds a playful finishing touch. Soft, squishy worsted-weight acrylic makes them warm, washable, and quick to knit — a perfect weekend pair.

Materials Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn, approximately 120 yards total: Turmeric (A) 60 yds, Cardamom (B) 40 yds, Clove (C) 20 yds. Sample uses acrylic.
Knitting needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) straight or circular needles for flat knitting.
Crochet hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) for the flower appliqué.
Notions: Stitch markers (2), stitch holder or scrap yarn, tapestry needle, scissors.
Finished size: To fit a hand circumference of 7–8 inches (women's medium). Finished mitten length is approximately 9 inches from cuff to tip.

Abbreviations

CO — cast on: create the starting stitches.
k — knit stitch.
p — purl stitch.
st(s) — stitch(es).
RS — right side (the outside of the mitten).
pm — place marker.
m1 — make one: lift the bar between stitches and knit it through the back loop to add a stitch.
ssk — slip, slip, knit: slip two stitches knitwise, then knit them together (a left-leaning decrease).
k2tog — knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease).
sc — single crochet.
ch — chain.
dc — double crochet.
sl st — slip stitch.

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with 4.5 mm needles. Knit a small swatch in stockinette, lay it flat without stretching, and count stitches and rows over 4 inches to check your gauge before beginning.

Tips Before You Start

Because the mitten is knitted flat, you will seam the side afterward — keep your edge stitches neat and even so the seam lies flat.
Change colors at the beginning of a row and carry the old color loosely up the side; the seam will hide these floats.
Place your markers snugly around the gusset stitches so the increases stay in a clean line up the thumb.
Make both mittens before sewing the flowers on, so you can position the appliqués symmetrically on the backs of the hands.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mitten (make 2)

Cuff

Row 1: With A, CO 36 sts. Work in k1, p1 ribbing.

Rows 2–12: Repeat Row 1 (k1, p1 ribbing) until cuff measures 2 inches (36 sts).

Color-block hand

Row 13: Change to B. Knit (36 sts).

Row 14: Purl (36 sts).

Rows 15–18: Work in stockinette (knit on RS rows, purl on WS rows) (36 sts).

Rows 19–22: Change to C. Work in stockinette (36 sts).

Rows 23–28: Change to A. Work in stockinette (36 sts).

Thumb gusset

Row 29 (RS): k17, pm, m1, k2, m1, pm, k17 (38 sts).

Row 30: Purl (38 sts).

Row 31 (RS): Knit to first marker, m1, slip marker, knit to next marker, m1, slip marker, knit to end (40 sts).

Row 32: Purl (40 sts).

Rows 33–36: Repeat Rows 31–32 twice more (44 sts).

Rows 37–38: Work even in stockinette (44 sts).

Divide for thumb

Row 39 (RS): k17, slip next 10 sts to holder, CO 2 sts, k17 (36 sts).

Rows 40–62: Work even in stockinette for 2 inches, ending with a WS row (36 sts).

Shape top

Row 63 (RS): k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (34 sts).

Row 64: Purl (34 sts).

Rows 65–74: Repeat Rows 63–64 five times more (24 sts).

Rows 75–84: Repeat Row 63 (decrease row) every other row, purling all WS rows, until 12 sts remain (12 sts).

Graft the remaining 12 sts together.

Thumb

Row 1: Slip the 10 held sts to needle, pick up 2 sts at the cast-on edge (12 sts).

Rows 2–10: Work in stockinette for 1.5 inches, ending with a WS row (12 sts).

Row 11 (RS): k2tog around (6 sts).

Break yarn, draw through remaining 6 sts and pull tight.

Flower Appliqué (make 2)

Rnd 1: With crochet hook and A, make a magic ring. Work 6 sc in ring (6 sts).

Rnd 2: [ch 2, 2 dc in next st, ch 2, sl st in same st] 6 times (6 petals).

Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Fold each mitten in half with right sides together and seam the side edge from cuff to tip, matching the color blocks. Seam the thumb tube closed along its short edge. Sew one flower to the back of each hand, positioning it just above the color-block band. Weave in all ends on the wrong side. Block lightly: mist with water, shape to the finished measurements, and lay flat to dry.

Pro Tips and Variations

Swap the spice palette for any three colors you love — just keep the same row counts so the fit stays the same.
Add a small crocheted flower to the cuff instead of the back of the hand for a different look.
For a warmer pair, work the cuff in a longer 3-inch ribbing or add a thin contrasting stripe at the top edge.

Also Check Out: We think you'd love this beautiful pattern on our sister site: The Cozy Chevron Blanket Free Pattern