Knit Your Own Convertible Mitts: Part 2

Learn how to knit your thumb gusset, how to knit cable twists, and how to reserve stitches, all in one handy tutorial!

Introduction
Welcome, knitting enthusiasts! If you’re ready to embark on a knitting journey filled with twists (pun intended) and turns, you’re in the right place. In “Knit Your Own Convertible Mitts: Part 2 – How to Knit Your Thumb Gusset,” we’re going to unravel the secrets of thumb gussets, conquer cable twists, and discover the art of reserving stitches. Hold onto your needles, because this is going to be one yarn-filled ride!

Unraveling the Thumb Gusset Magic
First things first, what exactly is a thumb gusset? Looking down at your hand, you see how its shaped more or less like a rectangle, with your thumb a wedge sticking off of the side? Well the thumb gusset is that wedge. I’ll guide you through the process of increasing stitches gracefully so you know how to knit your thumb gusset, ensuring a perfect fit for your convertible mitts. Essentially, all you’re doing is steadily increasing on each side of your gusset section, thus creating that triangle of knitting that forms the space for your thumb.

What Are Cable Twists, and How Do We Do a 3×3 Left Twist and 3×3 Right Twist?
Cable twists may sound intricate, but fear not! I’ll break it down for you in the simplest terms. A cable twist is a set of flipped stitches. I don’t mean flipped individually. Imagine you have six stitches. In a normal row, you’d of course knit those stitches in order. But in a 3×3 cable twist, you’re flipping the position of the first three and last three stitches. So you knit up to those six stitches you want to twist and instead of knitting the first three stitches, you put them on an extra needle and hold them in the front of the work for a Left Twist and in the back of the work for a Right Twist while you knit the next three stitches. Then you knit your first three stitches off the extra needle and continue on like normal!

How to Reserve the Thumb Gusset Stitches on Scrap Yarn for Later
Ever wondered how to keep those thumb gusset stitches safe while you continue knitting? I’ve got you covered and it’s super duper easy. Just take some scrap yarn and thread it onto a tapestry needle. One by one, slipping the stitches as if you were purling them on to your tapestry needle, slip all gusset stitches down onto your scrap yarn. Once you have them all, simply remove the needle. Optionally, you can tie a knot in the scrap yarn to make sure it stays in place.

A Sneak Peek into “Knit Your Own Convertible Mitts: Part 3”
What’s Coming Next?
Curious about what’s in store for the next installment of our knitting adventure? Here’s a quick peek into “Knit Your Own Convertible Mitts: Part 3.” Get ready for more knitting hilarity and creativity as we learn how to knit the convertible flaps and then finish up our mitts!

FAQs
Can beginners follow this tutorial?
Absolutely! We’ll explain every step with clarity, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned knitters. However, you should have an understanding of the basics

Do I need special yarn or needles for this project?
We recommend using medium-weight yarn and appropriate needles, but feel free to get creative with your choices.

How long does it take to knit convertible mitts?
The time may vary, but with practice, you’ll be knitting faster than you can say “convertible mitts”!

Can I watch the tutorial at my own pace?
Of course! You can pause, rewind, and follow along at your convenience.

Where can I find Part 1 of this tutorial?
You can find “Knit Your Own Convertible Mitts: Part 1” under the tutorials section up above, or by scrolling down to the bottom of this page and clicking the link for the previous post. It’s the perfect starting point for this knitting adventure!

Are there any special tips for avoiding knitting mishaps?
Take your time! Remember, knitting is not a race. Many beginner knitters get caught up in proving that they can knit fast, but focusing on speed instead of technique leads to mistakes. Instead, I recommend focusing on the joy of the process.