PATTERN: Nordic Pixie Mittens

Nordic Pixie Mittens || a crochet pattern by Emmy + LIEN

Have you ever tried tapestry crochet? Despite its name, it has nothing (necessarily) to do with making rugs. It's just a technique in which you use two or more colours, whereby the strands not in use are carried along inside the stitches as you work. It creates a dense and, depending on the fibre you use, very warm fabric. All across Scandinavia and north-eastern Europe you see knitters using their version of this technique, with good reason: It creates a dense, warm and - if you use 100% wool - water-resistant fabric.

These little mittens, with their simple striped pattern, are the perfect introduction to the tapestry crochet technique in a Nordic style. Three colour scheme suggestions are included in the pattern, but of course you are free to make up your own – they are great little stash busters!

Step-by-step photos of the trickier techniques - foundation crochet, changing colours, crochet ribbing - are included at the bottom of the pattern. There's also a variation for a rounded tip, if you'd prefer a little less pointed pixieness.

Difficulty level
This pattern is perfect for advanced beginners who want to move away from crocheting only straight lines, try some new stitches and learn about simple colourwork and shaping to make a cute, wearable item.
As the colour charts are very simple, intermediate and advanced crocheters will also enjoy this pattern as a quick, fun and practical little gift for any little people in their lives.

Materials
2.75mm (C/2) and 2.25mm (B/1) crochet hooks, or as required to obtain gauge
scissors
wool needle
stitch marker
Yarn for all sizes: three colours of DROPS Alpaca (167m/183yds per 50g)

Yarn alternatives
Any 4-ply wool or alpaca yarn. Using a 100% wool will ensure water-resistance. If you’re new to tapestry crochet, choose a smoother yarn such as DROPS Baby Alpaca Silk or a merino blend. It will snag less easily if you make a mistake and need to rip back.

Sizing
0-2 (2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10)
When made to size, this mitten fits snuggly around the hand and wrist with a little wriggle room at the top. The long ribbed cuff will stop the mitten from falling off, so you can make a size larger in anticipation of small hands growing. Check your gauge to ensure the right fit.

Tension
10 x 10 cm/4” x 4” = 26 sts x 27 rows over DC using at least two colours.

Stitches + Skills
Basic crochet stitches, working in the round, tapestry crochet, crochet ribbing.

You can purchase the PDF download in US and UK terms from my Ravelry store now. Until Friday 9 December 2016, I'm offering a 30% discount - just enter code PIXIE30 at checkout.

€3.50 (plus VAT if applicable)