Mitten Calculator

Cast-on count depends on your hand circumference and stitch gauge. For a women's medium hand (19.5 cm circumference) in DK weight (22 sts/10cm) with the default -5% ease, the calculator casts on 44 stitches. It rounds up to the next multiple of 4 for even distribution across double-pointed needles.

There are two common conventions. Many knitters use slight negative ease (around 5-10%, the calculator defaults to -5%) so the knitted fabric stretches to fit snugly and stays warm. Others prefer a small positive ease of 1-2 cm to leave room for finger movement. Both are valid; -5% is a reasonable default for a fitted mitten. Avoid extremes: very large positive ease lets cold air in, while heavy negative ease can feel tight and uncomfortable.

The thumb gusset is typically about 25% of the total stitch count. For 44 cast-on stitches, the thumb would be 11 stitches. Increases for the gusset are made every other round, starting about 2-3 cm above the cuff, until you have enough stitches. These are then placed on waste yarn while you continue the hand.

A pair of women's medium mittens in DK yarn needs approximately 90-100 metres total (45-50 metres per mitten). Aran weight uses slightly less yardage due to fewer stitches, while chunky mittens use the least. Add 10% extra for the cuff and thumb gusset.