Whit's Knits: Ribbed Hand Warmers

If you're a careful reader of the Purl Bee, you may have noticed by now what a big fan I am of hand warmers. I love how practical they are (no holding dirty mittens between your teeth while you fish around for keys); I love how fast they are to make (you just can't say that about too many knitted things!); I love how flattering they are on everybody's hands; and, for all these reasons, I love how perfectly suitable they are as gifts (I'm remembering recent recipients: friend Claudia has a pair, so do aunt Bretta, cousin Katie, and sister-in-law Jen.).

Ever since Joelle made the Log Cabin Baby Blanket for her new niece out of Anzula's Squishy, I have been really anxious to give it a try. Joelle is a tough customer when it comes to yarn, so her rave reviews of this one set my expectations high. I was not disappointed! This is a seriously pleasurable yarn to knit with, maybe because of the 10% cashmere, or the lofty spin, or the super high quality merino, or the generous 385 yards per skein (one skein is enough for at least 2 pairs of these hand warmers!), or because of all those things plus some magical ingredient. Add to its luxurious feel the beautifully hand dyed palette of sophisticatedly quirky colors, and I've got a new favorite yarn!

You're going to love making these. The yarn is wonderful, the pattern is totally easy and they look like a million bucks, simple and elegant. For complete instructions, please visit our Ribbed Hand Warmers Project Journal. Thanks! - Whitney

Comments

[tara]

Hi! I've been following this blog for some time now and I love your projects! I desperately want to learn how to knit though! I know how to sew, embroider, and crochet, but knitting is still out of my grasp. I haven't been able to find any basic tutorials of beginning knitting. I was just wondering if you had any suggestions? Thanks!

[Michelle]

Ooo I can't wait to cast on for these. I knit up a pair of finergless mitts but they were too big for me. I've been needing something to keep my hands warm and these seem to fit nice and snug. Thanks for sharing another great pattern!

[Mami Made It]

The color is great! And the hand warmers too!

[wendi]

To Tara: There are thousands of basic tutorials out there. I wanted to learn to knit my whole life and finally did it just by watching the videos on knittinghelp.com and doing research. Good Luck!
And thanks Purl Bee! I have a skein of this yarn (even the exact color!) and it came without a label so now I finally know what it is!! Yay!

[elsa]

lovely mitts and the color is just as lovely! they look good enough to eat!

[Maya]

I love all semi solid yarn and I think it compliments stockinette or ribbing really well! I also love handwarmers, i've had the most requests and knit them more out of anything I have ever knit, your pattern is gorgeous!

[NATALIA]

What post so intereting!!
I like so much. Very creative.
Kisses from Spain.
NATALIA

[Christine]

These are adorable. Is there any way you could offer a crochet version of these?

[Em]

How can I find a compatable substitute for this yarn? It doesn't really fit in my budget, but I've been wanting to knit hand warmers forever!

[purl bee]

Hi Em,
Any yarn that you can get 7-8 stitches per inch in stockinette should work. But make sure to do some swatches in the pattern stitch for this project before you dive into it (especially when switching yarns) so you can determine the right needle size to give you the correct gauge.

For less expensive options, check out Spud and Chloe "Fine", and Cascade Yarns "Heritage".

You can find both of these right here:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3?filters[]=3

Hope this helps!

[Bobbi]

I wish I had those on my hands right now! I like that they are not bulky. I often like to wear my fingerless gloves when I'm typing or knitting and they just get in the way.

[Lindsay Jewell]

I want to make these sooo bad. I hate having to take my mittens on and off all the time because of lack of mobility. and these are super cute. :)

[jen]

oh my goodness those are beautiful! that yarn looks gorgeous. i LOVE hand warmers. i believe one can never have too many of them. i must try this pattern. thank you for posting!

[katie kirby]

I love the colour and they look so warm!!!!

[Fabienne]

Magnifique Blog!
Fabienne from Zwitzerland

[Kieren]

These are the best, easy to make, fit in your pocket, while you're knitting them, and after they're made. I've made them for everyone in my family, and it's time to make some more. A great way to sit thru boring meetings, and feel productive ...by knitting!

[Sara G]

I read your blog regularly and I love all the hand warmer patterns, BUT when can you post one for crocheters?? :) I am a terrible knitter, too tight, can't see when I pick up or drop stitches, and so I have kept with crocheting. I have looked all over for a crocheted hand warmer pattern that is simple with no luck, suggestions??

[Koree]

I gave you an award on my blog! :)
http://koreeunveiled.blogspot.com/2010/10/versatile-blogger-award.html
Have a great Thursday!

[karen]

I love these! so when are you going to get more squishy in stock???

[purl bee]

Hi Karen,
It is on its way, so hopefully very soon! If you'd like to be notified when we get more in stock, please send us an email at the following link:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/contact

[Sumiyeh]

I stumbled across your lovely blog today and instantly became immersed!
This particular idea for hand warmers is attractive to me because I have very long arms, which obviously causes the gap between my cuffs and the conventional knitted glove, which always leaves my wrists exposed, and the cold air creeping up my sleeves. I'd make this to wear over a pair of those 'regular' gloves!

Anyway, great idea!

Sumiyeh

[Zira]

I just cast on for these yesterday, using some gorgeous handspun stuff I bought ages ago and had not found a pattern for. I'm so excited, as these are really elegant and yet very simple to knit up. Thanks for the lovely pattern!