Vestfirskir

There are many different types of Icelandic mittens. Some originate from a particular area like the Vestfirskir mittens, which, as their name suggests, are typical from the fjords in the West of Iceland. Immediately recognizable with their leaf pattern at the cuff and colourful bands of little motifs, they are also called laufaviðarvettlingar, “leaf mittens”. I have already published designs inspired by this type of mittens, such as the Icelandic leaves mittens and tam or the Lauf vest.

The Vestfirskir mittens are worked in the round from the bottom up in stranded knitting with an afterthought thumb and the ovoid tip is shaped with symmetrical decreases. The mittens are a rather tight fit with a long cuff for extra warmth around the wrists.

The pattern has written instructions and colour chart and includes pictorial step by step instructions for special techniques.

Grýla is a rare Icelandic 2-ply lace yarn with an exquisite halo, inspired by the Old handspun yarns. Made from pure Icelandic sheep wool, specially selected for its quality, it is plied which makes it particularly sturdy and perfect for knitting hardwearing accessories such as mittens. Washing softens the wool considerably and ads a lovely bloom to the delightful colors inspired by Icelandic nature.

Design: Hélène Magnússon

Size: one size. You can achieve more sizes by changing needle size (2,25 to 3,25 mm / US 1 to 3 are suitable sizes) and adjust length by adding or removing rnds between the motif bands.

Gauge: 4”x 4” / 10×10 cm = 30 sts and 34 rows in stranded pattern on 3 mm/US 2 ½ needle.

Yarn: Grýla Tvíband from Hélène Magnússon, 100% new wool (100% Icelandic wool), 2-ply, lace/light fingering, 25 g / skein = approx. 112 m/ 123 yds.

• MC: white, 1 skein (74 m / 81 yds used)
• CC1: black, 1 skein (59 m / 64 yds used)
• CC2: anis green, 1 skein (8 m / 9 yds used)
• CC3: red, 1 skein (17 m / 18 yds used)

Total yardage used: 157 m / 172 yds

Needles: size 3 mm/US 2 circular needle (using Magic loop) or DPN’s. Adjust needle size as necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Notions: markers, darning needle

Techniques: The mittens are worked in the round with an afterthought thumb.

Stranded knitting, after thought thumb, increases, decreases.

Pattern: once you’ve made your payment, you will receive an email with a link to download the pattern PDF. We don’t send patterns by snailmail.

Errata: no mistake was found in this pattern