Striped Baby Mitts Pattern

I've been meaning to post this pattern for a while, since it's the first pattern I ever actually wrote, but I got some new motivation this evening so I think it's time to do it!

I made the first pair of these last winter in the car on the way down to Virgina to see my then 6-month-old nephew. I needed a quick giftie for him, and I had just finished making Eunny Jang's Endpaper Mitts, so I had leftover koigu and some new techniques on hand...



The second pair I made in a newborn size for Courtney's Clyde (then known only as "Flippy the Bean").



They were a hit at the shower (scroll to the end of Lisa's post for a picture), and when I met the gorgeous 3-week-old Clyde tonight at the Rosie's holiday party, I was delighted to see that he was wearing a pair that Courtney had modeled after mine!

So here's the lowdown:

Striped Baby Mitts

Sizes: Infant (6 months)
Yarn: Koigu KPM in two colors
Needles: Size US 2 (2.75mm) dpns (set of 5)
Size US 0 needles (set of 2)
Gauge: 8 sts/12 rows = 1"
Finished dimensions: 2 1/4" X 3 1/4" (2 3/4" X 3 1/2")

Instructions:

Using italian tubular cast on (that's the technique I borrowed from Eunny's mitts) and size 2 needles, CO 32 (40) sts in MC.

K1 P1 for 2 rows in MC. Distribute 8 (10) sts onto each of 4 needles. Join and work in the round.

Following 6 rounds: K1 in MC, P1 in CC.

*Next 4 rounds: K all sts in MC.Next 4 rows: K all sts in CC.*
Repeat * to * once more.

6 month size only: Next 4 rounds, K all sts in MC.

All sizes: Switch colors. K1, K2tog, K until 3 sts remain on 2nd needle, ssk, K2, K2tog, K until 3 sts remain on 4th needle, ssk, K1.
Next round: K all sts.

Repeat these two rounds 4 times for a total of 8 rounds, switching colors after 4 rounds.
From there on, decrease every row instead of every other, switching colors again after 4 rounds.

When 8 sts remain, K 1 round even in MC. Thread tail through remaining sts and pull tight. Weave in ends.

Using size 0 needles, make a 3-stitch i-cord in MC measuring 14" (15"). Leave tail after bind off. Thread tail onto tapestry needle.

Thread i-cord through the V created by the 4th row of MC of ribbing, and on the 4th (5th) rib from the edge of the mitt. Repeat in each rib, working toward the edge and then all the way around. For the 6-month size, leave the last rib unthreaded.



Weave in ends of i-cord, and tie a tight knot near each end of the i-cord.

Enjoy!