https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/lobster-claw-mittens • Posted by KatieBoyette
I often find it difficult to convince my kids to wear mittens when they play outside in the winter. But inevitably, they return to the house complaining about numb fingers. Plain mittens are fine, but the kids seem a lot more enthusiastic to wear lobster claws while playing outside. I love knitting cords onto the mittens. I-cord isn’t my favorite knitting task, but it’s generally easier than digging through the snow to find your handiwork later on. So keep your little lobster’s claws warm with this simple pattern. However, I have one disclaimer: Mothers beware. Putting claws on your child will most likely encourage them to pinch you.
I often find it difficult to convince my kids to wear mittens when they play outside in the winter. But inevitably, they return to the house complaining about numb fingers. Plain mittens are fine, but the kids seem a lot more enthusiastic to wear lobster claws while playing outside. I love knitting cords onto the mittens. I-cord isn’t my favorite knitting task, but it’s generally easier than digging through the snow to find your handiwork later on. So keep your little lobster’s claws warm with this simple pattern. However, I have one disclaimer: Mothers beware. Putting claws on your child will most likely encourage them to pinch you.
Gauge: 20 sts and 24 rows over 4” in stockinette st. with larger needles Finished hand circumference: S 2-4 yrs. M 4-6 yrs. L 6-8 yrs. 5 ½ “ 6” 6 ½” Beginning with cuff (make 2): Using larger needles, co 28[30, 32] sts. Pm, join to knit in the round. Round 1: (K1, p1) to end. Repeat round 1 10[11, 12] times. Hand: Round 1: (Kfb, k13[14, 15]) twice. 30[32, 34] sts. Round 2: Knit. Round 3: Kfb, k12[13, 14], kfb, k2, kfb, k12[13, 14], kfb. 34[36, 38] sts. Rounds 4-5: Knit. Round 6: K1, kfb, k13[14, 15], kfb, k2, k13[14, 15], kfb, k1. 38[40, 42] sts. Rounds 7-8: Knit. Round 9: K2, kfb, k14[15, 16], kfb, k2, kfb, k14[15, 16], kfb, k2. 42[44, 46] sts. Rounds 10-12: Knit. Round 13: K3, kfb, k34[36, 38], kfb, k3. 44[46, 48] sts. Size S only: Knit 2 rounds. Skip to dividing for thumb gusset. Sizes M and L: Rounds 14-17: Knit. Round 18: K4, kfb, k36[38], kfb, k4. 48[50] sts. Size L only: Rounds 19-22: Knit. Round 23: K5, kfb, k38, kfb, k5. 52 sts. All sizes: Begin dividing for thumb gusset: Place the first 5[6, 7] sts on a piece of scrap yarn. Reconnect working yarn to the next st. Knit 34[36, 38] sts. Place the last 5[6, 7] sts of the scrap yarn. Begin working upper hand. 34[36, 38] sts. (see figure 1) Split sts evenly between 2 needles.
Round 1:K1, k2tog, 28[30, 32], k2tog, k1. 32[34, 36] sts. Round 2: Knit. Round 3: K1, k2tog, 26[28, 30], k2tog, k1. 30[32, 34] sts. Knit 2[4, 6] rounds even. *Next round: K1, kfb, k10[11, 12] k2tog, k2, k2tog, k10[11, 12] kfb, k1. Knit 1 round. Repeat (*) round. Continue increasing 2 sts on the thumb side of the hand every 2[3, 4] rounds. Continue decreasing 2 sts on the outside of the hand every round until 20[22, 24] sts remain. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Close opening at top of hand using the Kitchner stitch. (see figure 2)
Thumb: Place sts from scrap yarn on 2 needles, divided evenly. Attach yarn and begin working at inside of thumb. 10[12, 14] sts. Round 1: Knit. Round 2: K2tog, k1[2, 3], kfb, k2, kfb, k1[2, 3], k2tog. Rounds 3-4: Repeat rounds 1 and 2. Round 5: Knit. Round 6: Kfb, k1[2, 3], k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1[2, 3], kfb. Round 7: K3[4, 5], k2tog twice, k3[4, 5]. 8[10, 12] sts. Round 8: Knit. Continue decreasing 2 sts on outer edge of thumb every other round until 6 sts remain. Break yarn, draw through remaining sts, knot, weave loose end into wrong side of fabric. Claw ridges: Thumb ridge: *Using smaller needles, co1. Knit flat. Row 1: Kfb. 2 sts Row 2: Kfb, k1. 3 sts Row 3: K2, kfb. 4 sts Row 4: Knit. Row 5: K2, k2tog. 3 sts Row 6: K2tog, k1. 2 sts Row 7: K2tog. 1 st. * Break yarn. Pull tail through remaining st. Hand ridge: Complete same as for small ridge, repeating between *s 3 times. Press ridges lightly Beginning at top edge, sew long ridge onto side of hand. (see figure 3) Sew small ridge onto top inside edge of thumb.
Cord (optional): At outer edge of cuff, use a larger size double pointed needle, pick up and knit 3 stitches from cuff. Knit an i-cord for 3[4, 5] feet. Attach other end to other cuff (see figure 4).