In the classic Norwegian Selbu mittens that inspired Belyse the thumb is typically worked entirely on the palm side, with a symmetrical gusset. This looks beautiful but can feel restrictive. For greater freedom of movement the thumbs on Belyse are positioned closer to the side of the hand, and shaped with a single column of decreases on the palm. The shaping follows the life line on the palm, and allows the colourwork pattern to flow from the back of the hand over the thumb. If you're new to stranded colourwork, or working larger motifs, the pattern includes helpful tips for handling the longer floats.
The fingers are worked flat, for a less fiddly project, using an innovative technique that was first developed by Meg Swansen, building on techniques developed by her mother, Elizabeth Zimmermann. It's just like knitting an I-cord, and is fully illustrated with step-by-step photos.
Build your skills by following the links to our clear step-by-step tutorials.
30 sts and 34 rnds = 4” / 10cm in stranded colourwork in the round
One size available.
Finished length: 8¼” / 21cm
Finished knuckle circumference: 8” / 20cm
Learn all of the skills you need to make Belyse with our beginner colourwork course. The Stranded Colourwork Basics course is a 4 week self-guided online knitting course, with continued access to the course so that you can return to each chapter for a refresher, again and again, whenever you need.
Sport weight wool yarn.
175 yds / 160m MC, 55yds / 50m CC
US 3 / 3.25mm dpns or circulars for magic loop. Spare needles in the same size or slightly smaller are helpful for holding stitches.