As the chill of fall settles in and winter looms around the corner, there’s nothing quite like knitting up a cozy pair of mittens to keep hands warm. Today, I’m excited to introduce the Paul Mittens Free Knitting Pattern. These mittens have been a labor of love, designed with both comfort and style in mind. Whether you’re knitting for a tiny baby or a large adult, this pattern has you covered.

The Inspiration Behind the Paul Mittens

Every knitter knows the importance of a great mitten pattern. I wanted to create something that was not only functional but also visually appealing. The Paul Mittens feature a unique reverse stockinette stitch, giving them a textured, rustic look. What sets these mittens apart are the three lines of ribbing running up the top of the hand, ending right at the point of the finger decreases. This detail adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining a classic, chunky mitten aesthetic.

Yarn and Needles: The Perfect Pairing

For this Free Mitten Pattern, I used Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Chunky [affiliate link]. This bulky weight yarn is a dream to work with—it’s soft, durable, and, best of all, machine washable. It’s perfect for mittens that will see a lot of wear during the cold months.

I paired the yarn with size 8 knitting needles. Using slightly smaller needles for a bulky yarn may seem unconventional, but it results in a denser, warmer fabric that’s ideal for winter accessories.

Sizes for Every Hand

One of my favorite aspects of this pattern is its versatility. The Paul Mittens Free Knitting Pattern includes sizes for everyone, from the tiniest baby to adult large men. This means you can make matching mittens for the whole family! These mittens also make wonderful gifts, especially when knit in favorite colors or coordinated with winter coats.

Key Features of the Paul Mittens

Let’s dive into what makes these mittens special:

• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the mitten is knit in reverse stockinette, giving a plush, textured surface.
• Ribbed Detailing: The top of the hand features three elegant ribbing lines that travel up to the fingertip decreases. This detail not only looks stylish but also adds a bit of stretch and structure.
• Bulky Weight Warmth: The chunky weight yarn ensures that these mittens are extra warm, making them ideal for even the coldest winter days.
• Wide Range of Sizes: From babies to adults, this pattern is designed to fit hands of all shapes and sizes.

How to Get Started with the Paul Mittens Free Knitting Pattern

If you’re ready to cast on, you’ll be happy to know that this Free Mitten Pattern is beginner-friendly with just enough complexity to keep things interesting. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:

Materials:

• Yarn: Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Chunky [affiliate link] or any other bulky weight yarn.
• Needles: Size 8 double-pointed needles (or circular needles if you prefer magic loop).
  [Insert space for affiliate link to knitting needles here.]
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, and a measuring tape.

Skills Required:

• Casting on and binding off
• Knitting in the round
• Reverse stockinette stitch
• Basic ribbing
• Decreasing for the finger and thumb shaping
• kitchener stitch to bind of stitches

Why I Love This Free Mitten Pattern

I’ve knit countless mittens over the years, but the Paul Mittens have quickly become my favorite. The combination of reverse stockinette and ribbing creates a design that is both modern and timeless. Plus, the bulky yarn knits up so quickly that you can easily finish a pair in a single weekend.

Another thing I love is how these mittens fit. The ribbing on the top adds a snug, comfortable feel without being too tight. And because they’re made with superwash yarn, they’re incredibly practical—just toss them in the washing machine if they get dirty.

Customization Tips for the Paul Mittens

While I adore the look of these mittens in Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Chunky [affiliate link], you can easily customize them to suit your personal style. Here are a few ideas:

• Play with Color: Use a variegated or speckled yarn for a fun, colorful effect.
• Add Stripes: Alternate colors for the ribbing lines to add some visual interest.
• Palms: Add a small leather patch on the palms for some grip to make them uniquely yours.

Troubleshooting and Tips

If you’re new to reverse stockinette or working with bulky yarn, here are a few tips to ensure success with this Free Mitten Pattern:

• Gauge Matters: Even though these are chunky mittens, achieving the correct gauge is crucial for a proper fit. Take the time to knit a swatch!
• Use Stitch Markers: Place markers at the beginning of each ribbing section to keep track of your pattern.
• Mind the Decreases: Pay close attention to the decrease instructions to ensure the ribbing lines end neatly at the fingertips.

Making the Most of Your Paul Mittens

Once you’ve knit up your mittens, the fun doesn’t stop there. These mittens are perfect for all sorts of winter activities, from snowball fights to morning commutes. And because they’re so warm and cozy, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again.

If you’re planning to gift these mittens, consider pairing them with a matching scarf or hat for a complete winter set. You could even include a handwritten tag with care instructions and a personal note.

Final Thoughts on the Paul Mittens Free Knitting Pattern

The Paul Mittens are more than just a quick, cozy knit—they’re a staple for any winter wardrobe. Whether you’re knitting for yourself, your family, or as gifts, this Free Mitten Pattern is sure to delight. With their stylish design, warm bulky fabric, and wide range of sizes, these mittens are the perfect project to keep your hands busy and your loved ones warm.

If you haven’t already, grab your yarn and needles and give the Paul Mittens a try. I can’t wait to see how yours turn out. Don’t forget to share your finished projects with me—I’d love to feature them in a future post!

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Paul Mittens Free Knitting Pattern today and start knitting your way to cozy hands this winter.

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Materials and Info

Materials: 80-150yds bulky weight (size 5) yarn (I used Stitch Please™ Superwash Chunky), size 8 (5mm) dpn or circular needles(for magic loop method), yarn needle, stitch marker, cable needle

Stitch Key

K – knit                                               P – purl

M1PW – make 1 increase purlwise          sts – stitches

P2tog – Purl 2 together                         ssp – slip slip purl decrease

Gauge: appx 3.5sts x 6rows per inch GAUGE IS IMPORTANT! SWATCH FIRST!

Sizes – toddler, child, teen/ladies, men

Notes – These mittens are left and right specific so make 1 of each (both a right and a left mitten). Notations for left-handed knitters (those who work left to right) are in parenthesis where necessary.

Paul Mittens Pattern

Wrist

Cast on 22 (26, 30, 34)sts. Join in the round. Place beginning of round marker.

Left Mitten (if you are a left-handed knitter this will be your right mitten)

K1P1 ribbing for 12(16, 20, 20) rounds

Round 1 –p1, m1, p2 (3, 4, 5), k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2 (3, 4, 5), m1, p2, m1, p9 (11, 13, 15), m1, p1 [26 (30, 34, 38) sts]

Round 2 – p4 (5, 6, 7) k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p 15 (18, 21, 26)

Repeat round two 0 (0, 1, 2) more times.

Thumb Gusset

Round 1 – work 24, (28, 32, 36) sts in pattern, m1, p2, m1. 28 (32, 36, 40) sts

Round 2 – work in pattern around

Round 3 – work 24, (28, 32, 36) sts in pattern, m1, p4, m1. 30 (34, 38, 42) sts

Continue increasing thumb in pattern until there are 6 (8, 10, 12) sts thumb sts. 

After the last increase round, work around 1 more time in pattern to thumb stitches, place thumb sts on a stitch holder or spare yarn and remover marker. 24(28, 32, 36) sts

Hand
Cast on 2, pm, work in pattern 11(13, 15, 19), pm, Work in pattern 12(14, 16, 17). 26(30, 34, 38) sts Beginning of round is now the marker after the cast on 2.

Work in Work in pattern for 12(16, 20, 24) rounds

Now continue to decrease section.

Right Mitten (if you are a left-handed knitter this will be your left mitten)

P1K1 ribbing for 12(16, 20, 20) rounds

Round 1 – p1, m1, p9 (11, 13, 15), m1, p2, m1, p2 (3, 4, 5), k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2 (3, 4, 5), m1, p1 [26 (30, 34, 38) sts]

Round 2 – p15 (18, 21, 26), k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4 (5, 6, 7)

Repeat round two 0 (0, 1, 2) more times.

Thumb Gusset

Round 1 – m1, p2, m1, work in pattern around. 28 (32, 36, 40) sts

Round 2 – work in pattern around

Round 3 – m1, p4, m1, work in pattern around around. 30 (34, 38, 42) sts

Continue increasing thumb in pattern until there are 6 (8, 10, 12) sts thumb sts. 

After the last increase round place thumb sts on a stitch holder or spare yarn and remover marker. 24(28, 32, 36) sts

Hand
Pm, cast on 2, work in pattern 11(13, 15, 17), pm, Work in pattern 12(14, 16, 19). 26(30, 34, 38)sts

Work in Work in pattern for 12(16, 20, 24) rounds

Now continue to decrease section.

Decrease

Round 1 – [p1, p2tog, purl to 3sts before marker, ssp, p1] repeat [to] once more. 22(26, 30, 34) sts

Round 2 – purl around

Repeat round 1 and 2 until you have 10(10, 14, 18) sts left ending after a round 1.

Flip the mitten inside out to Kitchener stitch the remaining sts.

Thumb

Pick up 4sts along the cast on edge, place the sts on the stitch holder on your needles. 10 (12, 14, 16) sts

Purl around for 8 (10, 12, 14) rounds.
Next Round – p2tog around 5 (6, 7, 8) sts
Do not bind off.  Cut yarn leaving 8-10ins to weave ends. Thread the yarn through your remaining sts and cinch closed.

Weave in all ends, make another mitten for your other hand, and enjoy your toasty warm hands.

Paul Mittens PDF

If you’re loving the Paul Mittens but want even more cozy mitten options, be sure to check out my Simple Bulky Mittens Free Pattern and Angie Mittens Free Pattern. The Simple Bulky Mittens are a quick and satisfying knit, perfect for beginners or anyone in need of a classic, no-fuss design. Meanwhile, the Angie Mittens offer a touch of elegance with their beautiful textured stitch pattern. Both patterns are free to download and work beautifully with bulky yarn, making them ideal companions to the Paul Mittens. Try them all and create a versatile mitten collection for every style and occasion!