They were pretty easy, although there is some sewing involved and a little crocheting (not my strong suit!). You can take any mitten pattern that you like and convert them into owls. Here's how you do it! Knit your mitten until the length reaches a little past the top of the fingers. You do not decrease as you normally would do. To finish the top of the mitten, you will divide your stitches evenly. For the first mitten, knit across the first half of your stitches. When you get to the second half, knit into the front and back of each stitch, so you have twice as many stitches. Here's a picture that shows the first half on the front needle and the second half, with twice as many stitches on the back needle:
The next step is a little fiddly, but only because you're using three needles. I highly recommend that you use bamboo needles so the stitches won't slide as much. Slip the first stitch onto a spare needle and hold in front. Slip the next stitch onto a second spare needle and hold in back. Now slip the next stitch onto the front needle and the next stitch onto the back needle. Keep doing this until you have half the stitches on each needle.
Sew the black circle on top of the yellow circle to make the eyes. I added a little white french knot for the pupil. Now sew the eyes onto the mitten. I suggest the you bring the eyebrow flap down to make sure you have them where you want them. To sew them, I just used the tail from the yellow circle and did a running stitch around the perimeter.
Now thread your needle through the long tail of the eyebrow flap and tack it down. You don't have to sew it down completely, just put a few stitches along each side to anchor it. Also, if you roll up the cuff, it makes it easier to sew!
I embroidered a beak after the flap was sewn down. It doesn't show up as nicely as I'd like it to in these pictures, but it is there! Now, instant owls! You just need to go ahead and finish up the thumbs according to your pattern.
Remember, when you do the second owl, you'll need to reverse the graft, so you'll have right and left mitts.
I used Cascade 220 and a U.S. Size 4 for my mittens. Try to use wool so those little fingers will stay toasty. The cold just goes right through acrylic!
Copyright 2011 by Elaine Fitzpatrick. No part of these instructions or pictures may be used or reproduced except for your own personal use. Items made with these instructions are for your own personal use and are not to be sold unless you have express permission from the designer.
