The Frosted Brioche Mittens: A Free Knitting Pattern for Luxuriously Textured Winter Warmers

Introduction: Why You'll Love These Frosted Brioche Mittens

Elevate your winter accessories with these sumptuous brioche stitch mittens, featuring a modern, two-tone effect that looks like frosted glass. The unique, squishy fabric is both incredibly warm and visually stunning, making these a true statement piece. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to try brioche, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a pair of luxuriously textured winter warmers that are as cozy as they are beautiful.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The exact yarn used in the sample is noted, but any worsted weight yarn will work as long as you match gauge.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors. Color A (Main Color): 120 yards (sample uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Dusty Olive'). Color B (Contrast Color): 100 yards (sample uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Natural').
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) 16-inch circular needle and a set of double-pointed needles (or size to obtain gauge).
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holder or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in brioche stitch (after blocking, measured flat). Always check your gauge to ensure a perfect fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully. The pattern uses a two-color brioche technique that creates a reversible, plush fabric. Worked in the round from the cuff up, these mittens are a joy to knit.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• brk: brioche knit (knit the stitch together with its yarnover)
• brp: brioche purl (purl the stitch together with its yarnover)
• yo: yarn over
• sl1yo: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front, then yarn over
• k2tog: knit two together
• p2tog: purl two together
• ssk: slip slip knit
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd: round
• M1: Make one (increase by picking up the bar between stitches and knitting it through the back loop)

Notes

• The mittens are worked in the round from the cuff up.
• The brioche stitch is worked over an even number of stitches.
• The two colors are used in alternating rounds to create the two-tone effect. You will work 2 rounds for each color change.

Cuff (worked in Color A only)

1. CO 36 sts using the long-tail cast-on method. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Rnds 1-12: *k2, p2; repeat from * around. This creates a classic 2x2 ribbed cuff.

Hand (Brioche Section)

Switch to working brioche stitch in two colors. You will work 2 rounds for each color change.

1. Setup Rnd (Color A): *sl1yo, p1; repeat from * around. (36 sts + 18 yos = 54 working loops)
2. Rnd 1 (Color B): *brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
3. Rnd 2 (Color B): *sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
4. Rnd 3 (Color A): *brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
5. Rnd 4 (Color A): *sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
6. Repeat Rnds 1-4 until piece measures 4 inches from cast-on edge, ending after a Rnd 4 (Color A).

Thumb Gusset

Work in brioche pattern as established, but on the next Rnd 1 (Color B), increase for the thumb gusset as follows:

1. Rnd 1 (Color B): Work 18 sts in pattern (back of hand), place marker, M1 (make one by picking up bar between sts and knitting it through the back loop), work 2 sts in pattern, M1, place marker, work remaining 16 sts in pattern (palm).
2. Continue working in brioche pattern, working the increases every 4th round (on a Color B Rnd 1) as follows:
   • Increase Rnd: Work to marker, sl marker, M1, work to next marker, M1, sl marker, work to end.
3. Repeat increase rnd 3 more times (total of 4 increase rnds). You will have 44 sts (36 original + 8 increases).

Separate Thumb

1. Work in pattern to first marker, remove marker, place next 10 sts (thumb stitches) on a stitch holder or waste yarn, remove second marker, work remaining sts in pattern. You now have 34 sts for the hand.

Hand (continued)

1. Continue working in brioche pattern on these 34 sts until hand measures 2 inches from thumb separation, ending after a Rnd 4 (Color A).

Decrease for Top

Switch to working in Color A only for the decreases.

1. Rnd 1 (Color A): *k2tog, k2; repeat from * around. (25 sts)
2. Rnd 2 (Color A): *k2tog, k1; repeat from * around. (17 sts)
3. Rnd 3 (Color A): *k2tog; repeat from * around, ending with k1. (9 sts)
4. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in end.

Thumb

1. Place 10 thumb sts onto double-pointed needles. With Color A, pick up and knit 2 sts from the gap at the base of the thumb. (12 sts)
2. Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 6 rounds.
3. Decrease Rnd: *k2tog; repeat from * around. (6 sts)
4. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in end.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends carefully to secure the yarn.
2. Block mittens gently to even out the brioche texture. Lay flat to dry, shaping as needed.

Repeat all steps for the second mitten. Enjoy your luxurious, handcrafted Frosted Brioche Mittens!