The Frosted Peak Mittens: A Free Knitting Pattern for Textured, Chunky Cables

Cozy Up with The Frosted Peak Mittens: A Free Chunky Cable Knit Pattern

Wrap your hands in the cozy luxury of these chunky cable knit mittens. Featuring a unique, sculptural braided cable that climbs from the cuff to the fingertips, this pattern uses thick, lofty yarn to create a wonderfully warm and quick-to-knit project. The result feels like a warm hug on a cold day—perfect for beginners looking to tackle their first cable project or experienced knitters wanting a satisfying, fast finish.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This pattern is designed for super bulky weight yarn, making it a speedy knit.

• Yarn: 2 skeins (approximately 150 yards) of super bulky weight yarn (size 6). The sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Fisherman' or any similar chunky yarn.
• Needles: US 11 (8.0 mm) 16-inch circular needles and double-pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge). A cable needle is also required.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holder or scrap yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 10 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge for best fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes: Women's S/M (M/L). Instructions for S/M are given first, with M/L in parentheses.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle.
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle.
• M1L: Make 1 left (increase)
• M1R: Make 1 right (increase)
• K2tog: Knit 2 together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Cuff

CO 24 (28) sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches.

Hand (Right Mitten)

Round 1: K12 (14), P1, K2, P1, K8 (10).

Round 2: K12 (14), P1, C4F, P1, K8 (10).

Round 3: K12 (14), P1, K4, P1, K8 (10).

Round 4: K12 (14), P1, C4B, P1, K8 (10).

Repeat Rounds 1-4 for pattern. Work even until piece measures 3 inches from cast-on edge.

Thumb Gusset

Next Round: K12 (14), P1, K2, P1, M1R, K8 (10). (25 (29) sts)

Work 1 round even in pattern.

Next Round: K12 (14), P1, K2, P1, M1R, K1, M1L, K7 (9). (27 (31) sts)

Work 1 round even.

Continue increasing every other round, working new thumb stitches in stockinette, until you have 9 (11) thumb stitches. End after a pattern round.

Separate Thumb

Next Round: K12 (14), P1, K2, P1, place next 9 (11) sts on a stitch holder, CO 1 st over gap, K7 (9). (24 (28) sts)

Work even in pattern until mitten measures 5 (6) inches from cast-on edge, or until it reaches the tip of your little finger.

Decrease for Top

Round 1: K2tog, K8 (10), SSK, P1, K2, P1, K2tog, K4 (6), SSK. (20 (24) sts)

Round 2: K10 (12), P1, K2, P1, K6 (8).

Round 3: K2tog, K6 (8), SSK, P1, K2, P1, K2tog, K2 (4), SSK. (16 (20) sts)

Round 4: K8 (10), P1, K2, P1, K4 (6).

Round 5: K2tog, K4 (6), SSK, P1, K2, P1, K2tog, K0 (2), SSK. (12 (16) sts)

For size M/L only: Work 1 round even.

Round 6 (both sizes): K2tog, K2 (4), SSK, P1, K2, P1, K2tog, K0 (0), SSK. (8 (12) sts)

For size M/L only: K2tog around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in end.

Thumb

Transfer 9 (11) thumb stitches to DPNs. Pick up and knit 1 st from the gap. (10 (12) sts)

Work in stockinette (knit every round) for 1.5 (2) inches.

Next Round: K2tog around. (5 (6) sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in end.

Left Mitten

Work as for right mitten, but work thumb gusset increases after the cable panel: K8 (10), M1R, K1, M1L, P1, K2, P1, K12 (14).

Repeat all steps for the second mitten. Weave in all ends, block gently if desired, and enjoy your cozy, handmade Frosted Peak Mittens!