All Holiday Patterns Free Patterns Knit

December 1st, 2017

Knit Mitten Ornament Pattern — Free Christmas Decor

Post Views: 1,651

This knit mitten ornament pattern is one of the most charming handmade Christmas decorations you can knit in an afternoon — a tiny pair of striped mittens connected by a long chain, perfect for draping over a tree branch, hanging on a wreath, stringing across a mantel, or tying onto a wrapped gift. The classic red, green, and white color palette gives them that nostalgic vintage Christmas feel, but they look just as beautiful in modern neutrals or unexpected colors like dusty blue and copper.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting SeeLoveShare! 💛

Each mitten is small enough to use up scraps of holiday yarn, so this is a great stash-busting project. The pattern works up quickly on size US 5 needles, and the simple stripe pattern means you can knit while watching a Christmas movie without losing your place. Make a single pair as a tree ornament, or knit several pairs in different colors for a coordinated holiday garland.

💌 Love free knit and crochet patterns like this? Join the SeeLoveShare newsletter and get new patterns delivered straight to your inbox — plus early access to seasonal favorites. Sign up here →

Why You’ll Love This Knit Mitten Ornament Pattern

  • Beginner friendly — uses basic knit, purl, and increase/decrease techniques
  • Quick to make — a pair takes a couple of evenings, perfect for last-minute gifts
  • Tiny yarn requirements — uses small amounts in each color, ideal for stash scraps
  • Endlessly customizable — solid, striped, or full Fair Isle versions all work
  • Versatile finished decor — tree ornaments, wreath accents, gift toppers, garlands, package decoration
  • Memorable handmade gift — a tiny pair of mittens on a hand-tied gift makes the gift itself feel handmade

Skill Level

Easy. If you’re comfortable with basic knit and purl, K1 P1 ribbing, and following simple shaping (increases and decreases), you can knit this mitten ornament.

Materials

You only need small amounts of each color, so this is the perfect project for using up Christmas yarn scraps from larger holiday makes.

Abbreviations

  • K — knit
  • P — purl
  • St st — stockinette stitch
  • Inc — knit into the front and back of the same stitch (1 stitch increased)
  • K2tog — knit two stitches together
  • P2tog — purl two stitches together
  • st(s) — stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

Directions are written for one size. Yarn weight and needle size will determine the finished mitten size — heavier yarn and bigger needles produce larger ornaments, finer yarn and smaller needles produce more delicate ones.

Stripe Pattern (2-Color Version)

2 rows in Color A or B, then 2 rows in Color C. Repeat throughout the body of the mitten.

Knit Mitten Ornament Pattern Instructions (Make 2)

Cuff Ribbing

With Color D (or your desired color for a solid mitten), cast on 22 stitches.

  • Row 1 (RIGHT SIDE): *K1, P1; repeat from * across.
  • Repeat Row 1 five more times.

Begin Pattern

Working in stockinette stitch, begin your desired stripe pattern (or continue in solid color) for 2 rows.

Shape Thumb

  • Row 1 (RIGHT SIDE): K10, inc in next 2 sts, K10 — 24 sts.
  • Row 2 and all even rows: Purl.
  • Row 3: K10, inc, K2, inc, K10 — 26 sts.
  • Row 5: K10, inc, K4, inc, K10 — 28 sts.
  • Row 6: Purl.

Divide for Thumb

  • Next Row (RIGHT SIDE): K10, cast on 2 sts, place next 8 sts on stitch holder; K10 — 22 sts.
  • Work even for 9 rows.

Shape Top

  • Next Row (RIGHT SIDE): *K2tog; repeat from * across — 11 sts.
  • Next Row: *P2tog; repeat from * across to last st, P1.

Cut yarn, leaving a long end. Weave through remaining 6 sts and pull tightly to secure.

Thumb

Place the 8 sts from the holder onto the needle. With right side facing, attach yarn.

  • Next Row: Inc, K6, inc — 10 sts.
  • Work even for 3 rows.
  • Next Row (RIGHT SIDE): *K2tog; repeat from * across.

Cut yarn, leaving a long end. Weave through remaining 5 sts, pull tightly, and fasten.

Finishing

Sew the top and thumb seams. Sew the thumb base to the hand. With your crochet hook, attach yarn at the thumb side of the mitten on the beginning edge, chain 50, and slip stitch to the corresponding thumb edge of the second mitten. Fasten off and weave in all yarn ends.

Display Ideas for Your Knit Mitten Ornaments

One of the best things about this knit mitten ornament pattern is how versatile the finished pair is. Here are some of my favorite ways to display them:

  • Tree ornaments — drape the connecting chain over a branch so the mittens hang on either side
  • Christmas garland — knit several pairs in different colors and string them together for a mantel banner
  • Wreath accent — tie a single pair onto a winter wreath for a cozy handmade detail
  • Gift toppers — attach a tiny pair of mittens to wrapped gifts in place of a bow
  • Stocking stuffers — hang a pair from the cuff of a stocking for an extra holiday touch
  • Window decoration — drape a strand across a window above a sill for a cozy Christmas window display
  • Place card holders — write guest names on tags and tuck them into the cuff for Christmas dinner

Tips for Success

A few notes from making many pairs of these knit mitten ornaments: pay close attention to the stripe pattern when shaping the thumb — it’s easy to lose track of color rows during shaping, and a wonky stripe shows on something this small. Keep your tension consistent, especially at color changes. When seaming, use mattress stitch for the cleanest finish — it nearly disappears on stockinette. And don’t skip blocking — even a quick steam press makes the finished mittens look store-bought rather than homemade.

More Free Christmas Patterns You’ll Love

If you love this knit mitten ornament pattern, here are more handmade Christmas projects to add to your queue:

Hang your knit mitten ornaments and tag @seeloveshare on Instagram — I love seeing your handmade Christmas decor! ❄️

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love. Thank you for supporting SeeLoveShare! 💛