Thumb Gussets for Mittens
A thumb gusset is a triangular increase section on the side of a mitten that creates space for the thumb without disrupting the mitten body. Modern mitten patterns almost universally use a gusset rather than the older "afterthought thumb."
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Setup
Mark the thumb position with a stitch marker on each side of a single stitch (the gusset centre). The gusset typically begins at the wrist and ends at the base of the thumb.
Gusset increases
On every other round, work paired increases (M1L and M1R) on either side of the gusset markers. The gusset grows symmetrically as a triangle pointing toward the thumb base.
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Setting aside the thumb stitches
When the gusset is complete (typically 9–13 stitches wide for an adult mitten), slip the gusset stitches (between the markers) onto a holder. Cast on 1–3 stitches over the gap to bridge the gusset and resume working the mitten body in the round.
Knitting the thumb
Pick up the held gusset stitches plus 2–4 stitches around the gap and work the thumb in the round to the desired length.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| M1L | make 1 left |
| M1R | make 1 right |
Tips
- Use a removable marker for the gusset start so you can find it later.
- For a wider thumb, increase to 13–15 gusset stitches; for a narrower thumb, 9–11.
- Cast on the bridging stitches with the backwards loop or knitted cast on.
In depth
The thumb gusset constructs the thumb base in continuous knitting with the mitten body, eliminating the need for an afterthought thumb (which requires picking up stitches around an opening cut into the body). The result is a more comfortable, more durable thumb.