Mini Mitten Christmas Tree Decoration – Free Knitting Pattern

Hand-knit ornaments add such a warm, personal touch to Christmas decorating. These tiny mittens are quick to make and a lovely way to use up leftover yarn. You can hang them on your tree, string them into a garland, or use them as gift toppers. They’re also a great project to knit while sipping a cup of tea in the evening.

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What you need

Yarn:

Sirdar Snowflake Double Knitting (white, for cuff)

Any red double knitting yarn (for mitten body)

Needles: 3 mm knitting needles

Notions: Darning needle, scissors

Optional: A little stuffing if you want your mitten puffy

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cuff

With white Snowflake DK, cast on 24 stitches.

Knit 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row).

Start the Mitten Body

Change to red DK yarn.

Purl 1 row.

Next row: Knit 3, make 1 (by lifting the bar between stitches), knit 6, make 1, knit 6, make 1, knit 6, make 1, knit 3 (28 sts).

Purl 1 row.

Next row: Knit 12, make 1, knit 4, make 1, knit 12 (30 sts).

Work 3 rows in stocking stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row).

Next row: Knit 12, make 1, knit 6, make 1, knit 12 (32 sts).

Work 3 more rows in stocking stitch.

Next row: Knit 12, make 1, knit 8, make 1, knit 12 (34 sts).

Purl 1 row.

Thumb

Knit 22 stitches, turn.

On the next 10 stitches, work 2 rows in stocking stitch (this forms the thumb).

On these 10 sts, knit 2 together 5 times (5 sts remain).

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through the 5 sts, pull tight, and fasten off. Use this tail to sew up the thumb seam.

Finish Mitten Body

Rejoin red yarn to the last stitch you worked on the right needle. Knit across remaining 12 sts (24 sts on needle).

Work 7 rows in stocking stitch.

Next row: K2tog twice, knit 6, k2tog twice, knit 6, k2tog twice.

Purl 1 row.

Next row: K2tog across to end.

Cut yarn, leaving a tail. Thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten off.

Finishing Touches

Sew up the mitten and thumb seams neatly.

Add a twisted cord, crochet chain, or ribbon loop for hanging.

These little mittens knit up quickly, so you’ll have a whole basketful ready to decorate in no time. They look especially sweet in traditional red and white, but feel free to play with colors—green, gold, or even a striped version!