Running Without Scissors
a Knitting Pattern for
Drop-Stitch Fingerless Mitts

instructions for a Plain Version included

Pattern now available for purchase as a .pdf download (you will need a PayPal account)
US $3.50

Difficulty Level: Intermediate (using Craft Yarn Council of America standards)

Skills and Techniques: cast-on, bind-off, garter stitch, increasing, drop-stitch stitch pattern, dropped stitch. For tubular cast-on, crocheting a chain and picking up stitches.
Materials Needed:
Yarn: Cascade Fixation, 1 ball (50g/1.75 oz, 90m/100yds [relaxed], 98.3% cotton 1.7% elastic, handwash), 8990 black or color of your choice.
OR
Yarn: Sock It to Me! Collection Esprit, 1 ball (50g/1.75 oz, 90m/100yds [relaxed], 98.3% cotton 1.7% elastic, handwash), color of your choice
NOTE: 50 grams will make at least two pairs.
1 pair 5.75mm/US 10 needles
tapestry needle
safety pins or removable stitch markers
For tubular cast-on (optional):
1 pair 5mm/US 8 needles
1 crochet hook, size 4.25mm/G
waste yarn, approx. 63cm/25” (any smooth worsted weight yarn will do, like mercerized cotton or even ribbon)
For tubular bind-off (optional):
2 double-pointed 5.75mm/US 10 needles (in addition to first pair)
Pattern is written and does not include a schematic or chart.

previously published in Take Back the Knit #2, an independent ‘zine published by Jae Steele (Domestic Affair). TBtK #2 is, at this writing (July 2006), still available for purchase from Jae at www.domesticaffair.blogspot.com. That pattern is essentially the same but isn’t written as clearly, as I was my own tech editor at the time. The version available for download has been rewritten by Chrissy G (thank you!) and has been expanded to include instructions for a stretchier cast-on and bind-off and step-by-step photos for some of the techniques (including how to sew up the seam).

about the yarn: this project needs a stretchy yarn to accomodate various sizes. If you use the tubular cast-on/cast-off, you may be able to use a less elastic yarn (try a swatch and get a gauge first for fit!). If you’ve never used a yarn like this before, knitting with it might feel a little odd at first. Try not to stretch the yarn too much while working with it.

the inspirational vintage pattern: The 1890’s fingerless mitt pattern is online via The Ladies Treasury . Like many patterns of that time, the instructions in comparison to modern patterns, are pretty vague, with no gauge or schematic given. I knit up a sample following the pattern, using sock yarn and US3 needles, which would fit a womans medium comfortably.