- Step 1: Choose a Pattern and Print It
Choose the size of mittens you want to make. The small size will
fit most pre-schoolers, while the medium and large sizes work for
older children. (The large size also fits small adult hands.) Download and print the pattern on computer
Tip: You can make a pattern by tracing a
child's hand on a sheet of paper. Be sure to allow for the ¼"
(5 mm) seam and the ½" (13 mm) hem.
Patterns are Adobe PDF files. The
Adobe Reader is available for free.
All of Aunt Annie's project patterns are designed to be printed on standard letter size paper (8.5"x11" or A4).
When printing from Adobe Reader, you may need to select Auto-Rotate and Center or Choose paper source by PDF page size to ensure the best fit.
Step 2: Cut Patterns
Cut out the mitten and applique patterns on the black outlines,
using paper scissors.
- Step 3: Pin Pattern and Cut
Find some good areas on the sweatpants without any holes or
stains. Pin the mitten pattern through two thicknesses of
sweatpants. Cut closely around the mitten pattern.
You will need four mitten pieces total, so after cutting the
two pieces for one mitten, repin the pattern onto the sweatpants and
Optional: You will need two applique pieces cut from a contrasting color of
sweatpants. Pin the applique pattern to two thicknesses and cut.
Project extra: To make appliques of your
child's initial, download one of Aunt Annie's printable
letter applique patterns—Letter
Appliques A to M or
Letter Appliques N to Z.
Just cut out the letter needed, pin to two layers of
material, and cut.
- Step 4: Sew Applique
Pin the appliques near the center of the back pieces of each mitten.
Lay the mitten backs side by side to make sure you have chosen opposite-facing pieces.
Stitch around the appliques using a satin stitch (a very close
Tip: Instead of pinning, tack the applique
pieces to the mitten back with a glue stick, then stitch.
- Step 5: Stitch Mitten
Pin each mitten's front and back together, right sides facing.
Stitch around each mitten a scant ¼" (5 mm) from the edge,
leaving the cuff open.
Be careful to follow the curves at the top of the mitten and
thumb. At the thumb joint, with the needle down, raise your sewing machine's presser
foot and turn the fabric.
- Step 6: Elastic
Cut a piece of elastic that will fit around the child's wrist. Or
use a 5½" (14 cm) piece for the small mitten, 6" (15 cm) for the
medium mitten, or 7" (18 cm) for the large mitten.
Fold a ½" (13 mm) hem over at the cuff. Stitch the
hem down near the edge of the material, leaving a 1" opening in the
Pin a safety pin to one end of the elastic. Thread this end of the elastic through
the opening in the hem,
and work it around until is comes out the other side. Be careful
not to lose the other end of the elastic in the hem.
Overlap the ends of the elastic about ¼" (5 mm) and sew
through both layers several times with a needle and thread. Slip the
joined ends into the hem and stitch the hem opening closed.
Tip: See the sidebar for an
alternative way to insert the elastic.
- Step 7: Finish
Turn the mittens right side out. Use the eraser end of a pencil
to help turn out the thumbs.
Tip: The mittens can also be sewn by hand. Use a
blanket stitch for the applique, and a back stitch for the seams.
That's it! Your mittens are ready