Welcome back for my third free pattern friday review. I am focusing on patterns available off Ravelry as I feel its very easy to find free patterns if you are able to use Ravelry but much harder to find good, free patterns via a general google search. Other Free Pattern Friday reviews can be found here.

The World's Simplest Mittens

This pattern is by Tin Can Knits and as well as being a free pattern you can print off it's also available on their free app. 

Details

The pattern is for five sizes from toddler to large adult and can be knitted in four different weights of yarn (Fingering, DK, Worsted/Aran or Chunky) . For fingering and DK weights you should be able to knit a pair out of 100g even at the largest size. Thicker yarns might require more yarn for bigger sizes. They recommend knitting in the round using DPNs or magic loop.

I like the range of options for different sizes and yarn weights as it would be easy to grab a skein from your stash and start your project even if you have a fairly small stash. The number of options does mean there are a lot of numbers in the paper version of the pattern. If this is an issue either highlight the size you are doing on the pattern or try using the app. The app allows you to input the details for your project including yarn weight and size and it will show you just the instructions you need. The app also has links to extra tutorials and suggestions for your project without cluttering up the pattern. The app in particular would be great for a beginner as there are articles linked on methods for knitting in the round and the abbreviations list has full descriptions of all the techniques used. The only change I made was to graft the live stitches together at the tip of the hand rather than pull the yarn through those stitches. 

It's a well written pattern and the app in particular would be useful for a beginner because of the extra links provided. The article on using leftover yarn to make a marled pair of mittens is both interesting and useful. My only issue with the amount of information in this pattern was the number of times I got sidetracked reading different blog posts then struggling to find my way back to that post later!

My World's Simplest Mittens

I knitted the small adult size in Desire Marble DK and it was a nice quick knit. (Can you see a theme with these free pattern friday projects?) My daughter chose the colourway as these will be for her. All our Desire Marble is dyed up in non-repeatable colourways but we usually have a blue of some sort but given the range of options for yarn you could use nearly any yarn in stock! It's a good canvas for using up leftovers, adding stripes or maybe using that skein that's a little out of your usual comfort zone for something you would wear. Everyone should have a pair of fun mittens!

I suggested the Desire Marble DK to my daughter because its 100% merino wool and nice and lofty so they should be warm and cosy. This pair only used 58g of yarn so slightly under the pattern requirements and leaving plenty left if you wanted to make the cuff longer or other adjustments. I will update this post with her feedback once she has worn them a few times!

Advantages of this pattern

• Huge range of options for size and yarn weight
• App supported pattern which highlights the size you want to make
• Links to lots of tutorials and other information from the app and on the website

Do let me know if you make this pattern, or have used the Tin Can Knits app for any other patterns. I'd also love to hear your recommendations for patterns to review in the future. The comments are open.
 

Link to pattern The World's Simplest Mittens
Link to Tin Can Knits App