DROPS Lima
DROPS Lima
65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
from 2.40 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 4.80£.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

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DROPS 192-43

#polarpawsmittens

DROPS Design: Pattern no li-099
Yarn group B
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Sizes: S/M - M/L - L/XL
Whole length before felting: approx. 32 - 33½ - 35 cm
Whole length after felting: approx. 24 - 25½ - 26 cm
Length from thumb-hollow before felting: approx. 16 - 16 ½ - 17 cm
Length from thumb-hollow after felting: approx. 12 - 12½ -13 cm
Materials:
DROPS LIMA from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
50-100-100 g colour 9020, pearl grey
50-50-50 g colour 1101, white

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ACCESSORIES FOR THE PIECE:

KNITTING TENSION:
20 stitches in width and 26 rows in height with stocking stitch = 10 x 10 cm.

NEEDLES:
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 4.5 MM.
The needle size is only a guide. If you have too many stitches on 10 cm, change to a larger needle size. If you have too few stitches on 10 cm, change to a smaller needle size.

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Lima
DROPS Lima
65% Wool, 35% Alpaca
from 2.40 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 4.80£.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in British English. All measurements in charts are in cm. Convert from cm to inches here. There are different terms for crocheting in British and American English. If this pattern includes crochet, convert "crochet terms" here. See this pattern in American English here..
EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:

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STRIPES:
* 6 rounds of pearl grey, 6 rounds of white*, work from *-*.

INCREASE TIP: 
Increase 1 stitch by working 2 stitches in the same stitch.

DECREASE TIP:
Decrease before the marker as follows: Work until there are 2 stitches left before the marker, knit 2 together.
Decrease after the marker as follows: Work as far as the marker, slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1 and pass the slipped stitch over.
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START THE PIECE HERE:

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MITTEN - SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
The piece is worked in the round with double pointed needles. You work from the wrist and up the hand.

MITTEN:
Cast on 56-60-60 stitches with double pointed needles size 4.5 mm and pearl grey. Work stocking stitch until the piece measures 3 cm, then work stocking stitch and STRIPES – see description above. AT THE SAME TIME on the next row decrease 4 stitches evenly on round (decrease by knitting 2 stitches together). Repeat the decrease every 1½ cm 2-2-1 more times = 44-48-52 stitches. REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION!
When the piece measures approx. 8-8-7 cm insert 1 marker in the 22nd-24th-26th stitch on the round (= marks the thumb). Then increase 1 stitch on each side of the stitch with the marker, repeat this increase on the outside of the increased stitches every 4th round 5-6-7 more times - READ INCREASE TIP = 56-62-68 stitches. After the last increase, place the increased stitches + stitch with marker + 1 stitch on each side of these stitches on 1 thread for thumb = 15-17-19 thumb-stitches. Cast on 3 stitches behind the thumb-stitches = 44-48-52 stitches. The piece measures approx. 16-17-18 cm. Continue with stocking stitch in the round over these stitches. When the piece measures 12 cm from where you cast on stitches behind the thumb, insert 2 markers as follows: Insert 1 marker in the first stitch and the other marker in the 23rd-25th-27th stitch. On the next round, decrease 1 stitch before and after each marker - READ DECREASE TIP (= 4 stitches decreased). Repeat the decrease every 2nd round 3-4-5 more time, then continue with pearl grey and repeat the decrease every round 4 times = 12 stitches. Cut the strand and pull it through the remaining stitches, pull tight and fasten well. 

THUMB: 
The thumb is worked in the round with stocking stitch. Make sure the stripes match the rest of the piece. Place the 15-17-19 thumb-stitches on double pointed needles size 4.5 mm and knit up 3 stitches in the 3 increased stitches on the hand = 18-20-22 stitches. Continue until you have worked 1 stripe in each colour and then continue with pearl grey. When the thumb measures approx. 6-6½-7 cm decrease 3 stitches evenly on round (decrease by knitting 2 stitches together) = 15-17-19 stitches. Work 3 rounds. On the next round decrease 5-7-7 stitches evenly on round = 10-10-12 stitches. When the thumb measures 7½-8-8½ cm knit all stitches together 2 and 2 = 5-5-6 stitches. Cut the strand and pull it through the remaining stitches, pull tight and fasten well. 
Work the other mitten in the same way.

FELTING: 
So that the thumb does not felt together, turn the mittens inside-out and put a small plastic bag in the thumb. Fasten with a safety pin - NOTE: Fasten the pin vertically towards the tip of the thumb so that it is easy to remove after felting. Turn the mitten inside-out again so that it is felted with the right side out. 
Place the mittens in washing machine using a detergent without enzymes and optic bleaches. Wash at 40 degrees with normal centrifuge and without pre-wash. After washing, shape the mittens to the right measurements while still wet. Later washes are as for a normal wool garment.

AFTER FELTING:
If the piece is not felted enough and is too big: Wash the piece one more time in the washing machine while it is still wet add a terry towel that measures approx. 50 x 70 cm - NOTE: Do not use a short program.
If the piece has been felted too much and is too small: While the piece is still wet stretch it to the correct measurements, if the piece is dry, make sure to soak it first.
Remember: All subsequent washes are as a normal wool garment.
Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size is only meant as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn calculator, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the calculator will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be calculated separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn calculator

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn calculator, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn calculator will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a tension/gauge swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder closest to the neckline, and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

On a jacket measures are never taken along bands, unless specifically stated. Always measure inside band stitches when measuring the length.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!
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Comments / Questions (4)

country flag Catarina Nordström wrote:

Kan jag byta ut Lima till Sky istället och göra dessa vantar? Det är samma garngrupp (B) och enligt er samma krympning på respektive garn.

12.11.2021 - 13:10

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Catharina. Du kan bytte med DROPS Sky, mulig det vil få et litt ulikt resulatat enn DROPS Lima ettersom DROPS Sky ikke er et 100%ullgarn, men har noe polyamid i seg. mvh DROPS Design

15.11.2021 - 09:15

country flag Judy wrote:

Just a little confused on thumb increases....do you always do increases stitch before marker and stitch after or before the last increases and after....so far (and on 4th increases I have always done like how u explained the initial increase I.e. up to stitc marker inc. Then inc.after stitch marker....would this b right?

09.06.2019 - 13:36

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Judy, when repeating the increases for thum, you should increase first before previous increase and after previous increase (= there are always 2 more stitches between the increases). Happy knitting!

11.06.2019 - 13:23

country flag Nancy wrote:

Great explanation! Now I understand. Thanks

27.12.2018 - 21:34

country flag Nancy wrote:

I do not understand the thumb increases. I have done mittens before but have never put a marker on the 22, 24, 26 stitch. Can you explain this differently so that I understand. Thanks, Nancy

25.12.2018 - 07:19

DROPS Design answered:

Hi Nancy! You put the marker on the 22nd stitch (size S/M), on 24th stitch if you work size M/L or on the 26th stitch in the size L/XL. How to knit a thumb on a mitten you will find in the video HERE. Happy knitting!

27.12.2018 - 19:45