Note: making modifications may change the yardage needed for your pattern.

At Pacific Knit Co., we believe that knitters should feel empowered to modify their projects in any way that feels right for them. We love the freedom that Doodles offer, but know that some knitters are more comfortable with more guidance.

Modifications covered in this post:

• Adjusting the circumference
• Adjusting the height
• Alternate cuff options
• Alternate thumb options

Quick note before we get too far: While these modifications can be used for almost any simple infinity cowl pattern, the instructions given here refer most directly to the construction of Pacific Knit Co.'s Base Doodle Mitts & Mittens.

Remember: When making modifications, ensure that your new stitch count remains divisible by 24 or 12. See note at the end about rounding to the nearest multiple of 24 or 12 or read about Doodle Repeats. 

Want to learn general tips for substituting yarn weight? Read our full post about Changing Yarn Weight & Gauge.

Helpful calculations for making modifications

Stitches per inch

[stitches in swatch] ÷ [inches in swatch] = [STS PER INCH]

• For example, if your swatch has 24 stitches in 4 inches:

• 24 sts ÷ 4 in = 6 sts per inch

Rounds/Rows per inch

[rnds/rows in swatch] ÷ [inches in swatch] = [RND/ROWS PER INCH]

• For example, if your swatch has 24 rounds/rows in 4 inches:

• 24 ÷ 4 in = 6 rounds/rows per inch

Adjusting the Circumference of a Mitt(en)

The finished circumference of a mitt is determined by the number of cast-on stitches as this will determine how big around it is. More stitches means bigger circumference. Fewer stitches means smaller circumference.

To calculate stitch count for desired circumference:

• STEP 1: Find your [sts per inch]

• STEP 2: To find out how many stitches to cast on for your desired size, use the following:

  • [desired circumference] x [sts per inch] = NUMBER OF CAST-ON STS

• For example, if I want my mitt to be 8 inches around, at 6 sts per inch:

• [8 inches] x [6 sts per inch] = cast on 48 sts

Check your Stitch Repeat: 

If you are using Doodle Charts to knit in colorwork, ensure that your new stitch count remains divisible by 24 or 12. See note at the end about rounding to the nearest multiple of 24 or 12 or read about Doodle Repeats.

Adjusting the Height of a Mitt(en)

The mitt or mitten height is often flexible, because it is determined by how many rounds you knit before and after working your thumb, and before your top enclosure. To adjust the finished height, cast on as-written, and then just knit for as long (or as short) as you like!

Note: Make sure to include the height of the cuff, thumb, and top enclosure in your calculations.

If you are knitting plain, this can be as easy as just measuring/trying on your project as you go. If you are knitting colorwork, and want to know a more exact round count so you can plan out your charts, keep reading:

To calculate round count for desired height of the body of the mitt (minus cuff and top):

• STEP 1: Find your [rnds per inch]

• STEP 2: To find out how many rounds you need to knit for the desired height, use the following:

  • [desired height in inches] x [rnds per inch] = NUMBER OF ROUNDS

• For example, if I want a a 9 in long mitten, and my swatch is 6 rnds per inch:

• [9 in] x [6 rnd per in] = knit 54 rounds

However, we also need to account for height of cuff, thumb, and top. We can figure this out the same way, using the same formula.

• Bottom Cuff Height: [desired height] x [rnds per inch] = NUMBER OF RNDS

• Thumb Height: [desired height] x [rnds per inch] = NUMBER OF RNDS

• Top Cuff Height: [desired height] x [rnds per inch] = NUMBER OF RNDS

For our fingerless mitt example, if our bottom cuff is 1.5 in, then [1.5 in cuff] x [6 rnds per inch] = 9 rnds. And if our thumb is 1.5 in, then [1.5 in thumb] x 6 rnds per inch] = 9 rnds. And if our top cuff is 1 in, then [1 in cuff] x [6 rnds per inch] = 6 rnds.

• Step 4 Calculate total chart height: [54 total rnds] - [9 rnds for bottom cuff] - [6 rnds for top cuff] = ~39 rnds to plan for colorwork charts.

• Step 5 Calculate thumb placement in chart.

  • For Thumb Gusset or Thumb Hole: Using your thumb rnds from above [9 rnds], measure to the base of your thumb and start your thumb rnds there on your chart, and covering the height specified for your thumb rnds. As you'll either be working a gusset or hole here, I recommend leaving this section of your chart blank, or with a simple chart.

  • For Afterthought Thumb: Since this placement uses waste yarn, only one round is affected here. Ensure the chart is plain in the row you place your waste yarn, however, you can get really creative with the rest of your chart.

Calculate your Doodle Rounds: 

If you change how long you want to knit your project, you can still figure out how many Doodle Rounds to plan for when designing your Doodle Master Chart. Check out Doodle Math: Row Gauge & Chart Height for more information.

Want to make your overall mitten taller without changing your cuff or thumb or top enclosure measurements? Just adjust your mitten body section to add more or less height here, which means designing a taller or shorter Doodle Master Chart.

Alternate Cuff Options for Mitt(ens)

Want to try a different style of cuff? After casting on, try replacing the simple ribbing with one of the styles below (worked to desired brim height):

• 1 x 1 Twisted Ribbing: *k1tbl, p1, repeat to end 

• 2x2 Ribbing: *k2, p2, repeat to end.

• Corrugated Ribbing: *k1 MC, p1 CC, repeat to end. (note that this specific ribbing is less stretchy, so you won't need as much negative ease for this style).

• Rolled Edge: knit all stitches for approximately 2-3 in before starting the colorwork section.

Then work the remainder of the pattern as written. 

Alternate Thumb Options

Want to try a different style of thumb? Once you reach the thumb, you can use any style or pattern for thumbs to work this section.

Work the pattern as written, up until reaching the crown, then choose one of the following options:

• Thumb Hole (as in Mitt 1): This thumb is achieved by simply working this section flat, while the section above/below are worked in the round, so that the resulting gap creates a thumb hole. Typically we recommend avoiding colorwork on this section, as it must be worked flat, which can be more difficult.

• Thumb Gusset (as in Mitt 2): This thumb is worked on the side of your mitt/mitten, by increasing on either side of your thumb every few rounds. It also is slightly more difficult to add colorwork on this thumb, as you'll want to design your chart around the increase stitches.

• Afterthought Thumb (as in Mitten): This thumb is achieved by placing a waste yarn when you reach the bottom of your thumb, and continuing on. It is the least disruptive to knitting colorwork here as it's only impacting that one round. Once your mitt/mitten is complete, come back to this section to pick up the held stitches and work the thumb.

Other Modification Options

Many mitt patterns accommodate a lot of mix-and-match options. You can add texture, or stripes, or swap out the style of crown shaping construction for a different look. And of course, our Base Doodle Mitts & Mitten patterns is perfect for adding colorwork!

There really are almost endless options to make your knitting project your own. Don't be afraid to play around with different techniques and modifications to create something truly unique!

Checking Stitch Counts for Doodle Repeat Sizing

While you can definitely knit our Base Doodle Patterns in plain stockinette, if you are using Doodle Charts to knit in colorwork, you'll want to ensure that your new stitch count remains divisible by 24 or 12.

For example, if I wanted a mitten that was 7 inches around at pattern gauge:

• [7 inches] x [6 sts per inch] = cast on 42 sts

In this example, 42 is NOT divisible by 12 or 24.

To make the stitch count work for Doodle Charts, we can either go down to 36 stitches (divisible by 12) or go up to 48 (divisible by 24).

Bonus step: Recheck your sizing. If you adjusted your size to accommodate 12 or 24st repeats, re-check your sizing by using the inverse of formula above:

• [cast on st count] / [sts per inch] = [circumference in inches]

• For example, if we chose to round up to 48 sts:

• [48 sts] / [6 sts per inch] = 8 in mitten circumference

If that size works for you, then you're all set! Cast on the new amount and work the pattern as written. If that's not quite right, go ahead and repeat the math with the next closest option divisible by 12 or 24.

Happy Doodling!

 

Want more info? The complete PDF pattern for our Base Doodle Beanie (including detailed techniques, modification options and blank colorwork charts) is available on our website and on Ravelry.

Want to add colorwork? Take a look at our full library of Doodle Colorwork Charts (dozens of themes to choose from as either digital downloads or physical card decks).