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How to Draw Mittens Step by Step
This tutorial shows how to draw mittens in six steps. It includes simple instructions along with illustrated drawing examples.
You can see the design of the mittens as well as the included drawing stages in the preview image above. If you wish you can simplify the tutorial by leaving out some of the details. Alternatively if you can also try adding a different and/or more complex design pattern.
Star the drawing in pencil and make light lines that you can easily erase in case you make a mistake. You can darken them before coloring.
Step 1 – Draw the Curve of the Main Part of the Mittens
Begin by making a pair of curves facing in different directions. These should outline the shapes up to the wrist on one side and up to the thumb on the other.
Step 2 – Draw the Thumbs
Add the thumbs as yet another pair of curves but make these much smaller than the previous set. Afterwards draw the bottom “cut off” of each mitten (where they go into the wrists). Make this area lightly curved.
Making Basic Mittens
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- Use regular scissors to cut the pattern, not your fabric scissors.
- You are adding the extra space for wiggle room and seam allowance.
- Keep your lines and curves smooth. You don’t have to make the little bumps for the fingers. Think: basic mitten shape.
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- The sweater will shrink. Don’t worry, this is fine.
- Choose a sweater that is at least 80 percent wool; 100 percent would be even better. [5] X Research source
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Pin your pattern to the sweater. Align the bottom, palm part of your pattern with the top edge of the ribbed hem. The ribbed hem will make a cuff around your wrists. This will make it easier to tuck your mittens into your coat while you are wearing them, and lock in the warmth.
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Cut the pattern out using a pair of fabric scissors. When you are done, flip the pattern over, pin it in place, then cut out the other mitten. This will give you a left and right mitten. When you are done, you should have four pieces.
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Pin the mitten pieces together. Flip the mitten pieces over. Pin them together with the right sides facing in and the wrong sides are facing out. You do not have to pin across the bottom edge.
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Sew around your mitten using a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowance. Use a small zigzag stitch and follow the lines that you drew. This will allow the fabric to stretch without snapping the thread. [6] X Research source Backstitch a few times at the start and end of your sewing. Do not sew across the bottom edge.
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Trim the seams down to ⅛ to ¼-inch (0.32 to 0.64-centimeter). This will help reduce bulk and make the mittens more comfortable to wear. [7] X Research source If you’d like, you can go over the edges with a small zigzag stitch.
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Turn the mitten inside out. Tuck your hand into it and wiggle your fingers. This will help push out the seams and fill it out.
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- Use embroidery thread in a contrasting color to make a blanket stitch around the bottom hem of your mitten. Keep the stitches loose, or your mitten won’t stretch.
- Add simple embroidery to the top/front of each mitten.
- Braid some yarn, then weave it around the wrist of your mitten to make a tie cord. Attach a matching pompom to each end of the cord.
- Fold the cuff over to shorten it, then sew a wood or plastic button on top.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:
Adding a Lining (Optional)
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- Great lining choices include: flannel, fleece, and jersey/t-shirt fabric. You can buy it from the fabric store, or reuse old shirts or blankets.
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Cut the lining out. When you are done, flip the pattern over, and cut out another set of lining pieces. You should have four pieces when you are done.
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Pin the mitten pieces together. Make sure that you are pinning the mittens with the right sides facing in and the wrong sides facing out.
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- If you are using jersey or t-shirt material, use a small zigzag stitch instead.
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Trim the hems down. Try to get them down to about ⅛ to ¼ inch (0.32 to 0.64 centimeter). This will help reduce bulk and make your mitten more comfortable to wear. For a neater finish, go back over the edges with a small zigzag stitch.
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Fold and pin the bottom hems. Fold the bottom edges up by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) all the way around each mitten lining. Pin them in place.
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- Leave a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) gap in the hem.
- Thread a piece of elastic through the gap with a safety pin.
- Pull the elastic until the hem gathers slightly.
- Cut the excess elastic, then stitch the ends together.
- Tuck them into the gap. Sew the gap shut.
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Turn your mittens back inside out. Do not turn your lining inside out. This way, your lining will be smooth on the inside. The raw hems will be covered by the mittens.
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- Repeat this step for the other mitten and lining piece.
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Turn the mitten inside out. Tuck your hand into the lining. Roll the mitten over your hand, like a sock. Adjust it until the seams match up and the fit is comfortable.
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Stitch the hem to the mitten using a small zigzag stitch. If you added an elastic to the hem, keep the elastic pulled taut while you sew and use a larger zigzag stitch. Alternatively, you can stitch it by hand with a loose running stitch
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Finished.
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Community Q&A
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Question
Where is the link to download this pattern?
MoJo 422
Community Answer
This article does not supply a pattern. It tells you how to make your own.
Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
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Question
Can I use a sweater that is 85% wool and 15% nylon?
MoJo 422
Community Answer
Yes. The higher the wool content, the warmer and drier they will be, but 85% is great.
Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
