Crochet Your Own Mittens: The Tabby Star Pattern Tutorial

Updated at: 21/03/2025

Winter's chill doesn't stand a chance against a pair of cozy, handcrafted mittens. And what better way to ward off the cold than with a pair you've created yourself? This tutorial will guide you through the charming "Tabby Star" mitten pattern, a design that beautifully blends simplicity with a touch of delightful whimsy. Perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, the Tabby Star pattern offers a satisfying project that results in wonderfully warm and uniquely stylish mittens. Imagine the compliments you'll receive when you proudly sport these handcrafted gems!

This tutorial provides a clear, concise, and detailed explanation of the Tabby Star mitten pattern, perfect for crafting your own pair. We'll walk you through each step, from casting on to the final finishing touches, ensuring even a novice crocheter can achieve fantastic results. Get ready to unleash your creativity and dive into the wonderfully satisfying world of crochet with this fun and rewarding project. Ready to get started? Let's begin the step-by-step process!

Safety Guidelines

  • Use sharp scissors to avoid accidental cuts. Keep them away from your work when not in use.
  • Be mindful of your hook size. Using a hook too small can cause tight stitches and hand strain. Too large may result in loose, ill-fitting mittens.
  • Always ensure your yarn is securely fastened to avoid dropped stitches and unraveling. Employ a secure knot to begin and end each piece.

Methods: Top-Down Crochet Mittens with Detachable Thumb Flap

Tools Needed

  • Yarn (Lion Brand Heartland Tweed or similar)
  • Crochet hook (size appropriate for yarn)
  • Measuring tape
  • Stitch markers
  • Button (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Initial Chain and First Round

    • Measure your hand and determine the desired opening size at the top of the mitten. Chain the appropriate number of stitches (25 for a 7-inch hand).
    • Single crochet around the chain. Join with a slip stitch in the first chain.
    Single crochet around the chain. Join with a slip stitch in the first chain.Single crochet around the chain. Join with a slip stitch in the first chain.
    Initial Chain and First Round

  2. Body of Mitten

    • Half double crochet in each stitch around.
    • Repeat round 2 (half double crochet in the third loop of each stitch). Add more rounds for longer mittens.
    Rounds 3-6: Repeat round 2 (half double crochet in the third loop of each stitch). Add more rounds for longer mittens.Rounds 3-6: Repeat round 2 (half double crochet in the third loop of each stitch). Add more rounds for longer mittens.
    Body of Mitten

  3. Create Thumb Hole

    • Work 18 half double crochets. Chain 4, skip 4 stitches, and work 3 half double crochets on the other side. (Adjust chain and skipped stitches as needed for your hand size.)
    Round 7 (Thumb Hole): Work 18 half double crochets. Chain 4, skip 4 stitches, and work 3 half double crochets on the other side. (Adjust chain and skipped stitches as needed for your hand size.)
    Create Thumb Hole

  4. Complete Thumb Section

    • Continue working half double crochets in the third loop of each stitch around. Adjust number of rounds for desired length.
    Rounds 8-23: Continue working half double crochets in the third loop of each stitch around. Adjust number of rounds for desired length.
    Complete Thumb Section

  5. Round 24: Double Crochet Border

    • Chain 2, double crochet in the third loop of each half double crochet from the previous round.
    Round 24: Chain 2, double crochet in the third loop of each half double crochet from the previous round.
    Round 24: Double Crochet Border

  6. Round 25: Front Post Double Crochet Border

    • Chain 2, front post double crochet in each double crochet from the previous round.
    Round 25: Chain 2, front post double crochet in each double crochet from the previous round.
    Round 25: Front Post Double Crochet Border

  7. Round 26: Finishing Border

    • Chain 2, work two front post double crochets together until only two stitches remain. Join with a slip stitch.
    Round 26: Chain 2, work two front post double crochets together until only two stitches remain. Join with a slip stitch.
    Round 26: Finishing Border

  8. Finishing

    • Fasten off and weave in ends.
    Fasten off and weave in ends.
    Finishing

Tips

  • Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning/end of each round when working in the round.
  • A pencil grip can make working half double crochets easier.
  • Test the mitten frequently to ensure proper fit.

Read more: Crochet Messy Bun Ponytail Beanie: Easy Pattern for All Yarn Weights

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the crocheting leads to misshapen mittens and an overall unprofessional look.
Solution: Practice maintaining a consistent tension by using a tension square and paying close attention to your stitch tightness.

2. Incorrectly Following the Pattern

Reason: Misreading the pattern instructions (e.g., skipping rows, using the wrong stitch) results in a final product that doesn't match the intended design.
Solution: Carefully read each step multiple times, using stitch markers to track your progress and check your work against the pattern photo periodically.

3. Improperly Joining Rounds/Seams

Reason: A poorly joined thumb gusset or a loose seam creates gaps or holes in the finished mitten, making it less warm and aesthetically pleasing.
Solution: Use a whip stitch or a mattress stitch to neatly join seams, and ensure that the stitches are securely closed for a smooth and warm finish.

FAQs

What size yarn and hook should I use for the Tabby Star mittens?
The pattern will specify the recommended yarn weight (e.g., worsted weight) and hook size. Using different yarn or hook size will alter the finished size of your mittens.
I'm a beginner crocheter. Is this pattern suitable for me?
The Tabby Star pattern's difficulty level will be indicated in the pattern itself. While some star stitch patterns can be complex, many are designed for beginners with clear instructions. Check the pattern's description for skill level.
How do I adjust the size of the mittens?
You can adjust the mitten size by working more or fewer rows in the body of the mitten before shaping the thumb and decreasing for the fingers. The pattern may also provide instructions for different sizes.