How to Crochet Baby Scratch Mittens with a Double Crochet Foundation Ring

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Start the foundation ring with double crochets

Make a slip knot on your crochet hook, then chain three. Insert your hook into the first chain stitch of the foundation ring, yarn over, and complete a double crochet. Continue with eight more double crochets into the same stitch, giving you ten double crochets total in this first round. Join the round by slip stitching to the top of the initial chain-three, closing it into a circle. This ring forms the very top of the mitten and sets the stitch count for every round that follows.

Step 2 — Grow the rounds to size

For the second round and each round after it, work the same double crochet pattern used to build the foundation ring, continuing in multiples of ten double crochets per round. Keep adding rounds until the mitten measures about three inches (roughly seven and a half centimetres) long, though the exact length can vary a little depending on the size of the baby's hand. Try the mitten against a similar-sized glove or sock if you'd like a size check as you go.

Step 3 — Shape the cuff with decreases

Once the body reaches your desired length, begin shaping the cuff by skipping a stitch every four rounds. This gradual decrease tapers the opening in gently, giving the mitten a snug, comfortable cuff rather than an abrupt edge. When the cuff reaches the length you'd like, finish the last round with a slip stitch and bind off. Trim the yarn tail and weave it in neatly using your yarn needle.

Step 4 — Make the tie

Using your contrasting soft yarn colour, chain 60 stitches to create the tie. Trim the yarn tail, then pull the tail through on both sides and tighten it up before trimming the tail short again. This long chain is what will thread through the cuff to gently cinch the mitten closed around the baby's wrist.

Step 5 — Weave the tie through and finish with a bow

Weave the tie in and out around the cuff, going through the large hole followed by two double crochets each time, all the way around until both ends of the tie come out through the same hole. Pull gently to cinch the cuff to the fit you'd like, then tie the two ends into a small bow to finish. Your soft, snuggly scratch mittens are ready to keep tiny hands cozy and scratch-free.

Frequently asked questions

What materials are needed for the double crochet foundation ring baby scratch mittens?
You will need number 3 weight mercerized cotton yarn in two colours — a soft shade for the body and a soft contrasting colour for the tie — a 3.5mm crochet hook, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.

How do I shape the cuff on baby scratch mittens?
Once the body of the mitten reaches your desired length, start decreasing by skipping a stitch every four rounds to gently taper the cuff. Finish the last round with a slip stitch, bind off, then trim the yarn tail and weave it in with a yarn needle.

How do I make and attach the tie on crochet scratch mittens?
Chain 60 stitches to form the tie, then weave the tails in and out through the large hole followed by two double crochets all around, until both ends come out through the same hole. Tighten and finish with a small bow for a secure, adjustable fit around the baby's wrist.

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