How to Crochet Newborn Scratch Mittens Worked in the Round

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Start the ring

Make a slip knot and chain four. Slip stitch into the first chain to form a small ring, then chain three and work nine double crochet stitches into the centre of that ring, so you end up with nine double crochets plus the chain-three counting as a tenth. Join the round with a slip stitch into the top of the chain-three to close the circle.

Step 2 — Work the increase round

Chain one, then work two half double crochets into each double crochet stitch from the round below, all the way around. This doubles your stitch count and widens the small starting circle out to the width you'll need for the rest of the mitten. Join with a slip stitch into the top of your starting chain to complete the round.

Step 3 — Build up the mitten body

Continue working in half double crochet with no increases or decreases, joining each round with a slip stitch before starting the next. Work plain rounds like this until the mitten reaches the height you'd like — you'll notice the sides naturally beginning to curve upward as the rounds build up, giving the mitten its rounded shape.

Step 4 — Work the eyelet round

Once your mitten body is the height you want, it's time to create the eyelet holes for the tie. Chain one and single crochet into the base stitch, then chain two, skip one half double crochet, and single crochet into each of the next two stitches. Repeat this pattern — chain two, skip one, two single crochets — all the way around, then join the round with a slip stitch.

Step 5 — Work the finishing rounds

On the next round, work exactly one single crochet into each eyelet space — not two, or the mitten will grow larger than intended — along with single crochet across the stitches in between. Join the round, then work one final round of half double crochet into every single stitch, with no chains or skips. Fasten off when you reach the end of the round.

Step 6 — Make and weave in the tie

Make a slip knot and chain 50 fairly tightly, leaving a slightly longer tail than usual. Thread a yarn needle onto the tail and weave it back through five or six of the chain stitches, then pull the yarn through and trim — this hides the end neatly and firms up that edge of the tie. Weave the finished chain in and out through the eyelet holes all the way around the mitten, then tie the ends into a bow to secure.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to crochet newborn scratch mittens?
You'll need a 4mm crochet hook (aluminum works well), sharp scissors, and yarn. White 100% cotton yarn is a lovely choice for baby items and pairs nicely with a matching set of booties.

How are the eyelet holes created for the mitten tie?
After building up the mitten body, work a round alternating a chain-two space with single crochet stitches, skipping one stitch at each gap. On the following round, work exactly one single crochet into each eyelet space (never two, or the mitten will grow larger than intended) plus single crochet across the stitches between them.

How long does this project take, and can it be paired with booties?
This is a quick project — roughly half an hour per mitten. Cotton yarn in white or another neutral shade pairs especially well with a matching pair of crocheted baby booties for a coordinated gift.

Why does the mitten look a bit bigger than a newborn's hand?
A slightly roomier fit is intentional. It gives a newborn's hand a little space to move around inside the mitten while still fully covering their fingers and nails, so they can't scratch themselves.

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