Materials & tools you'll need

Soft cotton yarn, approximately 25 yards per mitten (any colour works) · 4mm aluminum crochet hook · Yarn needle (for weaving in ends) · Embroidery or darning needle (optional, for decorative details or reinforcing the wrist area)

Step 1 — Work the foundation round

Begin with a slip knot and chain 3 to form a ring. Work 10 half double crochet (hdc) stitches into the third chain from the hook, then join the round with a slip stitch. On the next round, increase the circumference by working two hdc into each stitch around, then join again with a slip stitch. This foundation forms the flat base of the mitten before you begin building up the sides.

Step 2 — Build the mitten body

Join a new round with a slip stitch and switch to working single crochet (sc) in each stitch around — this creates the gentle flared effect along the sides of the mitten. Continue for seven more rounds of single crochet, aiming for approximately 20 stitches per round, until the mitten reaches the size you want. Once you're happy with the size, join the final round with a slip stitch and weave in any loose ends with a yarn needle.

Step 3 — Make and attach the wrist tie

Make a slip knot and chain 50 stitches to form the wrist tie. Secure the ends and weave them into the mitten with a yarn needle. Thread the tied end through the eyelet holes around the wrist opening so the tie can be gently drawn to snug the mitten around the baby's wrist as needed, keeping it securely in place.

Step 4 — Finish and care for the mittens

Weave in any remaining yarn tails with a yarn needle for a neat, professional finish. If you'd like extra durability, reinforce the wrist area with a few darning or embroidery stitches. Wash the finished mittens by hand in cold water and allow them to air dry to prevent shrinkage, then block gently if needed to help them hold their shape and size.

Frequently asked questions

What skill level is required to crochet newborn baby scratch mittens?
This is a beginner-friendly project. It only uses half double crochet and single crochet stitches worked in the round, with simple increases and decreases to shape the mitten.

What size will the finished newborn scratch mittens be?
The finished mittens measure approximately 6 inches (15cm) long by 4 inches (10cm) wide at the widest point, sized to fit a newborn baby's hand and wrist.

What is the best yarn to use for crochet scratch mittens?
A soft cotton yarn is ideal since it's gentle on a newborn's skin. Any colour works well — you'll need approximately 25 yards of yarn per mitten.

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