This pattern for Afghan Mittens derives from a pair of authentic gloves knitted in the Hazara tradition. In Medium size for women (circumference of palm 8"), on 2.75mm (US 2) double-pointed needles at a gauge of 28 st/4", uses 300 yards of each of 3 colors (900 yards total) of sport weight (24-26 st/4") yarn. Typically, Afghans use whatever needles and yarn are available and adapt their patterns to their materials. Larger needles and thicker wools can easily be used to produce larger mittens.

When you purchase this pattern from Elann, 100% of its purchase price will go directly to afghans for Afghans, a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project that sends hand-knit and crocheted blankets and garments to the beleaguered people of Afghanistan, and which supports literacy classes for widows and other women in Kabul.

For information on how to get involved, please visit: afghansforAfghans.org.