Knitted Mittens with Afterthought Thumb

Instructions

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1. 1Cuff ribbingCast on 36 (40) sts, divide over 4 needles, 9 (10) per needle, join without twisting and mark the beginning of the round. Work *k2, p2* rib for 20 rounds (about 7.5 cm). The round begins at the side of the hand; the first 18 (20) sts are the palm and the last 18 (20) the back of the hand.
2. 2Up to the thumbKnit 16 (18) rounds (about 6-7 cm). This height matches the point where the thumb leaves the hand; try the mitten on to check.
3. 3Thumb placementRight mitten: knit the first 7 (8) sts of the round with waste yarn. Left mitten: knit stitches 12-18 (13-20) of the round, that is the last 7 (8) sts of the palm half, with waste yarn. In both cases slip the stitches knitted with waste yarn back to the left needle, knit them again with the main yarn and finish the round (36 (40) sts).
4. 4HandKnit every round until the mitten measures 13 (15) cm from the top of the ribbing, or until it covers the tip of your little finger.
5. 5Top decreasesDivide the stitches into two halves of 18 (20) sts (palm and back). Round 1 (decrease): on each half: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (4 sts decreased). Round 2: knit. Repeat these 2 rounds until 20 sts remain, then work the decrease round every round down to 12 sts. Cut the yarn leaving 25 cm and graft the 6+6 sts with Kitchener stitch.
6. 6ThumbCarefully unpick the waste yarn and pick up the live stitches: 7 (8) sts below and 7 (8) above (including the half stitch at the edge). Join the main yarn, knit these stitches and pick up 1 st at each corner: 16 (18) sts. Knit until the thumb measures 5 (6) cm. Tip: k2tog all around (8 (9)), knit 1 round, k2tog again (4 (5); with an odd number, knit the last stitch). Thread the yarn through the remaining stitches and pull tight.
7. 7FinishingClose the small holes at the thumb corners with the tails and weave in all ends on the inside. Knit the second mitten, taking care with the thumb position. Wash the wool mittens in lukewarm water and dry flat.