Norwegian Selbu Mittens

The classic Norwegian Selbu Mitten is as ubiquitous as lefse and lutefisk, and it’s a skill any knitter can master! In this class, you will make your first Selbu colorwork mitten while learning the history of the style, 2-color knitting tips and tricks, and traditional construction elements including the Norwegian thumb gusset and seam stitches.

Using classic motifs like the star-rose, rams horn, and geometric endløsmønsters (infinite patterns), your mitten will be the star of the show in your winter accessories. You will finish the class with at least one complete mitten, and the knowledge and skills to finish the pair and craft many more.

Students will be provided with the mitten pattern, and colorwork motifs; yarn and needles can be purchased at Yarn Harbor during the first class if needed.

Prerequisite Skills

Students should come to class with an intermediate knitting level and comfort in: knitting in the round, small-circumference knitting, and familiarity with written knitting patterns. Students should bring set(s) of 5 double-pointed knitting needles or their favorite method of small-circumference knitting in the round. I recommend bringing different sizes to account for gauge differences, sized US 2-4.

Students should also bring two high-contrast colors (ie. white and black, navy, brown, eggplant, or burgundy) of fingering weight wool yarn, 1 - 50g skein of each color. Rauma Garn “Finull” and Jamieson’s Shetland “Spindrift” are two classic options. For students who prefer a softer wool, Malabrigo “Ultimate sock yarn” will work well. No one will stop your creativity, but please note that solid, high-contrast colors make it easier to distinguish the colorwork pattern in your mittens!