Easy Thumb Hole in Knitting: 1838 Muff Kit Tutorial

Updated at: 22/05/2025

Step into a world of cozy warmth and historical charm with this tutorial on creating an 1838-style muff using a simple, yet elegant, thumb hole knitting technique. Imagine yourself wrapped in the soft embrace of a hand-knitted muff, its design echoing the elegance of a bygone era. This project is perfect for knitters of all skill levels, offering a delightful blend of practicality and historical flair, transforming a simple knitted tube into a stylish and functional accessory. The traditional design, combined with the easy-to-follow instructions, makes this a truly rewarding project.

This tutorial will guide you through each step of the process, from casting on to the final finishing touches, ensuring a beautifully crafted muff with perfectly placed thumb holes. Ready to bring a piece of 19th-century elegance into your modern life? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to knitting your own 1838 muff kit!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • knitting needles
  • yarn
  • stitch marker
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp scissors and needles to avoid accidental pricks or pokes. Always point scissors away from yourself and others.
  • Be mindful of your yarn tension throughout the project. Inconsistent tension can lead to an uneven and misshapen muff.
  • If working with small parts (like the thumb hole), consider using stitch markers or a different colored yarn to highlight the area and prevent accidental mistakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Establish Base Pattern

    • Start with the established knit pattern (three knit, three purl).
    Start with the established knit pattern (three knit, three purl).
    Establish Base Pattern

  2. Create Thumbhole Opening

    • To create the thumb hole, knit two stitches on each side of the hole.
    • Create one stitch by lifting the middle bar and knitting it (or knit into the back of the stitch for a smaller hole).
    • Knit two more stitches.
    • Place a marker on needle three, then slide two stitches from your working needle onto needle three.
    Place a marker on needle three, then slide two stitches from your working needle onto needle three.Place a marker on needle three, then slide two stitches from your working needle onto needle three.Place a marker on needle three, then slide two stitches from your working needle onto needle three.Place a marker on needle three, then slide two stitches from your working needle onto needle three.
    Create Thumbhole Opening
    • Continue knitting your pattern, leaving the two stitches on needle three separate from the two on your working needle – this creates the thumbhole space.
    Continue knitting your pattern, leaving the two stitches on needle three separate from the two on your working needle – this creates the thumbhole space.
    Create Thumbhole Opening

  3. Knit Around to Marker

    • Knit around until you reach the marker.
    • Move the marker to the next needle, and finish the round.
    Move the marker to the next needle, and finish the round.Move the marker to the next needle, and finish the round.
    Knit Around to Marker

  4. Knit Inside, Avoiding Thumbhole

    • Flip your work and knit on the inside, avoiding the thumbhole.
    • Continue knitting in the round on the inside until you reach the beginning of the thumbhole.
    Continue knitting in the round on the inside until you reach the beginning of the thumbhole.Continue knitting in the round on the inside until you reach the beginning of the thumbhole.
    Knit Inside, Avoiding Thumbhole

  5. Complete Thumbhole

    • Knit the remaining stitches, creating a slit for the thumbhole.
    • Join the stitches at the top to complete the thumbhole.
    Join the stitches at the top to complete the thumbhole.Join the stitches at the top to complete the thumbhole.
    Complete Thumbhole

Read more: DIY Stretchy Fingerless Gloves: Easy Sewing Tutorial

Tips

  • Using different colored needles can make the process easier to visualize.
  • The 1838 workwoman's guide suggests a method for creating the initial stitch of the thumbhole, but knitting into the back of the stitch will create a smaller hole. Choose the method you prefer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the knitting creates a misshapen thumb hole, either too tight or too loose.
Solution: Maintain consistent tension by using a consistent knitting rhythm and paying attention to your stitch tightness.

2. Incorrect Number of Stitches for Thumb Hole

Reason: Using too few or too many stitches for the thumb hole results in a hole that's either too small or too large, and possibly affecting the overall muff shape.
Solution: Carefully follow the pattern instructions for the number of stitches to be held for the thumbhole.

3. Unbalanced Decreases/Increases

Reason: Uneven decreases or increases during the shaping of the thumb hole can lead to a wonky or distorted opening.
Solution: Double-check your decrease/increase counts against the pattern instructions and count your stitches frequently.

FAQs

What kind of yarn is best for an 1838-style muff?
A medium-weight wool yarn is ideal for warmth and drape. Consider a yarn with a slightly fuzzy or rustic texture for authenticity.
How do I ensure the thumb holes are the right size?
Try the muff on periodically as you knit. You can also knit a gauge swatch to ensure your tension matches the pattern, leading to accurately sized thumbholes.
Can I adjust the pattern to make a longer or shorter muff?
Absolutely! Simply adjust the number of rows you knit before beginning the thumb hole shaping. Remember to keep the proportions consistent for a balanced look.