Easy crochet mittens

Now the cold winter weather is coming in, it's the perfect time to make these easy, cosy and fun mittens. The pattern is so quick to make up that you can have one finished in an evening. I've made several pairs for friends in the last two weeks, and they are a favourite already.

You will need some double knit yarn, in the colour of your choice, and a crochet hook in an appropriate size (I used a 4.5). You will also need a pair of buttons, and a darning needle to sew up.

1. Start by chaining 26 stitches, then close into a loop with a slip stitch in the first chain stich.

2. Chain three and work a double crochet (US single) into the next stitch, Double crochet to end, slip stitch into first.

3. Chain two, *single crochet followed by backpost double crochet in next (see diagram below), repeat from (*) to end, slip stitch into first.

4. Repeat step 3 twice more to create 'ribbing' for the cuff.

5. Chain three and work a double crochet in each stitch to end, slip stitch in first

6. Chain three and work a double crochet in next 11 stitches, increase by one stitch (work a second double crochet into the same loop), work a double crochet into next 2 stitches, increase by one, double crochet to end, slip stitch into first.

7. Chain three and work a double crochet in next 10 stitches, increase by one stitch (work a second double crochet into the same loop), work a double crochet into next 2 stitches, increase by one, work a double crochet into next 2 stiches, increase by one, double crochet to end, slip stitch into first.

8. Chain three, double crochet to end, slip stitch into first.

9. Chain three, double crochet until there are only 8 stitches remaining, chain six, slip stitch to end.

10. Chain three, double crochet to end, slip stitch into first. repeat for 4 more rows. Tie off and sew in ends.

11. To make up thumb; tie in yarn with a slip stitch in the hole created in step 9. Chain three, and double crochet to end, slip stitch into first.

12. Chain three, double crochet three, decrease by one, double crochet three, decrease by one, repeat to end, slip stitch into first. Add a further row of double crochet for length if needed, or to close up the thumb.

13. To make up the flap; chain 34, slip stitch into first.

14. Chain three and work a double crochet (US single) into the next stitch, Double crochet to end, slip stitch into first.

15. Chain two, *single crochet followed by backpost double crochet in next (see diagram below), repeat from (*) to end, slip stitch into first.

16. Chain three, double crochet to end, slip stitch into first.

17. Repeat step 16 for another three rows.

18. Chain three, double crochet two, decrease by one, double crochet three, decrease by one, repeat to end, slip stitch into first.

19. Repeat step 18 for three more rows, before sewing the remaining hole closed. create a small loop of chain stitches to fit your button, and sew this into the end of the flap too.

20. The flap can now be sewn onto the mitten, and the button sewn in place. Well Done!!

The backpost double crochet stitch;