Required: Four No.12 needles.[1] Two ounces of Alloa wheeling [2] or other suitable wool in a drab shade.
Directions: Cast 16 stitches on to each of three needles making 48 in all. Knit 2 plain, 2 purl, until a ribbed cuff three inches deep is attained. Then knit all plain for another inch in length.
Commence the thumb on the first needle. For this knit 2; make 1 by knitting into the loop of wool between the stitches; knit 2; make 1; continue knitting to the end of this first row. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the fourth row; knit 2; make 1; knit four; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the seventh row; knit 2; make 1; knit 6; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the tenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 8; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the thirteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 10; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the sixteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 12; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the nineteenth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 14; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the twenty-second row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 16; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows. On the first needle begin the twenty-fifth row. Knit 2; make 1; knit 18; make 1. Finish with plain knitting. Knit two plain rows.
Take off the 18 stitches between the increasing stitches on a piece of wool and tie securely to prevent slipping. Knit around plainly, excluding these 18 stitches, until ½ inch in length is gained, then knit 2 plain, 2 purl, for another inch. Cast off very loosely. Take up the 18 stitches on three needles, 6 on each. Make 2 stitches at the inside of the thumb, giving eight stitches on the first needle. Knit plainly round for ½ inch, then 2 plain, 2 purl, for 1 inch. Cast off very loosely. The mitten when finished should measure 8 inches long and 7 inches wide across the top.
Source: Bedfordshire Standard, 26th November 1915
[1] Metric size 2.75mm, US size 2.
[2] Wheeling is “a term applied to a distinctive material which, by reason of its early association with the town of that name, is often referred to as ‘Alloa Yarn’. The word ‘Alloa’ is, as a matter of fact, often used as a synonym for the thick woollen thread or ‘wheeling’ yarn which, for hand knitting purposes is generally sold in 3 ply and in a skein of 2 ozs., eight of which form a head of 1lb. Wheelings, as a class, when of good quality, fill a very useful place as producing warm woolly fabrics specially suitable for heavy socks, stockings and garments for outdoor wear, such as get softer and more comfortable the oftener they are washed.” [Woolcraft, J and J Baldwin, 1914, from Just Call Me Ruby where First World War style scarf pattern in honour of Private John Herbert Ogden (1895-1917) can also be found.]
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