Knitting Fingerless Mittens: A Stitch in Time

The Women's Land Army: A Vital Workforce in Wartime

When World War II broke out in 1939, many men who worked in rural industries—those who planted and harvested crops, cut timber, and cared for animals—went off to do their patriotic duty.

Ships that typically transported food to the UK were either blockaded or repurposed for war work. There was a pressing need to feed those away at war and those at home. To keep food production steady, the Women's Land Army (WLA) was formed. Not just in England, but also here in Australia. Other countries had their own organizations, but here, these women were affectionately dubbed "Land Girls." They stepped into roles traditionally held by men, working long hours on farms, tending crops, and caring for livestock.

The WLA began in England during World War I but became especially important in the 1940s. In Australia, the Women's Land Army was established in 1942, inspired by the British model. Both countries relied on these women to maintain food supplies and support the war effort at home.

So Go Ahead and Knit Your Own Piece of History

Land Girls wore practical clothing suited to farm work, including woolen garments to keep warm during chilly mornings. Fingerless mittens were popular because they allowed dexterity while protecting hands from cold weather. Knitting these mittens was a common pastime, and patterns like the one shared here were widely used.

Some Tips for Knitting Your Own Land Girl Mitts

The pattern below is knit in the round on old UK no. 10 (3.25mm/US 4) double-pointed needles. Circular needles weren't much used in this era, but feel free to use circulars if you prefer.

Check your gauge before starting to ensure the mittens fit well. This design creates a snug, warm mitten that fits comfortably and allows finger movement. Being simple rib and stockinette, they will stretch to fit most adult hands.

The original pattern calls for a gauge of approximately 5 & 1/2 stitches and 8 rows to 1 inch in stockinette stitch.

Use wool yarn with similar thickness to the original for authenticity.

If you are new to thumb openings, practice on scrap yarn first.

Keep your tension even to avoid puckering around the thumb hole.

Consider knitting a pair in a natural wool color for a true vintage look or choose modern colors for a contemporary twist. The original pattern suggests khaki yarn, likely to match the uniforms that were eventually handed out (here in Australia, many of our Land Girls had to provide their own). It may also have been because that's what was made available to volunteer knitters. I'm sure the ladies working the land would have used whatever yarn was available.

These would be a great stash buster for all those little leftover odds and ends (I see some funky stripes in my future).

The pattern below is scanned from an original 1940s pattern leaflet titled "Women's Auxiliary and Land Army: Gumboot Stockings and Mittens." This was just one of many service knitting leaflets published between 1939 and 1945. A quick search online will turn up many more.

The pattern calls for two strands of 4ply (fingering) wool held together. I found an 8ply (DK/light worsted) wool is a satisfactory equivalent.

The Legacy of the Women's Land Army Today

The Women's Land Army left a lasting impact on agriculture and women's roles in the workforce. Their contribution helped maintain food security during a critical time. Many knitters and historians treasure original patterns as a way to honor the past.

While my own grandmother wasn't in the WLA, she was the wife of a farmer who kept the farm going here in the Australian Riverina when he and his brothers signed up. Today, being a knitter, historian, and a rural girl myself, knitting projects like these fingerless mitts make me feel just a little bit more connected to her. It reminds me of the strength and determination of the Land Girls and rural women everywhere, not just in wartime.

For those of you who are interested in more Land Girl history loveliness, I made a YouTube playlist here. There's some historical footage, some modern chats, and a bit of Horrible History fun.

Knitting as a Craft: More Than Just a Hobby

Knitting is more than just a way to create warm garments. It's a craft that connects us to our past and to each other. Each stitch tells a story, whether it's a cozy scarf for a loved one or a pair of fingerless mittens that echo the spirit of the Land Girls.

The Joy of Crafting

Crafting brings joy and satisfaction. There's something incredibly fulfilling about transforming a ball of yarn into a beautiful piece of wearable art. Plus, it's a great way to unwind after a long day.

Finding Community in Knitting

Knitting also fosters a sense of community. Whether you're part of a local knitting group or connecting with fellow crafters online, sharing tips, patterns, and stories can be a delightful experience.

Embracing Vintage Patterns

Vintage patterns hold a special charm. They remind us of the creativity and resourcefulness of those who came before us. By knitting from these patterns, we honor their legacy while adding our own twist.

Conclusion: Knit Your Own Legacy

So, grab your needles and some yarn, and let's get knitting! Whether you're making a pair of fingerless mittens or diving into a more complex project, remember that each stitch is a connection to history. Embrace the spirit of the Land Girls and create something beautiful that you can cherish for years to come. Happy knitting!