Crafting Cozy: Senara Handwarmers for Beginners

The Senara Handwarmers, designed by A Little Craft Room, are the perfect blend of simplicity and style. These beginner-friendly handwarmers are worked from the wrist towards the fingers, with a neat thumb opening for a comfortable fit.

Whether you’re looking to improve your crochet skills or searching for a quick, cozy project, these handwarmers are an excellent choice. Using the classic lemon peel stitch, which alternates between double crochet (dc) and treble crochet (tr) stitches, this pattern offers a subtle texture that’s easy to master.

The finished product is as stylish as it is functional, making these handwarmers a great addition to your wardrobe or a thoughtful handmade gift.

Materials for the Senara Handwarmers

To create the Senara Handwarmers, you’ll need the following materials:

• Yarn: Sport weight yarn
  • Main Color: Approx. 180m
  • Contrast Color: Approx. 20m
  • Sample Yarn Used: Scheepjes Stone Washed in Boulder Opal (main) and Axinite (contrast)
• Hook Size: 3.5 mm crochet hook
• Other Supplies: Yarn needle, stitch markers

Gauge: 10 cm = 20 stitches and 20 rows in the lemon peel stitch pattern

Pattern Notes to Keep in Mind

• Construction: The handwarmers are worked in rounds, starting from the wrist and moving towards the fingers. Increases are made to create space for the thumb, which is separated into its own section.
• Stitch Pattern: The lemon peel stitch alternates between double crochet (dc) and treble crochet (tr) stitches. When working each row, remember to alternate: dc into a tr from the previous row, and tr into a dc from the previous row.
• Turning the Work: Each round is turned to ensure the stitch pattern remains consistent.
• Adjustable Sizing: The width and length of the handwarmers can be easily customized. Add or remove foundation double crochet (fdc) stitches in increments of 2 to adjust the width, and add more rows to extend the wrist or hand portions as needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below, you’ll find a visual of the Senara Handwarmers. For the full, detailed pattern, follow the link below.

Full Pattern: Click Here

Pattern Overview: Creating Your Senara Handwarmers

Wrist Section

1. Foundation Round: Create a foundation double crochet (fdc) of 38 stitches. Join to the first fdc with a slip stitch, ensuring that your foundation row is not twisted. Chain 1 and turn. (38 stitches)
2. Round 2: Start with a treble crochet (tr) in the first stitch (consider marking this stitch as the beginning of your round). Work a double crochet (dc) in the next stitch, then alternate between tr and dc stitches across the round. Slip stitch to the first tr to join. Chain 1 and turn. (38 stitches)
3. Continue the Wrist: Repeat Round 2 until you reach 15 rounds (or your desired wrist length).

Thumb Section

1. Thumb Increases (Round 1): Begin with a tr, then work a dc in the next stitch. In the following stitch, make a (tr, dc, tr) increase. Continue the lemon peel pattern around. Slip stitch to the first tr to join. Chain 1 and turn. (40 stitches)
2. Thumb Increase (Round 2): Work in the established pattern, slip stitching to join and turning at the end of each round. Continue increasing as instructed until you’ve completed 12 thumb rounds (or until you’re ready to close off the thumb). (50 stitches)
3. Round 13: This round will be similar to the previous ones, but you’ll pinch off the thumb section by working only 38 stitches and returning to the original stitch count.

Hand Section

1. Continue for 6 Rounds: Work in the established pattern for 6 more rounds, maintaining the same stitch count. Finish off with your main color.
2. Add Contrast Trim: Join the contrast yarn with a standing dc or a slip stitch and chain 1. Work a round of dc stitches, then repeat for another round. Fasten off.

Thumb Edge

1. Pick Up Extra Stitches: With the contrast color, join your yarn at the inside corner of the thumb section. Pick up additional stitches in the corners if necessary to prevent gaps. Work two rounds of dc stitches, finishing off and weaving in the ends.

Sizing Information and Adjustments

• Width: Add or remove foundation double crochet stitches in multiples of 2 to adjust the circumference.
• Length: Add more rows to the wrist or hand sections for a longer fit, or adjust the number of rounds in the thumb section to alter the thumb gap length.

Helpful Tips for the Senara Handwarmers

1. Use Stitch Markers: Keep track of your beginning stitches with markers, especially when working in rounds with increases.
2. Blocking: Blocking your finished handwarmers will help open up the stitches, giving the fabric a more even, professional appearance.
3. Choose Your Colors: The pattern’s contrast edging offers a great opportunity to play with colors—choose combinations that complement each other or match your wardrobe.

Share Your Cozy Creations

These Senara Handwarmers are not only a quick and satisfying project but also a great way to expand your crochet skills. If you decide to make a pair, be sure to share your finished designs on Instagram with the hashtag #senarahandwarmers and tag A Little Craft Room. It’s always wonderful to see your creativity in action!

Happy crocheting!