Fingerless Mitts: A Regency Must

  I have found your white mittens; they were folded up within my clean nightcap, and send their duty to you. Jane Austen to Cassandra August 24, 1805

Your average 18th century mitt would have a thumb (or rather half a thumb), but not have any other fingers. It would sometimes extend not just over the hand but over part of the fingers as well. This meant that it would keep you warm (or protected from the sun in the summer) but not hinder your movements at all. You could do things like write, draw or do needlework with mitts on. And combined with a muff, they were quite enough even for venturing outside in the winter.” – Mitts & Fingerless Gloves

Several websites offer instructions for making your own mitts, including a crocheted pattern in our crafts section:Lacy Mitt Gloves. A firsthand look at mitt construction can be found here: Making 18th Century Mitts, while a pattern for sew mitts can be purchased from Kannick's Korner. Velvet and lace Mitts can be purchased from our Jane Austen Centre shop in a variety of colors.