I really enjoy making twiddle cuffs. They’re smaller, more focused and look lovely on the wrist.
I often make them from leftover swatches, gauge tests, granny squares and donated pieces of unwanted knitting /crocheting. Size is not important as long as it goes over a hand.
They serve the same purpose as the twiddle muff but smaller and only on one arm. What we have found out is that some recipients do not know what to do with the muff and some do not like both hands confined. Hand muffs are not a familiar item in Australia / New Zealand. And sometimes the weather is too warm to use a muff so a cuff is a good alternative. It serves the same purpose – to distract the recipient in an unfamiliar place like a hospital emergency department.
Here is a very simple cuff pattern to start you off making twiddle creations. I tend to use aran yarn but you could use two strands of double knit or 10 ply. Whatever yarn you use chain or cast on about 20 stitches. The beauty of making twiddle cuffs is that accuracy or gauge is not important. There will always be a wrist to fit the cuff size!
In your preferred crochet or knitting stitch, work until your length measures approximately 25.5 cm (10 inches). This is a great time to try out new knitting stitches. It’s like making a sampler.
Now you are ready to decorate the piece. On the 3 examples on this page I have used a smiley face, a small heart pocket, a project twiddles twirl, flowers, buttons and beads. Attach firmly so they cannot be a danger to the recipient.
Join the two ends. I usually crochet the two ends together and use a simple crochet edging that could be attractive to the recipient. I also put an edging around the sides. Use multiple colours and don’t worry about mistakes or being perfect. This is about being creative and having fun.
Happy creating everyone!