These baby hand mittens are sooo perfect for keeping those little fingers with sharp nails away from scratching their face. It’s such a struggle with newborns – their fingernails and mini daggers and they can do some crazy damage to their face with scratches.
This easy to sew baby mittens is the answer! With ribbing (that I upcycled from a tank top) and double gauze fabric, they can be quickly sewn in pairs and are great for showers, gifts and can totally be last minute as they will sew up in half an hour or less!
For these no scratch baby mittens I used a double gauze material. You can use fleece or a flannel if you’d like.
I decided that the double gauze would be a little airy and light and not as heavy.

Sewing hand mittens for newborn babies is a quick and easy project, perfect for sewers of any skill level. These tiny mittens are essential for newborns, as they help prevent those sharp little nails from scratching their face while they sleep or move around. If you’ve ever seen how active a newborn can be with their hands, you’ll know why these mittens are a must-have for new parents.

This project is ideal for anyone looking to make a thoughtful, handmade gift for a baby shower or even for their own little one. The mittens are simple to construct, and you don’t need a lot of fabric.
They work by covering the baby’s hands snugly, but comfortably, keeping those nails tucked away without being too tight on their delicate skin.
When it comes to fabric choices, I recommend using soft, breathable materials like cotton or cotton flannel. These fabrics are gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin and allow for a bit of stretch to make sure the mittens stay in place.
You could also consider organic cotton for an extra-soft and eco-friendly option. Whatever fabric you choose, just make sure it’s lightweight and washable, since we all know how messy babies can get!
Materials Needed:
Cut 2 pieces of ribbing 3 1/2″ x 3″. The 3 1/2″ should be the stretchy way
Cut 2 pieces of double gauze 3 1/2″ x 4″
NEWBORN MITTON SIZES: Cut the ribbing and the double gauze – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
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NOTES:
Adjust the size if you need! These may be a little big and you may want to size down if they are falling off too easily.
It’s pretty easy to make the adjustment to the size that will work for your baby.

1- Fold in half the ribbing piece – sew along the long edge

2- Fold the ribbing so it has both right sides facing out. This will hide the seam on the inside and make your mitten look really finished.

3- Make sure you line up the edges of the ribbing so they are equal, if they aren’t when you sew there will be a hole

4- Cut your two pieces for the one hand mitten, lay right sides together


5- Cut a curve along the non-folded side.

6- This is what it will look like when it’s cut. You can use your first cut to be the template for the second hand mitten.
7- Sew along the curved edging, leave the bottom totally open – this is where your ribbing go

8- Place the ribbing inside the mitten, line up the seams up on one side for both pieces


9- Find the middle of the ribbing and line this middle up with the side seam of the mitten, pin to secure

10- Stretch the ribbing and pin to secure.

11- Repeat all the way around the ribbing piece

12- Stitch all the way around the mitten

13- Use pinking shears, a zig zag stitch, or use your overlock machine to finish the seams

14- Turn right sides out



How to Sew Easy Baby No Scratch Mittens Video



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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I know what size to make the mittens?
Most newborn mittens are around 3-4 inches wide and 4-5 inches long, but it’s always a good idea to check the baby’s hand measurements if you can. The mittens should fit snugly but not too tight.
2. Should I add elastic to the wrist?
Yes, adding a small piece of soft elastic around the wrist area will help keep the mittens from slipping off the baby’s hands. Just make sure the elastic isn’t too tight, so it’s comfortable for the baby.
3. Can I line the mittens for extra warmth?
You can! If you want to make the mittens cozier for colder months, consider adding a layer of soft fleece or cotton jersey as a lining. Just be careful not to make them too bulky.
4. Are the mittens washable?
Absolutely. The fabrics I recommend, like cotton or cotton flannel, are machine washable. Make sure to use a gentle detergent that’s baby-friendly to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
5. Can I personalize the mittens?
Yes! You can add little embellishments like embroidered initials, tiny appliqué designs, or use fun printed fabrics to give the mittens a personal touch. Just avoid buttons or anything that could be a choking hazard.
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- Double gauze burb cloths
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- 30 minute baby blanket

Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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