Mittens were a popular lightweight alternative to gloves for women, freeing their fingers for embroidery and other domestic tasks.
Mittens were made from soft leather, silk or other material and were usually elbow-length. 18th century examples would often have decorated linings under the curved flap that covered the fingers which would be turned back to leave the hands more free.
Designs on the flaps often feature flowers and leaf designs and echo the decoration of bodices, skirts and petticoats.