Can you recommend a good knitting pattern for men's mittens that uses straight needles?

Hello Lyra - welcome back :-)

The pattern link you've posted from freevintageknitting Does use only 2 "single-pointed" needles. You can safely & easily make the mittens. It is mentioned under "Needles".

Note: Usually the default needles for Any pattern are single-pointed (straight) needles. If anything different is to be used, then it is clearly mentioned - eg. circular needles; dpn or double-pointed needles.

As regards the mittens you made for yourself : Yes, these can be made into a larger size. You have your own pair to guide you as regards the gauge/number of stitches to cast on. However, since you are fairly new, And the mitts are going to be a gift, it would be better to knit from a pattern as is.

BUT, I just looked again. AND look what it says right beneath the title :

Bev's THE Mitts!

(add 4 sts and 4 rows in hand length to make MEN's)

All you need to do now, is compare with your own mitts to see how much larger they will be if you add 4 stitches. If it suffices for your friend's hand size, go for it pronto !

Add : Generally the difference, besides size of course, between male & female mitts would lie in the color(s) used & the pattern/design within. eg. for men, a cable pattern would look nice & bulky, but may not be suited for delicate female hands ;-)

Hope this helps

Happy knitting :-)

Just go with a pattern specifically for men. It's less math work that way, something I hate bothering with.

As for the size for your friend, maybe the needles you used were a size to small with the yarn that you used. Always remember do a gauge first, it saves time. I know, I hate making that first step first, but it's really the best idea when it comes to knitting.

Check out the links.

Edit;.. Yes, that is one set of needles. You can tell by this last step. >> "" K 2 sts together across the row. Break yarn leaving 14 inches. Draw thru the remaining sts and fasten tightly on the wrong side. Sew up the side of the mitten.""

HINT: if you ever have a pattern you find that uses a circular needle, or 4 double point needles, you can STILL use just one set of needles.. by following it as this pattern on your link as an example. the only thing is you can not join and work in a round, all you do is work in a row..this way you can follow it but remembering that you're working in a row instead of a round, and seam up the side.