I'm knitting some mittens for my toddler on size 7 dpn's.

I knit a test one today (it wasn't intended to be a test but... it's too messed up!) and I really would like it if the cuffs were a bit snugger... I fear them falling off while he's out playing (ya know, he's 2, he plays rough).

I knit the cuffs using k2p2 rib... is k1p1 tighter or looser? I have read about using smaller needles for the ribbing, can I do that or will it make them too tight?

TIA for any advice.

Sock and mitten patterns often call for a smaller needle size for ribbing. For instance, I did a pair of mittens on size 7 needles, and the ribbing was done on size 5.

Sweaters have the ribbing on smaller needles, too. It's stretchy, go smaller. I'd probably make the ribbing longer, too, just to keep them on better.