Fingerless Gloves Knitting Pattern

Fingerless Gloves Knitting Pattern by Plymouth Yarn

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn creates a pair of elegant fingerless gloves featuring a sophisticated cable ribbing design. The pattern, designated F157 and designed by JoAnne Turcotte, is available free with the purchase of Baby Alpaca Grande yarn. These gloves are ideal for knitters seeking a refined accessory project that combines classic cable work with practical fingerless construction.

Materials and Gauge

The fingerless gloves require one 100-gram hank of Baby Alpaca Grande yarn, a luxurious natural fiber choice that provides softness and warmth. The pattern calls for US 10 double-pointed needles, or whichever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is 3½ stitches per 1 inch when working the cable pattern on US 10 needles.

Stitches and Techniques

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate knitters:

• Cable Ribbing Pattern: The primary stitch pattern combines knit and purl stitches in a specialized cable ribbing sequence. Rounds 1 and 2 work as knit 2, purl 1 repeats. Round 3 introduces the cable twist by working knit 2 together while leaving the stitches on the needle, knitting the first stitch again, then slipping both stitches off together, followed by a purl stitch. This three-round sequence repeats throughout the glove cuff and hand sections.
• Increases: The pattern uses make 1 increases to create the thumb gusset, a technique that adds stitches invisibly within the fabric.
• Stockinette Stitch: Applied to the thumb section for a smooth, refined finish.
• Ribbing: Standard knit 2, purl 1 ribbing finishes the thumb opening and the bind-off edges.

Construction Details

The gloves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles, beginning with a loose cast-on of 27 stitches divided across three needles. The cuff features 25 rounds of cable ribbing, establishing the pattern that will continue throughout the hand section.

The thumb gusset is created through strategic increases worked over multiple rounds, expanding from the initial 27 stitches to 35 stitches at the widest point. Stitch markers indicate the gusset boundaries, and increases occur on alternating rounds until 10 stitches sit between the markers. After two additional even rounds, the thumb stitches are placed on a holder while 2 stitches are cast on to maintain continuity.

The hand section continues in established cable ribbing for 11 additional rounds before binding off loosely in knit 2, purl 1 ribbing. The thumb is completed by picking up the held stitches plus 2 additional stitches at the base, working one round in stockinette stitch followed by 4 rounds of knit 2, purl 1 ribbing, then binding off loosely.

Finished Specifications

The pattern includes instructions for creating a matching second glove using identical techniques and stitch counts. All yarn ends are woven in for a polished final appearance. The loose bind-off ensures the cuffs and edges maintain elasticity and comfort during wear.