Valley Yarns Extensor Gloves Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Extensor Gloves

What is Being Made

The Extensor Gloves are a pair of fitted handknit gloves designed for women and men in multiple sizes. These gloves feature a distinctive twisted ribbing pattern on the back of the hand and are constructed to fit palm circumferences ranging from 7½ inches (Women's S) to 9½ inches (Men's L). The gloves are worked from the cuff down to the fingertips, with a structured thumb gusset and individual finger sections that are shaped to follow the natural contours of the hand.

Techniques Used

The Extensor Gloves are created using bottom-up construction, beginning at the cuff and working toward the fingertips. The gloves are worked in the round using a set of five double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless, tubular knitting. This method is ideal for glove construction as it eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, comfortable fit.

Key shaping techniques include make one left (m1L) and make one right (m1R) increases to create the thumb gusset, which is the wedge-shaped section that accommodates the thumb. Stitches are strategically slipped to holders and scrap yarn at designated points to create openings for the thumb and fingers, which are then worked separately or closed with cast-on stitches. The pattern uses stitch markers to clearly delineate different sections of the glove, including the ribbing panel and the thumb gusset.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch in the Round: The primary stitch used for the palm and finger sections, created by knitting every round. This produces a smooth, V-textured fabric that is comfortable against the skin.
• Twisted Ribbing (k1b): The signature stitch of these gloves, created by knitting through the back loop (k1b). This twisted knit stitch is combined with purl stitches in a [p2, k1b] repeat pattern to create the decorative ribbing panel on the back of the hand. Twisted ribbing adds visual interest and subtle texture while maintaining elasticity.
• Knit Two, Purl Two Ribbing (k2, p2): Used for the cuff section to create an elastic edge that holds the gloves securely around the wrist. This ribbing provides stretch and recovery, ensuring the cuff stays in place during wear.
• Knit Front and Back (kfb): An increase stitch used to establish the thumb gusset by creating two stitches from one.

Materials

The Extensor Gloves require 3 skeins of Valley Yarns Amherst, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% Merino Wool. Each skein contains 50 grams and yields 109 yards, providing approximately 327 yards of yarn total. The sample shown is worked in the color Garnet. Merino Wool is prized for glove knitting because it is soft against the skin, breathable, and naturally elastic, making it ideal for garments that require frequent stretching and movement.

The needles required are a set of 5 US size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Double-pointed needles allow for working in the round without seams and are the traditional choice for glove construction. Additional materials include 3 stitch markers to track pattern sections and scrap yarn to serve as temporary stitch holders for the thumb and finger openings.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 5 stitches and 7 rows per 1 inch in Stockinette stitch in the round. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the gloves are sized by palm circumference. The pattern is available in four sizes to accommodate different hand sizes, with the cuff measuring 2½ inches in length and the palm section extending approximately 3¼ to 3¾ inches before the fingers are separated.

Difficulty Level

Designed by Kirsten Hipsky, the Extensor Gloves are classified as advanced beginner level. While the basic stitches are straightforward, the pattern requires familiarity with working in the round on double-pointed needles, managing multiple stitch markers, and executing increases for shaping. The thumb gusset construction and the process of separating stitches for individual fingers add complexity, making this an excellent project for knitters who have mas