Knitting gloves is a challenge for many beginning knitters because of the complexity of knitting the fingers, which requires working a very small number of stitches on double-pointed needles. Double-pointed needles are hard to control for those just learning to knit, especially across small areas. However, simpler, fingerless gloves are an ideal way to begin learning how to construct gloves while minimising difficulty. Fingerless gloves also have the advantage of being faster to complete, and require very little attention for more experienced knitters, make them a good take-along project.

  • Knitting gloves is a challenge for many beginning knitters because of the complexity of knitting the fingers, which requires working a very small number of stitches on double-pointed needles.

Knit a gauge swatch circularly, using the needles you will use for the gloves. Most people's flat knitting gauge is different from their circular gauge, and even the circular gauge varies depending on whether they are using a single circular needle or double-pointed needles, so this is necessary to obtain a correct measurement. Use knit two, purl two ribbing (knitting two stitches, then purling tow stitches). This ribbing makes for sturdy, yet flexible, gloves. Measure the swatch stretched slightly, so that the purl ribs are visible, and not sunken in to the ribbing.

Measure your hand all the way around at its widest point, just across the knuckles. Multiply this measurement by your number of stitches per inch from your swatch. For instance, if your hand is seven inches around, and your gauge is five stitches per inch, then you will need to cast on seven times five, or thirty-five stitches. Use a cast-on method that produces a substantial yet flexible base, such as cable cast on. Take care not to let the knitting get twisted.

Join the cast-on stitches and place a marker at the join. Knit in knit two, purl two ribbing until the piece reaches the base of your thumb. Do not increase or decrease; the ribbing is flexible enough to fit throughout the hand without shaping the glove.

  • Measure your hand all the way around at its widest point, just across the knuckles.
  • Do not increase or decrease; the ribbing is flexible enough to fit throughout the hand without shaping the glove.

Work back and forth, rather than in the round, for about one inch, or whatever depth you would like the thumb opening to be. Rejoin on the next row and continue to work in the round until you reach one-half inch past the tops of your knuckles.

Loosely bind off the gloves in the rib pattern. Weave in the ends of the yarn invisibly using the darning needle.

WARNING

Boucl� or fur-like yarns are not appropriate for beginners.