Federkiel

Federkiel Fingerless Gloves by Tanja Osswald

What is Being Made

Federkiel is a pair of fingerless gloves designed by Tanja Osswald, inspired by the natural beauty and functionality of feathers. Small and large feather motifs are crocheted directly into the fabric of these gloves, creating a textured, nature-inspired accessory. The fingerless design makes them practical for activities requiring hand dexterity while still providing warmth and style. Each glove measures 22 cm (8.5 inches) at its longest point and 8 cm (3 inches) in width, with a finished weight of approximately 49 grams for the pair.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

These fingerless gloves are constructed using specialized slip stitch techniques that create a soft and supple fabric. The primary construction method employs slip stitches worked through specific loop positions to build the glove structure and integrate the feather details seamlessly into the design.

• Back Loop Only Slip Stitch (B): A foundational technique where the crochet hook enters only the back loop of the previous row's stitches, creating a distinctive textured appearance
• Anchored Back Loop Slip Stitch (B-a): A variation of the back loop slip stitch that provides additional stability and structure to the fabric
• Flat Rib Pattern: The gauge is worked in a flat rib pattern alternating one row of front loop only slip stitches with one row of back loop only slip stitches, creating a ribbed texture that provides elasticity and shape retention
• Decrease Stitches: Shaping techniques used to form the glove to fit the hand properly
• Chain Stitches: Used for foundation and structural elements throughout the pattern

Materials and Specifications

The Federkiel fingerless gloves are crafted with premium yarn and appropriately sized tools for the sport weight yarn category.

• Yarn: Atelier Zitron Herbstwind (100% Merino extrafine) at sport weight, providing 165 meters per 50 grams. One skein each of color 01 (white) and color 05 (black) creates a striking two-color design
• Crochet Hook: 4 mm hook (US size G), suitable for working with sport weight yarn
• Additional Tools: Darning needle for seaming the glove pieces together
• Gauge: 28 stitches and 30 rows per 10 cm × 10 cm (4 inches × 4 inches) when worked in the flat rib pattern

Skill Level and Pattern Difficulty

Federkiel is rated as an intermediate difficulty crochet project. While the basic slip stitch techniques are foundational crochet skills, the specialized loop-specific slip stitch variations and their application to create the feather motifs require intermediate-level understanding and execution. Crocheters should be comfortable with reading pattern abbreviations, understanding gauge, and executing consistent tension before beginning this project.

Design and Format

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF created by independent designer Tanja Osswald, offering detailed instructions and gauge specifications for recreating these nature-inspired fingerless gloves. The pattern uses David Burchall's terminology for naming slip stitch variations, providing precise technical guidance for executing the specialized techniques required.