K863-Elephant Gloves

K863 – Elephant Gloves by Nazanin Fard

What Is Being Made

The K863 – Elephant Gloves are a whimsical pair of knitted gloves designed to feature an elephant motif on the back of each hand. This creative design transforms the glove structure into an elephant shape, where the thumb functions as the elephant's trunk and the fingers represent its feet. Additional embellishments including knit ears and embroidered eyes bring the elephant character to life. A distinctive I-cord long tail connects both gloves, designed to drape around the wearer's neck, creating a playful and functional accessory piece.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to achieve its unique elephant design. The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in the round using double-pointed needles, establishing a fitted opening at the wrist. Knitters will transition from ribbed texture to stockinette stitch, the foundational knit fabric that forms the main body of the gloves. Strategic increases are worked evenly across a round to expand the stitch count and create proper shaping. The pattern incorporates both circular knitting (working in the round) and flat knitting (working back and forth in rows) to construct the thumb opening. Embroidery work is used to add facial features, specifically the elephant's eye, enhancing the three-dimensional character of the design. An I-cord is knitted as a separate element and attached to connect the pair of gloves.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – The primary stitch forming the stockinette fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – Used in combination with knit stitches to create the k1, p1 ribbed cuff
• Ribbing (k1, p1) – Worked in rounds for 15 rounds to create an elastic, fitted cuff at the wrist opening
• Stockinette stitch – Worked in the round and in rows, forming the primary fabric of the glove body
• Increases – Evenly spaced increases across a round to shape the glove
• I-cord – A tubular knitted cord connecting the two gloves
• Embroidery – Used to add the elephant's eye and enhance facial definition

Materials

The K863 – Elephant Gloves are knitted using worsted weight yarn in two colors: a contrasting color (CC) for the ribbed cuff and a main color (MC) for the body of the glove. The pattern is worked on US size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles, which are essential for knitting seamlessly in the round. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and executing the embroidery details that define the elephant's features. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when using size 5 needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished gloves.

Pattern Details

The pattern provides instructions for creating one glove, with directions to repeat for the second glove to form a matching pair. Two size options are included: a smaller size casting on 32 stitches and a larger size casting on 40 stitches. After the initial cast-on with the contrasting color, knitters work 15 rounds of k1, p1 ribbing to create the fitted cuff. The yarn is then switched to the main color, and 4 stitches are increased evenly across the first round, bringing the stitch count to 36 or 44 stitches depending on the chosen size. Stockinette stitch is worked in the round for 1 inch (2.5 cm) before the thumb opening is created by switching to flat knitting (working back and forth in rows) for an additional 1 inch (2.5 cm). Knitting then resumes in the round until the glove reaches a total length of 4 inches (10 cm) for the smaller size or 4¾ inches (12 cm) for the larger size. The elephant design is completed through strategic shaping and the addition of knit ears and embroidered details.