Panda fingerless gloves/fingerless mitts

Panda Fingerless Gloves by Twisted Classics

What is Being Made

These fingerless gloves, also known as fingerless mitts, are a charming knitted accessory featuring a panda motif design. The gloves are designed to fit average-sized hands and provide warmth to the wrists and palms while leaving the fingers free for dexterity and tactile tasks. The finished gloves measure approximately 8cm (3¼") in width when unstretched and approximately 13cm (5") in length from the top of the cuff ribbing to the cast-off edge.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project uses knitting as the primary construction method. The design incorporates colorwork techniques to create the panda motif, requiring careful management of multiple yarn colors throughout the knitting process. The pattern emphasizes secure yarn joining and strategic weaving of ends to minimize finishing work.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The gloves are worked primarily in stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The cuff features ribbing, which provides elasticity and helps the gloves stay securely in place on the wrist. The colorwork motif is integrated using contrast color techniques, with the pattern notes specifying that yarns should be joined at the sides or by the motif only to maintain clean construction.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for 4ply wool, cashmere, or cotton yarn in multiple colors:

• Approximately 30-40gm of main color (A)
• Approximately 10g of black (B) for the panda design
• Approximately 10g of white (C) for contrast
• Small oddments of rose pink (D), blue (E), light green (F), and mid green (G) for additional details, or alternative colors of the maker's choice

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: size 2¼mm (US 13) and 3mm (US 11). For slightly larger gloves, the pattern suggests using size 2½mm (US 12) and 3¼mm (US 10) needles instead.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 30 stitches by 40 rows over 10cm (4") in stockinette stitch using size 3mm (US 11) needles. The gloves are designed in one size to fit average-sized hands, with the option to adjust sizing by using larger or smaller needles as indicated.

Colorwork Techniques and Finishing Notes

Working with the contrast colors requires specific techniques to ensure a professional finish. The pattern recommends joining the main color at the sides or by the motif only, rather than carrying yarn across large sections. All yarns must be knotted very securely together, with ends left at least 1" long. To minimize finishing work, the pattern suggests weaving ends into the backs of the motif during knitting when possible, rather than into the background. The pattern also specifies using separate small balls of yarn where there are larger color blocks, ensuring clean transitions between colors and reducing the bulk of carried yarn inside the gloves.