Sunflower Fingerless Gloves

Sunflower Fingerless Gloves by Kathy Lutz

What Is Being Made

The Sunflower Fingerless Gloves are a crocheted accessory designed by Kathy Lutz that combines warmth with hand freedom. These fingerless gloves feature a sunflower-inspired design, making them a stylish layering piece for cooler weather while allowing full finger mobility for daily tasks. The pattern is part of the Sunflower Collection, which also includes the Sunflower Pocket Shawl and Sunflower Cowl Scarf.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level crochet project uses fundamental and decorative techniques to create textured, visually interesting fingerless gloves. The construction incorporates post stitches, which are advanced single-row techniques that create raised, dimensional effects without changing rows. These techniques add visual interest and texture while maintaining the structural integrity of the gloves.

The pattern employs front post half double crochet (fphdc) and back post half double crochet (bphdc) stitches to create the sunflower motif and textural elements. These post stitches are worked around the posts of previous stitches rather than into the tops of stitches, creating a ribbed or raised appearance that enhances the design aesthetic. The combination of these techniques with basic stitches creates depth and visual dimension throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – The foundation stitch used to create the base of the gloves
• Single crochet (sc) – A fundamental short stitch used for structure and gauge
• Half double crochet (hdc) – A medium-height stitch that provides balanced fabric density
• Double crochet (dc) – A taller stitch used for lighter, more open sections
• Front post half double crochet (fphdc) – A decorative post stitch creating raised texture on the front of the work
• Back post half double crochet (bphdc) – A decorative post stitch creating raised texture on the back of the work
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used for joining rounds and finishing edges

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Sunflower Fingerless Gloves require 175 yards (160 meters) of worsted weight yarn. The pattern accommodates multiple yarn options and color choices. The original designs feature Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn in colorways including Desert Dust, Marled Forest, Sungold, and Buttercup. An alternative pink version was created using Lion Brand Just My Stripe in Cotton Candy, demonstrating the pattern's versatility with different yarn brands and fiber types within the worsted weight category.

The pattern is worked with a 4.5 mm crochet hook, which is the standard size for worsted weight yarn. A stitch marker is optional but recommended for tracking stitch placement and round beginnings, particularly when working with post stitches that require precise stitch identification.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 7 rows by 7 single crochet stitches equaling 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm). Achieving proper gauge is essential for fingerless gloves to fit correctly around the wrist and hand. Crocheters should work a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their tension matches the pattern specifications, as variations in tension can affect the final fit of the gloves.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Sunflower Fingerless Gloves require familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to work post stitches accurately. Crocheters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations, understanding stitch placement, and working in the round or in rows depending on the construction method. The post stitches add complexity beyond beginner patterns but remain accessible to those with foundational crochet skills.