Tempo

Tempo Fingerless Gloves by Mandy Chen

What is Being Made

Tempo is a pair of fingerless gloves designed by Mandy Chen and published by Rot & Weiß. These gloves feature an open-hand construction that leaves the fingers exposed while providing warmth and coverage to the palm, back of hand, and wrist area. The pattern is available in three sizes: S (Child) for circumferences of 12–16cm (5"–6.5"), M (Adult) for 16–20cm (6.5"–8"), and L for 20–24cm (8"–9.5").

Construction Technique

Tempo gloves are knitted using a top-down construction method. The main body of each glove is worked first, followed by a return to work on the thumb gusset. This approach allows for seamless integration of the thumb and provides a custom fit. The fingerless design eliminates the need for individual finger shaping, making this an efficient pattern for intermediate knitters.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates multiple stitch techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• Nupps: Decorative bobble stitches that add dimensional texture to the gloves
• Cables: Twisted stitch patterns that create raised, rope-like lines across the fabric
• Vine Pattern: A flowing, organic stitch pattern that complements the cable and nupp details
• 3/3 sl1-LC: A cable-related technique referenced in the pattern with photo support provided on the final page

The pattern uses two contrast colors throughout, creating a striking visual effect with the stitch details.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The sample gloves were knitted using Rot & Weiß Donegal yarn (190m per 50g skein) in two colors—one main color (MC) and one contrast color (CC). One skein of each color is required.

Yarn Weight: The pattern is designed for DK and Sport weight yarns, which provide excellent stitch definition for the intricate cable, nupp, and vine patterns.

Needles and Gauge:

• Size S (Child): 4.0mm DPNs (double-pointed needles) or circular needle, worked with single strand. Gauge is 24 stitches × 32 rows over 10cm × 10cm.
• Size M (Adult): 4.5mm DPNs or circular needle, worked with 2 strands held together. Gauge is 22 stitches × 30 rows over 10cm × 10cm.
• Size L: 5.0mm DPNs or circular needle, worked with 2 strands held together.

Additional Notions: Stitch markers, cable needles, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends are required to complete the project.

Difficulty Level

Tempo is classified as an intermediate knitting project. The combination of two-color knitting, cable stitches, nupps, and vine patterns requires solid foundational knitting skills and familiarity with techniques such as cable manipulation and decorative stitch work. The pattern includes photo support for complex techniques like nupps and the 3/3 sl1-LC cable variation to assist knitters.