Watching Sparrows Gloves

Watching Sparrows Knit Fingerless Gloves

What is Being Made

The Watching Sparrows Knit Fingerless Gloves are a pair of fingerless hand coverings designed by Julia Schwartz. These gloves feature an open-finger construction, making them ideal for crafters, writers, or anyone who needs hand warmth while maintaining full finger dexterity. The finished gloves measure 7 1/2 inches in length and are suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs advanced circular knitting techniques to create seamless, fitted gloves. The design utilizes the magic loop method or two circular needles for working in the round, which allows knitters to create small circumference projects without the bulk of traditional double-pointed needles. The pattern incorporates increases strategically placed throughout the hand sections to achieve a custom fit. Knitters will work from the cuff upward, with the option to use smaller needles for the cuff ribbing to create a more refined edge before transitioning to the main hand sections.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Watching Sparrows Gloves utilize fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping techniques:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of the fabric
• Place Marker (PM) and Slip Marker (SM) help track pattern repeats and shaping sections
• KFB (knit front and back) and KBF (knit back and front) increase stitches to shape the glove around the hand
• Charted colorwork sections add visual interest to the cuff design

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for fingering weight yarn (also known as 4-ply), with the model photographed in Knit Picks Stroll, a blend of 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon. This fiber combination provides durability, breathability, and easy care. Yardage requirements are modest: 40 grams for the primary color (Color A) and 20 grams for the contrast color (Color B).

Needles required include Size 4 (3.5mm) 40-inch circular needles for the main glove sections, with an optional Size 2 (2.5mm) 40-inch circular needles recommended for the cuffs to create a tighter, more refined ribbed edge. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 15 stitches and 16 rows over 2 inches in stockinette stitch.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern requires familiarity with circular knitting methods and comfort working with charted instructions. Knitters should have experience with the magic loop or two circular needle techniques before beginning this project.