Ill Knit by Moonlight Fingerless Gloves

Ill Knit by Moonlight Fingerless Gloves by Sharon Slarke

What Is Being Made

These are warm, wearable fingerless gloves designed by Sharon Slarke. The gloves feature an all-over textured pattern and are sized to fit an average adult hand. With a length of 33.5cm (13¼ inches) and hand circumference of 16.5cm (6½ inches) when unstretched, they provide coverage from the wrist partway up the forearm while leaving the fingers exposed for dexterity and tactile work.

Knitting Techniques

These fingerless gloves are knitted in the round, a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. This method uses multiple needles to work continuously in a spiral, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern incorporates a thumb gusset, a shaped section that accommodates the thumb comfortably and prevents the glove from twisting or shifting on the hand. The thumb gusset is a classic construction method that increases stitches strategically to create a three-dimensional fit.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Twist Squares Stitch, which creates a small, textured all-over design. This stitch combines twisted stitches to form a visually interesting surface with subtle dimension. Twist stitches involve working into stitches in an unconventional order, creating a subtle diagonal or twisted appearance that adds visual interest and texture to the finished fabric.

Materials and Yarn

The recommended yarn is Heirloom Silk Touch in 50g balls, each containing approximately 100 meters (109 yards). This yarn is composed of 85% Fine Merino, 10% Alpaca, and 5% Silk, creating a luxurious blend that is soft, warm, and has a subtle sheen. The yarn weight is DK (8ply), a medium-weight yarn that works up to a fabric with good drape and warmth without excessive bulk. The pattern notes that any other 8ply/DK yarn can be substituted. The project requires 2 balls of yarn, making it an efficient use of materials.

Tools and Notions

Construction requires one set of 4mm double-pointed needles (or the size needed to obtain proper gauge) and 2 stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, particularly when shaping the thumb gusset and transitioning between sections.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 35 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in Twist Squares Stitch using 4mm double-pointed needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished gloves fit properly. This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with circular needles, textured stitch patterns, and shaping methods like the thumb gusset.