Lily

Lily Lace Gloves by Rebecca Blair

What is Being Made

Lily is a pair of elegant, vintage-inspired dress gloves featuring an elaborate lace edge. These dainty gloves are designed with a sophisticated aesthetic, combining delicate lacework with a fitted silhouette. The finished gloves measure 6, 6.5, or 7 inches around the hand, making them suitable for various hand sizes. The design emphasizes refined details and old-fashioned charm, making them ideal for formal occasions or as heirloom-quality accessories.

Knitting Techniques Used

The construction of Lily employs several intermediate knitting techniques that build foundational skills. The gloves begin with a provisional cast-on, which allows for later grafting. The distinctive lace edge is worked sideways in garter stitch, creating a strip of knitting that is then grafted into a ring using Kitchener stitch to form the finished cuff. This grafting technique creates an invisible seam, giving the gloves a polished, seamless appearance. Once the cuff is complete, stitches are picked up and knitted around the cuff edge, and the remainder of the glove is worked in the round using double-pointed needles. This method ensures a smooth, tubular construction ideal for fitted garments.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates several essential knitting stitches and decreasing methods. Yarn overs are used throughout the lace sections to create the openwork pattern characteristic of lace knitting. Decreases with k2tog (knit two together) and sk2p (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) are employed to shape the gloves and balance the yarn overs in the lace design. Increasing with M1L and M1R (make one left and make one right) provides shaping options for the hand and finger sections. The backwards-loop cast-on method is used for specific sections of the pattern, offering flexibility in construction. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, refined surface that showcases the delicate yarn.

Materials and Yarn

Lily is designed to be knitted with Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud, a luxurious yarn composed of 100% baby alpaca. The yarn is held double throughout the project, creating a thin yet remarkably warm fabric ideal for dress gloves. The specified colorway is Oyster Heather, a soft neutral tone that complements the vintage aesthetic. Two 50-gram skeins, each containing 440 yards (400 meters), provide sufficient yardage for completion. The use of alpaca yarn contributes to the gloves' softness and insulating properties while maintaining a delicate appearance.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for one set of 5 US #1.5/2.5mm double-pointed needles, which are essential for working the gloves in the round. The small needle size is appropriate for the fine gauge required by the alpaca yarn held double. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and securing the finished garment, scrap yarn for the provisional cast-on, and optional T-pins for blocking or securing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 37 stitches and 44 rounds equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, as the gloves are sized to specific hand circumferences. Three finished sizes are available: 6, 6.5, and 7 inches around the hand, accommodating a range of hand sizes from petite to average.

Skill Level

Lily is rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, though it introduces several intermediate techniques. Knitters should be comfortable with working a provisional cast-on, yarn overs, decreases (k2tog and sk2p), the backwards-loop cast-on method, picking up and knitting stitches, increases (M1L and M1R), and grafting with Kitchener stitch. These skills are foundational to many knitting projects and are thoroughly explained within the pattern. The pattern is well-suited for knitters looking to expand their technical repertoire while creating a wearable, elegant accessory.