Fingerless gloves

Fingerless Gloves by Mariarosa Martin

What is Being Made

These fingerless gloves are a knitted accessory designed by independent designer Mariarosa Martin. The pattern creates a pair of wrist-length gloves that leave the fingers exposed, making them ideal for activities requiring dexterity while keeping hands warm. The design incorporates decorative beading and embroidery elements, elevating the basic fingerless glove silhouette into an embellished accessory piece.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The fingerless gloves are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern begins with casting on 118 stitches using 2mm needles, establishing the circumference of the glove. The main body is worked in a repeating two-row pattern that creates textural interest through alternating knit and purl stitches. Specifically, the pattern alternates between knit stitches and purl stitches in a structured sequence: Row 1 features knit 3, followed by a repeat of knit 2 and purl 5 across, ending with knit 3. Row 2 mirrors this with knit 3, followed by a repeat of knit 5 and purl 2, ending with knit 3. This creates a ribbed or textured surface. The gloves are worked in the round or flat, with the pattern repeated for 24 rows total to establish the main body length before additional shaping occurs.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch creating the base fabric
• Purl (p): Used in alternating sequence to create texture and pattern definition
• Yarn over (yo): Creates decorative eyelet or lace elements
• Decrease (dec): Used for shaping the glove to fit the hand
• Purl 2 together (p2tog): A decrease method combining two purl stitches
• Slip stitch (sll): Used for joining or transitional techniques
• Cast on: The foundation row establishing 118 stitches

Embroidery and Beading Details

Beyond the knitted base, these fingerless gloves feature embroidered and beaded embellishments that add visual interest and sophistication. The design incorporates decorative rose buds created through bead embroidery using glass seed beads in specific Anchor colors (02005, 00968, 00145). Leaves are worked in stranded cotton using light and dark green shades to complement the floral motifs. A bow accent is added using seed beads (color 00330) combined with antique glass beads (03039). Medium brown stranded cotton is used for the beading work itself. This combination of knitting with surface embroidery and beading creates a multi-dimensional, decorative finish.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 2 x 50g of Anchor Tkt 5 Aida in 100% cotton, a 3-ply weight suitable for 2mm needles
• Needles: Pair of 2mm knitting needles for the main glove construction
• Embroidery Materials: Anchor stranded cotton in multiple colors including light green, dark green, and medium brown for embroidery work
• Beads: Glass seed beads and antique glass beads in specified Anchor colors for decorative embellishment
• Beading Supplies: Bead embroidery needle for attaching beads to the finished knitted surface
• Support Materials: 2 x 2.5cm squares of waste canvas (14 count) to stabilize embroidery work, and 2 x 2.5cm squares of white or black interfacing for reinforcement

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, these fingerless gloves require competence with basic knitting stitches and pattern reading. The two-row repeat is straightforward to follow, but crafters should be comfortable with stitch abbreviations and maintaining consistent tension. The addition of beading and embroidery work adds complexity beyond basic knitting, requiring additional hand-stitching skills and attention to detail for the decorative elements.

Pattern Format

This design is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, allowing crafters to access the complete instructions digitally and print them as needed for reference during the project.