Pucker Stitch Fingerless Gloves

Pucker Stitch Fingerless Gloves by Joan Laws

What is Being Made

These fingerless gloves are designed as a beginner-friendly knitting project created by designer Joan Laws. The pattern produces a pair of adult female fingerless gloves available in two sizes, with circumferences of 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) and 7 inches (18 cm). Fingerless gloves are practical accessories that keep the hands and wrists warm while leaving the fingers exposed for dexterity and tactile tasks.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project worked in the round using circular needles. The gloves are constructed using small circumference circular knitting, a fundamental technique for creating seamless tubular garments. The pattern demonstrates how needle size directly affects the finished dimensions of the gloves, with sizing determined by choosing between two needle options rather than increasing and decreasing stitches.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is stockinette stitch (St st) worked in rounds, which creates a smooth, uniform fabric. The pattern also features the pucker stitch, which is the signature stitch that gives these gloves their distinctive name and textured appearance. These stitches are appropriate for beginner knitters, as stockinette stitch in the round is one of the foundational knitting techniques.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, a luxury blend containing 55% Merino Wool, 33% Microfiber, and 12% Cashmere. This yarn weight is classified as DK or sport weight, making it ideal for delicate, fitted garments like fingerless gloves. One to two skeins of 125 meters (137 yards) per 50 grams are required, depending on the size chosen.
• Color: #340070 Royal (a deep blue shade)
• Needles: Two size US5 (3.75mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm) for the smaller glove size, or two size US7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm) for the larger glove size. Circular needles of this length are ideal for small circumference knitting.
• Notions: Two stitch markers and one stitch holder (or scrap yarn as an alternative)

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. When working in stockinette stitch in the round on the smaller US5 (3.75mm) needles, the gauge should measure 22 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm). On the larger US7 (4.5mm) needles, the gauge is 20 stitches and 30 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm). The pattern begins with casting on 36 stitches divided evenly between the two circular needles, and care must be taken not to twist the stitches when joining the round.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to circular needle techniques or those seeking a straightforward accessory project. The straightforward construction and use of basic stitches make this an accessible introduction to small circumference knitting.