Sheila Entrelac Fingerless gloves

Sheila Entrelac Fingerless Gloves

What is Being Made

Sheila Entrelac Fingerless Gloves are a pair of wrist-length fingerless mittens designed by Brigitte Reydams as a supplement to Sheila's wrap. These gloves measure 9 inches in length and are worked flat rather than in the round, making them an accessible project for knitters seeking structured hand coverings without finger enclosures.

Techniques Used

Entrelac knitting is the primary advanced technique featured in this pattern. Entrelac is a method of creating a woven, basket-weave appearance through a series of short-row triangles and rectangles that are worked directionally across the fabric. This technique creates a visually striking geometric texture while building structural integrity into the gloves.

The pattern also employs short-row shaping to construct the base triangles and side triangles that form the foundation of the entrelac structure. Additionally, ribbed cuffs provide elasticity and a finished edge at the wrist opening.

Stitches Used

• Entrelac pattern – the primary stitch structure creating the textured, interlocking appearance
• 2x2 Rib – used for the cuff, providing stretch and a neat finished edge
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches – foundational stitches used throughout
• Yarn overs and decreases – including skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and increases worked into stitches to shape the triangular segments

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Options: The pattern calls for 1 skein of worsted-weight yarn totaling approximately 218–210 yards. Suggested yarns include Pagewood Farms Swagger Light in light grey (218 yards, 100% merino wool) or Malabrigo Worsted (210 yards). An optional decorative accent requires 1 yard of Pagewood Farms Garden Party in grey with green and purple flowers (color "New Horizon," 100% wool), which can be incorporated as two flowers.

Needles: US Size 7 and US Size 8 needles are required. Size 7 is used for the ribbed cuff, and Size 8 is used for the entrelac pattern sections.

Gauge: 4 stitches per inch measured over the entrelac pattern.

Construction: The gloves begin with 36 stitches cast on with Size 7 needles, worked in 2x2 ribbing for 20 rows. Stitches are then decreased evenly by 12 stitches before switching to Size 8 needles to begin the entrelac pattern, which forms the main body of the fingerless gloves.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, these gloves are suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore structured stitch patterns. The entrelac technique requires attention to directional short-row shaping and stitch manipulation, but the relatively small circumference and straightforward construction make this an ideal project for learning or refining this decorative method.