Viridescent

Viridescent Fingerless Gloves by Emma Jaeger

What is Being Made

Viridescent is a downloadable knitting pattern for well-fitting fingerless gloves designed by Emma Jaeger. These gloves feature an entwined leaf design that adds visual interest and sophistication to a practical accessory. The fingerless construction makes them ideal for crafters, musicians, or anyone who needs hand warmth while maintaining finger dexterity and mobility.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is an advanced-level knitting project worked primarily in the round using circular needles or the two-circular needle method. Knitting in the round creates seamless, tubular fabric that fits smoothly around the hand and wrist. The advanced difficulty rating reflects the inclusion of cable work and shaping techniques required to achieve the entwined leaf motif and proper glove fit.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs several key knitting techniques:

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, created by knitting all stitches on forward rounds and purling on return rounds (or knitting every round when working circularly)
• Cable stitches, specifically back twist cables (abbreviated as btc), create the entwined leaf design. These cables are formed by placing stitches on a cable needle, holding them to the back, and working stitches in a specific sequence to create twisted, rope-like texture
• Gusset shaping uses waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches, allowing for the thumb opening and proper hand accommodation
• The pattern uses standard abbreviations including knit (k), purl (p), and specialized notations for cable techniques

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for approximately 200 yards of fingering weight yarn (4-ply). The recommended yarn is Knit Picks Stroll Solids, Heathers & Twists in the color Peapod, though any fingering weight yarn of similar yardage and characteristics will work. One skein is sufficient to complete the project.

Needles, Tools, and Notions

• US size 1 or 2.25 mm needles (two circular needles or needle type of choice for knitting in the round)
• Cable needle for executing the twist cable stitches
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Waste yarn for holding gusset stitches during construction
• Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and round beginnings

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 32 stitches and 44 rounds per 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper glove fit, as fingerless gloves must conform closely to the hand and wrist. Knitters should swatch before beginning and adjust needle size if necessary to match the specified gauge.

Pattern by Emma Jaeger, Copyright 2011. For pattern support, contact WorldJaegers@aol.com