Cubist Gloves

Cubist Gloves by Dagmar Mora

What is Being Made

The Cubist Gloves are a pair of women's fingerless or full-fingered gloves designed to showcase variegated yarn. Available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with glove circumferences above the thumb measuring 18cm (7 inches), 19cm (7½ inches), and 20cm (8 inches) respectively, these gloves combine decorative and functional elements. The design features mock buttons on the upper portion and optional functional buttons on the lower section, allowing wearers to open and close the glove for easier on-and-off wear. Alternatively, the pattern can be executed without buttons by sewing the flap closed.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Cubist Gloves employ a hybrid construction method that combines flat knitting with circular knitting. The body of each glove is knitted flat on straight needles, creating a structured base that displays variegated yarn patterns effectively. Round knitting begins only just below the wrist area, transitioning to double-pointed needles (dpns) for the finger sections. This technique allows for seamless finger shaping while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the flat-knit body. The use of increases and decreases throughout the pattern—including make 1 stitches (m1k) and various decrease methods—creates shaping for proper glove fit and finger accommodation.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

This intermediate-level pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques. Core stitches include:

• Knit and purl stitches for creating the fabric base
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) and knit 3 together (k3tog) for right-leaning decreases
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) for decreases on purl rows
• Pass 2 stitches over (p2sso) for double decreases
• Make 1 knit (m1k) for increases that maintain stitch count while adding shaping

Markers are used strategically throughout to denote pattern repeats and construction sections, helping knitters track progress through the flat and round sections. The pattern includes repeat instructions enclosed in parentheses, allowing knitters to work sections multiple times as directed.

Materials and Tools

The Cubist Gloves pattern calls for 1 skein of 100g (400m/437 yards) of Seascape Sock Yarn by Calana Crafts, a 4-ply yarn weight ideal for creating detailed stitch definition and showcasing variegated colorways. The 4-ply weight provides excellent stitch clarity while remaining lightweight enough for comfortable glove wear. Knitters will need double-pointed needles (dpns) sized appropriately for the yarn weight, along with straight needles for the flat-knit body sections. Additional tools include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing details such as button attachment or flap closure.

Pattern Difficulty and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate-level pattern, the Cubist Gloves suit knitters with foundational skills in both flat and circular knitting. The combination of techniques—transitioning from flat to round knitting, managing decreases for finger shaping, and executing optional button placement—requires intermediate competency. The variegated yarn choice adds visual interest while helping to camouflage minor tension inconsistencies, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills in garment construction.