February

February Gloves by Ayano Tanaka

What is Being Made

February is a pair of knitted gloves designed by Ayano Tanaka, worked in the round from cuff to fingertips. These intermediate-level gloves feature a distinctive heart cable pattern on the back of the hand, making them a visually striking accessory. The gloves are sized to fit a hand circumference of 7 inches (18 cm) with a total length of approximately 9¾ inches (25 cm).

Knitting Techniques Used

The February gloves employ several key knitting techniques to achieve their finished construction:

• Cuff-up construction: The gloves are worked from the cuff upward in the round, allowing for seamless, continuous knitting
• Thumb gusset: A gusset technique is incorporated to create a properly fitted thumb opening that accommodates the natural shape of the hand
• Circular knitting: The entire project is worked in the round using double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming
• Cable pattern work: An eye-catching heart cable pattern adorns the back of the hand, requiring cable manipulation techniques
• Backward-loop cast-on: This specific cast-on method is used to begin the project
• Knit right loop and knit left loop techniques: These specialized stitching methods are detailed on page 5 of the pattern

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure in February gloves is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rounds in Stockinette stitch over 4 inches (10 cm). Cable stitches are integrated into the Stockinette background to form the heart cable pattern on the back of the hand, adding textural interest and visual appeal to the design.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The pattern calls for DK weight yarn, with approximately 136 yards (125 meters) required for completion. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Ski yarn Fuwarl, a blend of 48% wool, 40% nylon, and 12% alpaca, requiring 2 balls of the 30-gram size (90 yards / 83 meters per ball).

Needles: One set each of US 5 / 3.75 mm and US 3 / 3.25 mm double-pointed needles are required, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The smaller needles are used for the cuff, while the larger needles accommodate the main body of the gloves.

Additional Notions: The pattern requires a cable needle for manipulating stitches in the cable pattern, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points, waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work.