Garden District Gloves

Garden District Gloves by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

The Garden District Gloves are a pair of fitted hand coverings designed to sit comfortably around the palm with an 8-inch finished circumference. Named after a New Orleans neighborhood, these gloves feature a distinctive braided cable pattern that creates visual interest while remaining achievable for intermediate knitters. The pattern is part of a coordinated collection that includes matching cowl and hat designs, allowing crafters to create a complete accessory set.

Techniques and Construction

These gloves are constructed using the knit in the round method, which creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for fitted hand garments. The braided cable pattern, while appearing complex at first glance, utilizes straightforward cable crossing techniques that intermediate knitters can execute with confidence. The pattern employs decreasing techniques such as knit two together (K2tog) to shape the glove around the hand, and increase techniques like make one (M1) to adjust fit as needed.

Stitches Used

The Garden District Gloves primarily feature the following stitches and abbreviations:

• Knit (K): The foundational stitch creating the smooth stockinette base
• Purl (P): Used selectively within the pattern structure
• 2/2 Left Cable (2/2 LC): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front; knit 2; knit 2 from cable needle—creates a leftward-leaning braid
• 2/2 Right Cable (2/2 RC): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back; knit 2; knit 2 from cable needle—creates a rightward-leaning braid
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease for shaping
• Make One (M1): An increase technique for expanding stitch count

Materials and Specifications

The sample gloves were knit using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock yarn, a 100% Superwash Merino fiber available in 400-yard skeins weighing 114 grams. The yarn weight is classified as 3-ply and 4-ply, making it suitable for fine, detailed colorwork and stitch definition. The sample used approximately 135 yards of the colorway Olde Towne East, leaving substantial yardage remaining from a full skein for other projects.

Needles required are US size 3 (3.25 mm), available in two configuration options: a set of 5 double-pointed needles for traditional circular knitting, or a 16-inch circular needle for the magic loop or two-circular-needle method. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches when working in blocked stockinette stitch knit in the round, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished gloves.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Garden District Gloves suit knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore cable work. The braided cable pattern introduces cable crossing techniques without overwhelming complexity, making this an ideal project for expanding cable knitting skills while creating a practical, wearable accessory.