Greenwitch

Greenwitch Gloves by OneHandKnits

Design Inspiration and Overview

The Greenwitch gloves are a literary-inspired knitting design by OneHandKnits, drawing creative influence from the Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper. The design captures the atmospheric essence of the Cornish coastline, evoking the mysterious character of the Greenwitch through sophisticated lace work and thoughtful construction details. This intermediate to advanced knitting project combines decorative and functional elements to create elegant, fingerless gloves suitable for experienced knitters.

Construction Techniques

The Greenwitch gloves employ a two-stage construction method that combines flat and circular knitting techniques. The cuff is knit back-and-forth in flat rows, establishing the decorative lace foundation. Once the cuff reaches the desired length, stitches are picked up along the side edge to transition into in-the-round knitting for the hand portion. The hand is worked in-the-round using circular needles with the magic loop technique, allowing for seamless construction and precise stitch management across the palm and back of hand.

Stitch Work and Texture

The design features textured lace across the back of the hand, creating an open, delicate appearance that defines the aesthetic of the finished gloves. The thumb increases utilize a slipped stitch technique that produces a distinctive crossed mesh appearance, adding visual interest and structural integrity to this high-wear area. Both the fingers and thumb are designed as tipless, leaving the fingertips open for practical everyday wear while maintaining the elegant lace detailing throughout.

Yarn and Materials

The Greenwitch gloves are designed to be worked in a 4-ply yarn weight, specifically using Yarnscape's Dance in the limited edition colourway Jormungandr, which is exclusively available from OneHandKnits. This yarn blend combines 55% wool with 45% silk, creating a fabric with excellent drape, subtle sheen, and durability. The pattern calls for 50g of yarn, making this a relatively modest yardage project suitable for stash-busting or trying a premium yarn without significant investment.

Tools and Notions

• 2mm circular needles (size as required to achieve proper tension)
• 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• 2 stitch holders or scrap yarn for managing live stitches during construction

Tension and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 34 stitches by 50 rows over 10cm (4 inches) when measured over the lace pattern on 2mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit and the intended drape of the lace elements. The gloves are offered in one size and are designed to be worn with positive ease of 1 to 3 centimeters, allowing for comfortable wear over the hand while maintaining the elegant silhouette of the design.

Pattern Format and Documentation

The Greenwitch pattern is provided in both written and charted formats, accommodating different knitter preferences and learning styles. The written instructions include standard knitting abbreviations, with notation such as BO for bind off and M for make stitch by pick-up, ensuring clarity throughout the construction process. This dual-format approach supports experienced knitters in following the complex lace sequences and construction techniques required for this intermediate-level project.