Inverness Gloves

Inverness Gloves by Beth Brown-Reinsel

What is Being Made

The Inverness Gloves are a pair of fitted hand garments designed in the gansey knitting tradition. Available in Woman's Small, Medium, and Large sizes with hand circumferences of 7 (7½, 8¼)" and lengths of 8½ (9½, 10½)", these gloves feature traditional patterning inspired by the Inverness region. The design offers versatility, as the gloves can be worked as full-fingered gloves or converted to fingerless gloves by binding off the fingers before the second knuckle.

Craft and Tradition

This is a knitting project that applies gansey knitting techniques to hand garments. Ganseys are traditional patterned sweaters from the British Isles, known for their intricate geometric motifs worked in the round. By Beth Brown-Reinsel's design, the gansey tradition is adapted to gloves, presenting an interesting challenge to fit classic patterning into a smaller, more fitted garment.

Featured Techniques

• Long Tail Cast-on – A foundational cast-on method that creates an elastic edge suitable for fitted garments
• Cable Cast-on – An alternative cast-on technique offering different elasticity properties
• Thumb Gusset – A shaping technique that increases stitches to accommodate the thumb, allowing for a custom fit around the hand
• Central Double Decrease – A decrease method used for shaping and patterning, creating clean vertical lines in the fabric

Stitches and Patterning

The gloves are worked primarily in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The design incorporates geometric motifs characteristic of gansey knitting. The hands feature patterning credited to the Inverness region, while the fingers showcase zigzag motifs that are common across many gansey-knitting traditions. These stitch patterns are worked in the round, allowing for seamless construction.

Materials and Specifications

This intermediate-level project uses sport weight yarn in quantities of 198 (230, 290) yards depending on size. The sample shown was worked in Frangipani Guernsey yarn. The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 38 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit, as accurate gauge is essential for gloves that must fit the hand precisely.

Pattern Contents

The downloadable PDF includes complete garment directions for all three sizes, detailed pattern charts for the geometric motifs, and a glossary and bibliography for reference.